Mahanubhava (also known as Jai Krishni Pantha) refers to Krishnaite Hindu denomination in India that was founded by Sarvadnya Shri Chakradhar Swami (or Shri Chakradhara Swami),an ascetic and philosopher who is considered as a reincarnation of Krishna by his devotees Some sources list the founders as Chakrapani (Chāngadeva Rāuḷ) and Govinda Prabhu (Gunḍama Rāuḷ) with Chakradhara as the first "apostle" and propagator of Mahanubhava Pantha. Mahanubhava Sampradaya was formally formed in modern-day Varhad region of Maharashtra in 1267 CE. It has different names such as Jai Krishni Pantha in Punjab and Achyuta Pantha in Gujarat. Mahanubhava Pantha was also known as Paramarga by its followers in 13th century. Nagadevacharya, also known as Bhatobas, became the head of Sampradaya after Chakradhara.
In Mahanubhava, all members are accepted, irrespective of their castes, and the traditional ritualistic religion is rejected. Mahanubhava survives to the present. It teaches that Krishna is the supreme god.
Mahanubhava Sampradaya has 13 different Amnaya (it is ancestral big family tracing their roots backwards). These traditions were founded by 13 different acharyas which include some disciples of Nagadevacharya and various successors in their lineages.
Sarvajna Shri Chakradhar Swami
Shri Chakradhar Swami propounded the philosophy of Mahanubhava Sampradaya for the first time. He theorized the idea of "Five Krishnas" as the main figures for Mahanubhavas to worship which includes (Shri Gopala Krishna, Shri Dattatreya Prabhu, Shri Chakrapani, Shri Govinda Prabhu and Shri Chakradhar Swami himself.
Shri Chakradhar Swami was born in Bharuch, Gujarat in 1194 CE. Though he was a Gujarati by birth, he had excellent command over Marathi language. He moved among all sections of society. He discoursed his philosophy to the people in their own language. He used formulaic language full of meaning in a compact style. He exhorted his disciples to write only in Marathi.
Philosophy
According to the Mahanubhava Philosophy, there are 4 permanent realities in the universe which are Paramesvara (god), Jiva (soul), Devata (deities and supernatural beings) and Prapancha (world). These 4 entities are uncreated, eternal and independent from each other. Prapancha is of 2 types - Suksma (matter) or Karana Prapancha and Sthula (material) or Karya Prapancha. Karana Prapancha is immortal but Karya Prapancha is perishable. Paramesvara is the supreme entity in this universe. Paramesvara is one, unique, perfect, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, impersonal and absolute.
There are innumerable souls (Jiva) and material worlds (Sthula Prapancha) existed in the universe. Devata (deities) are 810,125,010 in number including Maya. The purpose of Jiva is to attain Moksha and the Devata is a powerful impediment to Jiva. All Devata are subject to Paramesvara (supreme god) and they help him to create material world with Maya as their main contributor. Material world is composed of Panchatattva viz. Akasha, Vayu, Tejas, Apas, Prithvi and Triguna viz. Sattva, Rajas & Tamas. Mahanubhava teachings mainly concerned with the relationship between Jiva and Paramesvara. One can practice bhakti by memorising deeds of the almighty. The aspirant for salvation must sacrifice his country, village and his relations and offer his life to god. Chakradhara also taught the followers of Mahanubhava Sampradaya; when, where, how and how much alms they should be beg for.
Mahanubhava philosophy states that only Paramesvara can give Moksha (ultimate salvation from the cycle of birth and death) to every living creature in the material world. Jiva therefore should worship only Paramesvara rather than minor deities or nature spirits. Mahanubhavas worship Paramesvara in the form of its 5 Avatara (incarnations) to personify its original Nirguna (indeterminate) form. One of the most important aspects of Mahanubhava philosophy is asceticism. The fourfold teachings are: non-violence, celibacy, asceticism and bhakti. The essential concept to be included in the reverence for 5 incarnations is memorising the several aspects of them, i.e. name, appearance or form, activities, deeds, words spoken by them (Shruti), memories about them (Smriti) and blessings given by them. Other beliefs involved in Mahanubhava doctrine are Nitya Puja of Panchavatara for 3 times every day and recitation of the names of Panchavatara. Mahanubhava followers also do Smarana (remembrance) of the five incarnations including incidents and objects related to their lives as well as the places connected with them. Mahanubhava followers visit pilgrimage sites like Ruddhipur (Ridhapur), Jalicha dev, Domegram, Paithan, Mahur, Phaltan and Panchaleshwar.