Goswami Shri Harirae Ji
Goswami Shri Harirae Ji (1610–1712 AD) was an illustrious acharya of the Pushtimarg Sampradaya (the path of grace founded by Shri Vallabhacharya). He is celebrated for his profound scholarly writings, emotional devotional letters, and commentary on the lives of saints.
Sanskrit Citation
In his highly regarded text, the Siksha Patra (Letter 2, Verse 5), Shri Harirae Ji instructs:
सदा सेवा प्रकर्तव्या स्वधर्माचारपूर्वकम्।
संसारबन्धमुक्तानां हरौ भक्तिर्हि शाश्वती॥
Translation: One should always perform the loving service (Seva) of Lord Hari in accordance with their designated moral duty. For those who seek freedom from worldly bondage, single-minded devotion to Lord Hari is the eternal, ultimate path.
Manuscript Reference & Archival Source
The manuscript collections of Shri Harirae Ji's works, particularly his commentaries on the Chaurasi Vaishnavan ki Varta (Lives of 84 Vaishnavas) and Do Sau Bawan Vaishnavan ki Varta, are preserved in the library collections of Nathdwara (Rajasthan) and the Shrinathji Temple archives. Critical block prints were edited in the early 1900s by Goswami Gokulnathji.
Theological Commentary
Shri Harirae Ji spent his life explaining the practical details of Raganuga Bhakti. He emphasized that devotion is not a matter of formal rituals but of deep, internal emotional connection (Bhava). His commentary on the *Varta* literature serves as a guide for devotees on how to live a life of complete surrender (Saranagati) to Shri Nathji while maintaining ethical behavior and serving saintly association (Sadhu Sanga).