Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj
About Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj
THE SUPREME SPIRITUAL GURU OF THE WORLD
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was a Spiritual Guru who re-established the path of bhaktiyog (devotion) as the easiest path to everlasting bliss.
He is one of the foremost Spiritual Gurus and Vedic philosophers of all time, and is remembered for three key traits:
- His oceanic knowledge of the Vedas, which earned him the title of ‘Jagadguru’
- His palpable devotion to Shri Radha Krishna, for which he was called a ‘Rasik Saint’
- His affable grace and compassion, for which he was known as ‘Kripa Avatar’
A friend, philosopher, and guide, his impact is felt today through his foundation, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, which carries on his teachings and philanthropic work.
What is The Jagadguru Title?
‘Jagadguru’ is a title used in Sanatan Dharm which literally means ‘Teacher of the Universe.’
In the Mahabharat, Arjun refers to Shri Krishna as “Jagadguru – krishnam vande jagadgurum.” Thus, Shri Krishna Himself is the foremost Jagadguru.
The title of Jagadguru is a time-honoured tradition. It is extremely difficult for a common person to recognise a true saint and a God-realised divine personality. To address this, Vedic scholars conceived of the tradition of honouring Spiritual Masters with the Jagadguru title.
Prior to the modern age, only four saints were acknowledged as original Jagadgurus:
- Jagadguru Shri Shankaracharya (BC 509–477)
- Jagadguru Shri Ramanujacharya (1017–1137)
- Jagadguru Shri Nimbarkacharya (1130–1200)
- Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya (1238–1317)
And in 1957, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj received the title of Jagadguru, making him the 5th Original Jagadguru in history.
The previous original Jagagurus established a lineage of succession during their lifetime, however, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj received the Jagadguru title on his own merit, and is not affiliated with the previous four Jagadgurus.
The Fifth Original Jagadguru
Kashi Vidwat Parishad is the most prominent body of Vedic scholars. Around 500 prominent scholars, each having spent a significant portion of their life studying 3-6 scriptures each, make up this esteemed body.
On 14 January 1957, these 500 scholars unanimously declared that Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj had more knowledge than all of them combined, and honoured him with the prestigious title of Jagadguru. At the time, Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was only 34 years of age.
The Kashi Vidwat Parishad further declared him as ‘Jagadguruttam’, the supreme amongst all Jagadgurus, and ‘Bhaktiyog-Ras-Avatar’, the embodiment of divine grace and devotion, among other esteemed titles.
Kashi Vidwat Parishad is the most prominent body of Vedic scholars. Around 500 prominent scholars, each having spent a significant portion of their life studying 3-6 scriptures each, make up this esteemed body.
On 14 January 1957, these 500 scholars unanimously declared that Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj had more knowledge than all of them combined, and honoured him with the prestigious title of Jagadguru. At the time, Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was only 34 years of age.
The Kashi Vidwat Parishad further declared him as ‘Jagadguruttam’, the supreme amongst all Jagadgurus, among other esteemed titles, as outlined below:
- Srimad-pad-vakya-praman-paraavareen - The one who is proficient in all schools of philosophy propounded in “Vyakran” (Pada), “Vaisheshik” (Vakya), and “Nyay” (Pramaan);
- Ved-marg-patrishtapan-acharya - The supreme teacher who establishes the true path of God realization as propagated by the ancient Hindu scriptures and Vedas;
- Nikhil-darshan-samanvay-acharya - The one who reconciles all philosophies propounded in the Hindu scriptures and Vedas;
- Sanatan-vedic-dharm-sansthapan-sat-sampradaya-param-acharya - The supreme teacher who promotes the eternal Vedic religion and the supreme master of all the authentic Vedic schools of philosophy;
- Bhakti-yog-ras-avtar - The one who is the personified descension of bhakti yoga and the Nectarian bliss of divine love.
His Impact
The title of Jagadguru is given to a divine personality who brings about a spiritual revolution in the world through his divine teachings.
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was the supreme exponent of Sanatan Dharm, the eternal Vedic philosophy, and his reconciliation of all the philosophies and faiths is unparalleled.
Even till the age of ninety, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj worked tirelessly towards upliftment of souls by composing tens of thousands of devotional bhajans and kirtans, and delivered countless enlightening discourses in a simple, practical and logical manner.
Post his ascension, his teachings are freely available through his videos, audios and books, and his poetic compositions continue to guide millions of seekers on their quest for God realisation. See His Profound Literature and Video Library.
In addition to his supreme authority over all the scriptures, his compassion and grace knew no bounds. To learn more about Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, see His Divine Personality.
Jagadguru Aadesh
A MESSAGE FROM JAGADGURU SHRI KRIPALU JI MAHARAJ
Your ultimate goal is the attainment of divine love of Shri Krishna and His eternal service. This divine love can be attained only through the grace of your Guru.
The grace of your Guru will be attained upon complete purification of the heart. The purification of the heart is only possible through devotional practice as instructed by your Guru.
Sadhana – Shed tears of longing for the divine vision and divine love of Shri Radha Krishna, singing the glories of Their names, qualities, pastimes, etc. along with roopdhyan (visualisation of the divine forms of Shri Radha Krishna). You are free to choose any form, but whatever form you meditate on, you must feel that it is divine.
Always feel the presence of Lord Krishna with you.
Abandon all desires up to the desire for liberation.
Practise devotion only with the desire of attaining selfless divine love.
Develop strong faith that Shri Krishna alone is yours and intensify your yearning for Him.
Avoid spiritual transgressions such as fault finding, etc. and consider each moment of this human life to be invaluable.
I will always be there to guide you.
Yours,
Kripalu
