Sripad Sri Vallabha – The Teenage Guru

Sripad Sri Vallabha – This 120 x 150 cm oil on canvas painting shows the teenage guru / monk Sripad Sri Vallabha
Sripad Sri Vallabha (1323 – 53) born in Pithapur, in present day Andhra Pradesh in India. Sripad Sri Vallabha is one of the Datta Guru Avatars. He is the first Datta avatar in the second millennium. Born to a couple by name Appalaraju and Sumata, He was the manifestation of the Lord as a child in the house. The child was name “sripada” or “sripad”, as advised by the priests of the place, as the child’s feet bore all auspicious and holy marks or signs such as the conch, chakra, etc. When he attained the age of seven, started reciting all Vedic Mantras with great mastery. When he attained marriageable age, he announced to his parents that renunciation (Vairagya) alone is his companion in life and hence came to be known as “Sri Vallabha”. He further said that “My mission is to go out into the world, to give initiation to and guide the sadhus”