About Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj

Who is Kripalu Ji Maharaj?

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was a revered spiritual master who revitalized the ancient tradition of bhaktiyog (the path of devotion), presenting it as the most accessible way to attain eternal joy.

Counted among the greatest spiritual luminaries and Vedic scholars in history, he is remembered for three defining qualities:

Profound mastery of the Vedas, which earned him the rare and honorable title of Jagadguru.
Unwavering love for Shri Radha Krishna, for which he became known as a Rasik Saint.
Infinite kindness and compassion, that inspired people to call him Kripa Avatar.

Seen by countless devotees as a mentor, philosopher, and guide, his legacy continues to flourish through the Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, an organization that preserves his teachings while also serving society through numerous charitable initiatives.

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.

The Five Original Acharyas in the Jagadguru Tradition

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, among other esteemed titles, as outlined below:

Shrimat-padavakya-pramana-paravarina – The one who is proficient in all schools of philosophy propounded in “Vyakran” (Pada), “Vaisheshik” (Vakya), and “Nyay” (Pramaan);
Vedamarga-pratishthapan-acharya – The supreme teacher who establishes the true path of God realization as propagated by the ancient Hindu scriptures and Vedas;
Nikhiladarshana-samanvay-acharya – The one who reconciles all philosophies propounded in the Hindu scriptures and Vedas;
Sanatana-vaidika-dharma-pratishthapana-satsampradaya-paramacharya – The supreme teacher who promotes the eternal Vedic religion and the supreme master of all the authentic Vedic schools of philosophy;
Bhaktiyoga-rasavatara – The one who is the personified descension of bhakti yoga and the Nectarian bliss of divine love.

Bhagavadananta-shrivibhushita
The most revered divine personality

Jagadguru 1008 Swami Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj
Supreme Spiritual Guru of the world.

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