A Vaishnava philosopher and mystic, Nimbarka was born in a Telegu Brahman family in the 11th century A.D. He was one of the five principal commentators on Badarayana’s Brahma Sutra and the first Vedantic who systematically propounded the five main schools of Vedanta. Sri Nimbarkacharya is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Hari’s weapon, Sudarshana Chakra or discuss.
Nimbarka, also known by the names Aruna Rishi and Haripriyacharya, was the founder of Nimandi sect. He believed that the highest reality (Brahman) is the personal God and is beyond limits. He propounded that Brahman is omnipotent and omniscient. He has created man’s soul (jiva) and has close association with the individual soul as well.
Nimbarka preached that salvation is achievable only through the right kind of knowledge regarding Brahman, meditation and self surrender to God and Karma which is performed not for selfish gain. His philosophy is known as ‘dvaita-advaita’ (dualistic non-dualism).