Kripalu Maharaj
Kripalu Ji Maharaj was an Indian spiritual guru. He was the founder of Prem Mandir in Vrindavan and Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, a Hindu non-profit organization with five main ashrams, four in India and one in the United States.
On Makar Sankranti, 14 January 1957, he received the title of Jagadguru from the Kashi Vidvat Parishat.
His book Prem Ras Siddhant contains his teachings called Jagadguru Kripalu Bhaktiyoga Tattvadarshan. It expounds "the philosophy of divine love" and the practical path to God realization.
Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj was born on 5 October 1922 in the village of Kripalu Dham, Mangarh, Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh. His mother was Bhagwati Devi and his father was Lalta Prasad Tripathi, a Brahmin.
Jagadguru philosophy and title
Jagadguru Kripalu Bhaktiyog Tattvadarshan
Jagadguru Kripalu Ji’s spiritual philosophy known as “Jagadguru Kripalu Bhaktiyoga Tattvadarshan” posits that the soul’s true goal is eternal divine bliss, found not in material objects, but only in God. Since the soul is a part of God, it naturally seeks Him. This bliss is attained through God's grace, received by the complete sharanagati of the mind.Detachment from the material world, through understanding its impermanence, is key. As propagated by the saints of bhakti movement, the path of bhakti — selfless love for Radha Krishna — is preferred over karma and gyan as it’s the most direct. It automatically brings divine knowledge and detachment. Bhaktiyog, involves loving remembrance of God, even during daily duties. A true saint’s guidance and avoiding bad company are essential to advance through this path.
Jagadguru title
In 1955, Kripalu Ji organized a religious convention for spiritual leaders in India. Mahamahopadhyay Giridhar Sharma, President of the Kashi Vidvat Parishat, attended the convention and was impressed by Kripalu's scriptural knowledge. In 1957, Kripalu Ji was invited to lecture for ten days on scripture philosophy at the Kashi Vidvat Parishat, a group of 500 scholars of Vedic literature. The congregation had scholars from Varanasi and other parts of India. Kripalu Ji lectured for seven days about the Hindu scriptures. On 14 January 1957 the scholars honoured him with the title of 'Jagadguru'. He was 34 years old when given the title, the fifth person ever to receive it. The Kashi Vidvat Parishat also conferred on him the titles Bhaktiyog-Ras-Avtar and Jagadguruttam, as well as the title Samanvaya-Acharya: he who analyses and reconciles the meaning of all the scriptures, the six philosophies and the teachings of other previous Jagadgurus.Life after becoming Jagadguru
After accepting the title of Jagadguru, Jagadguru Kripalu Ji traveled throughout India for around 14 years between 1957 and 1971. He delivered month-long discourses in various cities, lecturing to tens of thousands of people.In 1970, he established Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, a charitable religious organization, to disseminate his teachings throughout the world.
Jagadguru Kripalu Ji composed thousands of bhajans and kirtans, including Prem Ras Madira, a collection of 1008 devotional songs. His book on philosophy, Prem Ras Siddhant, discusses the ultimate aim of the individual soul, the importance of attaining divine grace, and the indispensability of surrendering to a Saint. Kripalu Ji Maharaj's bhajan books include Braj Ras Madhuri, Yugal Madhuri, Yugal Shatak, Bhakti Shatak, Yugal Ras, Shyama Shyam Geet, Radha Govind Geet, Krishna Dwadashi and Radha Trayodashi.
During his lifetime, he personally trained more than 50 Pracharaks, male and female monastic disciples. They continue to travel in India and around the world as his ordained representatives, spreading his teachings.
Temples
Jagadguru Kripalu Ji established three significant temples which serve as centers for bhakti, spirituality, and charitable activities.[Prem Mandir, Vrindavan]
Established on the sacred land of Vrindavan, Prem Mandir is among the biggest and most popular Hindu temples in India. It witnesses a high footfall of devotees, with lakhs of visitors each day. Known for its white Italian carrara marble construction and intricate carvings, the temple is a prominent site for religious gatherings, devotional activities and a evening light and sound show. It makes news for its celebration of major festivals such as Krishna Janmashtami.Bhakti Mandir, Mangarh">Bhakti Mandir Mangarh">Bhakti Mandir, Mangarh
Bhakti Mandir is located at the birthplace of Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj, in Shri Kripalu Dham near Prayagraj. It was inaugurated in 2005 and is dedicated to Radha-Krishna and Sita-Ram. Constructed using pink sandstone, white marble, and black granite, the temple sees a surge in visitors on Hindu festivals such as Diwali and Guru Purnima. Bhakti Mandir is managed by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat.[Kirti Mandir, Barsana]
Kirti Mandir is situated in Barsana, the birthplace of Radha rani. It is notable for being the only temple in the world dedicated to Kirti Maiya, Goddess Radha’s mother. A unique idol of baby Radha in her mother’s lap is the central attraction of the temple. Lakhs of devotees visit Kirti Mandir around Radhashtami, the birth anniversary of Radha rani. Alongside religious functions, the temple includes a charitable hospital and serves as a site for social welfare activities.TV appearances
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj's discourses are broadcast daily on several religious TV channels, including DD India, Aastha TV, Sadhna TV, IBN 7, News24 and Sanskar TV. In the United States, his discourses are also broadcast everyday on TV Asia.Works
Philosophical books
- Prem Rasa Siddhant – 'Prem Ras Siddhant' or 'The Philosophy of Divine Love', a popular book written by Shri Maharaj Ji contains the gist of all the teachings of our scriptures.The philosophy of Divine love was first published in 1955. It was later published in several other Indian languages.
- Bhakti Shatak – The concise philosophy of the Upaniṣats, Gītā, Brahma sūtras and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam.
- Radha Govind Geet – Printed in two volumes, with 11,111 couplets of Radha Krishna leelas and the devotional philosophy.
- Ras Panchadhyayi – A series of discourses on the esoteric subject of Raas Leela.
Kirtans
- Prem Ras Madira – 1008 songs of Radha-Krishna Leelas, Devotional Philosophy and humility.
- Braj Ras Madhuri – Printed in four parts, hundreds of kirtans dedicated to Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram, and others.
- Yugal Shatak – One hundred "kirtans" of Radha Rani and Krishna.
- Yugal Rasa – Kirtans of Radha Krishna.
- Shri Krishna Dwadashi and Shri Radha Trayodashi – Twelve "padas" describing the beauty and decorations of Krishna, and 13 "padas" about the beauty and decorations of Radha Rani.