Goswami Prathameshji's Song

A Journey into Puṣṭi Mārga Kīrtan

Abstract

This article celebrates His Holiness Goswami Prathameshji (d. 1990), a revered leader of the Vallabha Sampradāya and master of Dhrupad-Dhamār devotional singing. It emphasizes that true spiritual understanding, or bhāva, comes through singing of Hari's līlās (divine plays), rather than formal austerities.

Prathameshji's unique ability to infuse Śrī Krishna's līlās with profound inner essence through his performances is highlighted. His singing perfectly balanced melody, rhythm, and poetry, always prioritizing the distinct words to convey the līlā's message.

His teachings reveal that Puṣṭi Mārga's Dhrupad-Dhamār Kīrtans are not just devotional music but also the foundation of Indian classical music, stemming from Vedic traditions. He taught that devotees connect with God through pure feeling (bhāva) and that līlā Kīrtans present a world "free of māyā," seen as divine play.

The article portrays Prathameshji as a living embodiment of Dhrupad, constantly immersed in līlā awareness. He demonstrated the intricate link between rāgas, tālas, and the seasons, ensuring every musical element served to transport the listener into the līlā realm. The piece concludes by emphasizing that Puṣṭi Mārga Kīrtans uniquely focus on describing Śrī Krishna's direct engagements with his devotees, making them a powerful spiritual and artistic tradition.