“Who was Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj?” I ask. Right here before us stands Kirpa Dham. It is a place resonating with his teachings.
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was a spiritual guru. He was the fifth Jagadguru. The title means world teacher. Kripalu Ji Maharaj founded Prem Mandir in Vrindavan. It is among the largest Hindu temples. He also founded Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat or JKP. It is a worldwide Hindu non-profit. JKP has five main ashrams. Four are in India. One is in the United States.
Born in 1922, Kripalu Ji Maharaj received the Jagadguru title in 1957. The Kashi Vidvat Parishat gave him this honor. He was only 34 years old. They also gave him other titles. These included Bhaktiyog-Ras-Avtar and Jagadguruttam. Another was Samanvaya-Acharya. This means he reconciles the meaning of all scriptures. He understood the six philosophies. He grasped the teachings of previous Jagadgurus.
After becoming Jagadguru, Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj traveled India. This lasted about 14 years. He delivered month-long discourses in cities. Tens of thousands attended his lectures.
In 1970, he established Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat or JKP. This charitable organization spreads his teachings. Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj composed thousands of bhajans and kirtans. Prem Ras Madira is a collection of 1008 devotional songs. His philosophy book is Prem Ras Siddhant. It discusses the soul’s aim. It covers divine grace. It emphasizes surrendering to a Saint.
During his life, he trained over 50 Pracharaks. These monastic disciples travel the world. They spread his teachings. His discourses are broadcast on TV channels. These include DD India and Aastha TV.
Kripalu Ji Maharaj left behind many works. Prem Rasa Siddhant is a key book. It explains divine love. Bhakti Shatak presents the essence of Upanishads. Radha Govind Geet includes 11111 couplets. These describe Radha Krishna.
Kirtans include Prem Ras Madira with 1008 songs. Braj Ras Madhuri comes in four parts. Yugal Shatak contains one hundred kirtans. These honor Radha Rani and Krishna.
Singers have recorded Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj’s bhajans. Manna Dey and Anuradha Paudwal are among them. Anup Jalota also has sung them.
This place, Kirpa Dham, stands as a testament. It reflects his devotion. It embodies his teachings. It continues to share his message of love. It shares his message of devotion with the world. Take a moment to reflect on the profound wisdom. Consider the dedication of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj.