Thakorji — The Beloved Lord of the Home

"Thakorji" is the loving name by which Gujarati and Pushtimarg families address the form of Krishna who lives in their home. He is served as the dearest member of the household.

"Thakur" means lord or master, and in Gujarati it becomes "Thakor". Adding the respectful and affectionate "ji" gives "Thakorji". This is not a separate deity but Krishna himself, whom devotees seat in their homes and regard as the true master of the household.

In Pushtimarg, the path founded by Shri Vallabhacharya, "pushti" means the Lord's grace. In this tradition the form of the Lord in the home, very often the child Krishna known as Lalan or Navnitpriya, is not merely worshipped but lovingly served, seva, the way a mother looks after her little one. After bathing and putting on clean clothes, the family wakes Thakorji, dresses and adorns him, offers freshly made food from the home kitchen, and at night tenderly puts him to rest. In summer he receives light clothes and cooling dishes, in winter warm garments and nourishing sweets, everything arranged for the comfort of a beloved child.

Festivals such as Hindola, the swing festival of Shravan, Janmashtami, Annakut and Holi are celebrated at home together with Thakorji. "Shri Krishna sharanam mama" is the central mantra of the path, and "Jai Shri Krishna" the greeting between devotees. In Gujarat, Ranchhodrai of Dakor is also fondly called "Dakor na Thakor".

Name Sa

ठाकोरजी

Name Roman

Thakorji

Meaning

the beloved Lord and master of the home

Source

Pushtimarg (Vallabha sampradaya) household seva tradition