Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj
Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj was the fifth original Jagadguru in 5000 years of Indian history. He graced the earth from 1922 to 2013, dedicating his entire life for the upliftment of humankind and guiding souls towards God-realization.
“Shree Maharajji,” as his devotees lovingly called him, was an exemplary scholar and displayed glimpses of his exceptional abilities from a very young age. He earned his degree in Sanskrit Literature and History as “Vyakaranacharya(Master of Sanskrit Grammar) at the tender age of 15. Additionally, he received the degrees of Kavyatirth in 1942, Ayurvedacharya (Master of Ayurveda) from Delhi Vidyapeeth in 1943 and Sahitya Acharya (Master of History) from Calcutta Vidyapeeth in 1943. He completed eighteen years of education within a short span of two-and-a-half years, alongside with engaging in week-long and sometimes month-long akhand sankirtan (non-stop devotional chanting) programs.
At times, Shree Maharajji remained continuously immersed in the divine love for Radha Krishna and spent endless hours in the state of Bhav (spiritual ecstasy). It was similar to the Mahabhav, the highest form of Bhav revealed by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in 16 century. However, in this elevated state of his, devotees could not interact with him much. Thus, to fulfil the purpose of his descension on the planet earth, he lowered his state of Bhav and started conducting sankirtan programs, which soaked the souls in devotion, giving them unprecedented spiritual experiences.
In the early 1950s, Shree Maharajji travelled across parts of North India delivering lectures, revealing true knowledge of the Hindu scriptures and guiding souls on the path of God realization. During this time, his fame spread far and wide about his erudite learning and mastery of the Vedic scriptures.
In 1957, the Kashi Vidvat Parishat, the supreme body of the most highly read scholars and pandits in India at that time, invited Shree Maharajji for shastrath (scriptural debate). Each of the scholars present had spent their lifetime mastering one section of the scriptures. So, the combined knowledge of the 500 odd scholars present was immense.
Shree Maharajji spoke for ten days in classical and Vedic Sanskrit, dispelling the confusions and reconciling the philosophical differences of the scriptures with consummate ease. Such was his command and knowledge of Vedic Sanskrit that only a handful of the scholars present there could understand it. When the scholars of the Parishat realized that his knowledge was deeper than the combined knowledge of the entire assembly, they conferred on him the title Jagadguru (Spiritual Master of the world) and went on to add that he was Jagadguruttam (Supreme among all the Jagadgurus in history).
Thereafter, Shree Maharajji travelled the length and breadth of India, giving lectures in the simplest language, revealing the mysteries of the ancient scriptures to the masses, which were unfathomable even to learned scholars.
His awe-inspiring discourses and affectionate demeanour attracted thousands of people to each of his programs. Even the most ardent atheists and sceptical rationalists found their hearts melt in his presence. People from across the world, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion associated with the Radha Krishna Bhakti movement popularised by Shree Maharajji.
Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj has written numerous books and thousands of couplets for the benefit of humankind, in which, he has elucidated the knowledge of the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Shad-darshans, and several other Hindu scriptures in the simplest language. Reading these and listening to his lectures on social media and television, even the biggest atheists have been transformed, and have progressed towards the path of God realization.
Philanthropic Activities
Along with the Bhakti movement, Shree Maharajji undertook several philanthropic activities to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and needy. His focus was the old, the differently abled, the poor and education of the girl child. The trust, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat and its present President, Sushri Dr Vishakha Tripathi Ji, have received numerous awards for the excellent functioning of their health care and educational institutes in the service of the people.
The World Icon Award
for praiseworthy and remarkable contribution to society
The Swasth Hindustan Award
Award for providing excellent and free health care services to the society.
The Indian Icon Award 2016
for exemplary work in providing free education to young girls, from the primary to postgraduate level.
Zee Sangam Award
for empowering women through charitable schools and colleges.
The Mother Teresa Excellence Award
for exceptional work in the field of education for young women and girls
The Nelson Mandela Peace Award
for exceptional work in the field of education of the girl child
