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{{Short description|Marxism and Ramrajya}}{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Short description|Indian Hindu saint and revivalist}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Hindu philosophy}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}}{{Infobox Hindu leader
'''Hariharanand Saraswati''', popularly known as '''Swami Karpatri''' or '''Karpatri ji Maharaj''' (called so because He would eat only what would come in his palm 'kara', as the bowl 'pātra'), was born as '''Har Narayan Ojha''' into a [[Saryupareen Brahmin|Saryupareen]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/karpatriswamijeevani/page/n1/mode/2up|title = Sri Swami Karpatri Ji - Sankshipt Jeevani}}</ref> Brahmin family of a village called Bhatni in [[Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh|Pratapgarh]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], India. He was a [[Sannyasa|Sannyasi]] in the [[Hindu]] [[dashanami Sampradaya|Dashanami]] [[monastic]] tradition.<ref>Swami Karpatri ''The Linga and the great goddess'' Indica bolls, {{ISBN|818656988X}}</ref>
| image             = Swami Karpatri.jpg
 
{{Infobox Hindu leader
| image = Swami Karpatri ji.jpg
 
| religion          = [[Hinduism]]
| religion          = [[Hinduism]]
| birth_date        = 1907 CE<ref>https://archive.org/details/karpatriswamijeevani/page/n1/mode/1up</ref>
| birth_date        = {{birth date text|11 August 1907}}{{Sfn|Swami|1999|p=1}} (Shravana Shukla Dvitiya)
| birth_place        = [[Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh|Pratapgarh]]  
| birth_place        = [[Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh]]
| birth_name        = Har Narayan Ojha<ref>https://archive.org/details/karpatriswamijeevani/page/n1/mode/1up</ref>
| birth_name        = Har Narayan Ojha
| death_date        = 1980 CE
| death_date        = {{death date and age|7 February 1982|11 August 1907|df=y}}
| death_place        = [[Varanasi]]  
| death_place        = Kedar Ghat, [[Varanasi]]
| philosophy        = [[Advaita Vedanta]]
| philosophy        = [[Advaita Vedanta]]
| known_for          = Traditional Hinduism
| known_for          = Hindu revivalism and activism
| founder            = [[Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad]]
| founder            = [[Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad]]
| teacher               = [[Brahmananda Saraswati]]<ref>https://archive.org/details/karpatriswamijeevani/page/n9/mode/1up</ref>}}
| teacher           = [[Brahmananda Saraswati]]
| office1            = Founder of [[Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad]]
| term_start1        = 1948
| term_end1          = 1982
| predecessor1      = Office established
| successor1        = Shankaracharya [[Swaroopanand Saraswati]] elected as first president
| denomination      = [[Dashanami Sampradaya]]
| caption            = Swami in his ashram in [[Varanasi]].
| name              = Swami Karpatri
| honorific_suffix  = Ji Maharaj
| native_name        = स्वामी करपात्री
| native_name_lang  = sa
| title              = Puri Shankaracharya
| spouse            = Shrimati Mahadevi
| father            = Pandit Ramnidhi Ojha
| child              = Yes
| citizenship        = Indian
| political_party    = [[Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad]] (founder)
| honours            = Dharma Samrat (Emperor of Dharma)
| monastic_name      = Hariharananand Saraswati
| honorific_prefix  = Pujya
| children          = Bhagawati (daughter)
}}
'''Swami Karpatri''' (11 August 1907 – 7 February 1982), born '''Har Narayan Ojha''', was a [[Hindu saints|Hindu ascetic]] and political leader who founded the [[Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad]]. He authored numerous texts and led several [[Hindu revivalism|pro-Hindu movements]], including the [[cow protection movement]]. A [[Sannyasa|sannyasi]] of the [[Dashanami Sampradaya]], he belonged to the Smārta tradition of Hinduism.


==Childhood==
== Biography ==
As a Child, Swami Karpatri had no interest in worldly matters. He was married to Srimati Mahadevi at the age of 9 in the year 1916. Even after his marriage, He tried to leave his home in search of truth but failed.<ref>https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi</ref>
=== Early life and monastic training ===
He was born on 11 August 1907 (Shravana Shukla Dvitiya) into a [[Saryuparin Brahmin]] family in Bhatni, a small village in [[Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh|Pratapgarh]], [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh]], [[British India]] (modern-day [[Uttar Pradesh]]). Showing little interest in worldly affairs during his youth, he was married to Mahadevi in 1916 at the age of nine.{{Sfn|Swami|1999|p=1}} He expressed a desire to renounce worldly life to attain [[Sannyasa]], but his father insisted he have a child before departing. Following the birth of his daughter, he left home at the age of 19.{{Sfn|Swami|1999|p=2}}


At last his Father said "I would allow you to leave home only if you become father of child and give us a grandchild", A girl child was born and He decided to leave his home. His wife made a great Sacrifice. And Finally, Swami Karpatri left his home at the age of 19.<ref>https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi</ref>
After leaving home, he took the vow of brahmacharya (celibacy) under [[Brahmananda Saraswati|Swami Brahmananda Saraswati]]. Upon initiation, he was given the name Harihar Chaitanya and moved to a gurukul in Narwar, [[Bulandshahr district|Bulandshahr]], to continue his education.  


==Education==
He remained at the gurukul for two years, studying [[Vyākaraṇa|Vyakarana]], [[Vedanta]], and the [[Astika|six Darshanas]] (schools of Hindu philosophy). In 1927, he left the gurukul and traveled along the Ganges to Uttarakhand, where he spent the next three years practicing solitary meditation.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Pramod |date=April 30, 2019 |title=Swami Karpatri Ji: The forgotten Dharma SamarAt |url=https://pragyata.com/swami-karpatri-ji-the-forgotten-dharma-samarat/#:~:text=In%20January%201947%2C%20KarpAtri%20ji,the%20message%20of%20Dharma%20Yuddha. |website=Pragyata|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117131258/https://pragyata.com/swami-karpatri-ji-the-forgotten-dharma-samarat/ |archive-date=2021-01-17 |url-status=live }}</ref>
He went to Sangved Vidyalaya and started his education in 1926. The Madhyama Siddhanta Kaumudi of Grammar, Which takes almost 4 years to pass, He passed it in 11 months. After this, He studied [[Vedanta]] and other [[Darshanas]] from Swami Vishveshvarashrama. Swami Karpatri had excellent learning capacity from the very starting of his Schooling.<ref>https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi</ref> After his years of learning, including three years in icy caves in the Himalaya, he was ordained as a [[Sannyasa|Sannyasi]].


==Dharm Sangh==
Upon returning to his gurukul, he was regarded by his peers as a paramahamsa. It was during this period that he acquired the name "Karpatri" because he received food alms directly in his cupped hands (derived from [[Sanskrit]] words ''kara'' meaning hands, and ''patra'' meaning bowl).<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Karpatri Maharaj Death Anniversary : सनातन के पोषक और गोरक्षक थे स्वामी करपात्री महाराज, प्रतापगढ़ से जुड़ी हैं खास यादें - swami karpatri maharaj devotion sanatan dharma and cow protection till end of live |url=https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/pratapgarh-swami-karpatri-maharaj-devotion-sanatan-dharma-and-cow-protection-till-end-of-live-40126249.html |access-date=2026-09-08 |website=Jagran |language=hi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260131192354/https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/pratapgarh-swami-karpatri-maharaj-devotion-sanatan-dharma-and-cow-protection-till-end-of-live-40126249.html |archive-date=2026-01-31 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On the day of Vijayadashmi, He established Dharm Sangh in the year 1940. He travelled through all parts of India and established many branches of Dharm Sangh. Within a very short span of time his Slogan became very popular in India. The Slogan was:
 
In 1931 or 1932, at the age of 24, he was formally initiated into the sannyasa order by Swami Brahmananda Saraswati near Durga Kund in Varanasi, receiving the monastic name Swami Hariharananda Saraswati.<ref name=":0" /> In 1932, he debated [[Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya]] on the topic of "Pranava" (ॐ). According to traditional accounts, Malaviya conceded the debate.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vedanti Swami Ji |title=Sri Karpatri Ji Sankshipt Jeevani Vedanti Swami Ji |url=https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi/page/n6/mode/1up |publisher=Shri Dharmasangh Prakashan |language=hi}}</ref>
 
=== Religious activism and political career ===
On the festival of Vijayadashami in 1940, Karpatri established the Dharm Sangh. He traveled across India to establish various branches of the organization. Its primary slogan was:
{{Blockquote
{{Blockquote
|text='''''Dharma ki Jaya Ho'''''
|text='''''Dharma ki Jaya Ho'''''
Victory to [[Dharma]]!  
Victory to [[Dharma]]!
 
'''''Adharma ka Nash Ho'''''
May [[Adharma]] Perish! <ref>https://m.jagran.com/lite/uttar-pradesh/pratapgarh-karpatri-maharaj-gave-the-victory-of-religion-the-mantra-for-the-destruction-of-unrighteousness-21912269.html</ref>}}
 
He revived the lost traditions of [[Varanasi]].<ref>https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi</ref>
 
Dharm Sangh under leadership of Swami Karpatri helped the [[Noakhali]] victims of 1946 riots and provided them land, food and financial aid.<ref>https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi</ref>
 
He re-converted the Hindus who were forcibly made Muslims and gave them initiation under Rama-Nama.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ramesh Kutticad|url=http://archive.org/details/abhinav-shankar-smriti-granth-swami-karpatriji-maharaj-poor-scan-vol-1|title=Abhinav Shankar Smriti Granth Swami Karpatriji Maharaj Poor Scan Vol 1}}</ref><ref>https://pragyata.com/swami-karpatri-ji-the-forgotten-dharma-samarat/</ref>
 
He and his group was the first one to be jailed in Independent India. Even before Independence, In the year 1947, He started protests and meetings from the month of April. On the night of 14 August 1947, the members of Dharm Sangh were raising the slogans of "Bharat Akhand Ho" (May [[Bharat (term)|Bharat]] be united), All of them were jailed.<ref>https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi</ref>
 
==Later life ==
He was a disciple of [[Shankaracharya]] of [[Jyotirmath]] Swami [[Brahmananda Saraswati]].<ref>Rama, Swami (1999) Himalayan Institute, Living With the Himalayan Masters, page 247</ref> He spent most of his life at [[Varanasi]]. He was also a teacher in the [[Advaita Vedanta]] tradition of [[Hindu philosophy]].
 
[[Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati]], the 145th [[Govardhan Math|Govardhan Peeth]] Shankaracharya of [[Puri]], [[Odisha]], is an eminent disciple of Swami Karpatri.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1157865871093592064|user=govardhanmath|title=Dharma Samrat Swami Karpatri Ji Jayanti.Puri Shankaracharya ji's Pravachan on his Guru Maharaj's 112th Jayanti.ध…<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |accessdate=2020-07-23|language=en|date=4 August 2019}}</ref>
 
He initiated [[Alain Daniélou]], a noted [[Historian|French Historian]] into [[Shaivism|Shaivite Hinduism]] under the name, Shiv Sharan.<ref>Swami Karpatri ''The Linga and the great goddess'' Indica bolls, {{ISBN|818656988X}}</ref>
 
==Politics==
Other than DharmSangh, In 1948, Swami Karpatri founded the [[Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad]],<ref>https://eci.gov.in/files/file/5822-akhil-bhartiya-ramrajya-parishad/</ref> A traditionalist [[Hindu politics|Hindu party]].
He led a movement against the [[Hindu Code Bill]]. He was also a prominent agitator in [[1966 anti-cow slaughter agitation]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The Algebra of Warfare-Welfare: A Long View of India's 2014 Election|page=103|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780199097531|author=Irfan Ahmad, Pralay Kanungo|date=24 December 2018}}</ref> On 18 April 1948, He founded the newspaper ''Sanmarg'' which promoted Sanatan Dharma and also advocated against the Hindu Code Bill and voiced opposition on cow slaughters.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0FSDBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT73 |title=Mahila Patrakarita |publisher=Prabhat Prakashan |year=2012 |isbn=9789350481189 |page=73 |language=Hindi |access-date=14 December 2016}}</ref>
 
==Death==
[[File:Dharma Samrat Swami Karpatri ji Maharaj.jpg|thumb|Swami Karpatri]]
On the day of his demise in the year 1980, He told his disciples to sing the "Ayodhya Tyaga" story of [[Ramayana]] for him, He himself did the recitation of [[Sri Sukta]] and at the end by keeping the idol of [[Krishna]] on his chest, He passed away by reciting "Shiva Shiva Shiva" thrice.<ref>https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi</ref>
 
==Debates==
Swami Karpatri maintained no-compromise policy with regards to Hindu Laws and [[Shastras]]. He was called Dharmasamrata<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1424895394081771540|user=govardhanmath|title=#गौ_रक्षा_दिवससर्वभूतहृदय धर्मसम्राट स्वामी श्रीकरपात्रीजी की अद्भुत देन<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=10 August 2021}}</ref><ref>https://pragyata.com/swami-karpatri-ji-the-forgotten-dharma-samarat/</ref>(English: The Emperor of [[Dharma]]) by the masses. He was undefeated in Debates throughout his life.
 
In 1932, When He was in his late 20s, He debated [[Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya]] on the topic Pranava (ॐ).<ref>https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi/page/n6/mode/1up</ref> Unable to Answer Swami Karpatri's arguments, Malaviya accepted his defeat. This incident was later published in the book "Mananiya Prashnottara".<ref>https://archive.org/details/MananiyaPrashnottara</ref>
 
In 1940, Shri HariHarKripalu Dwivedi Debated with him on the verse "अकाम: सर्वकामो वा", The debate was planned on the next date.<ref>https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi/page/n11/mode/1up</ref> Dwivedi didn't appear for the debate. At last, The Judge Pandit congratulated Swami Karpatri with Garland and became his disciple ever since.
 
A Debate took place in 1964, This one was between [[Sanatani]] Pandits and [[Arya Samaj]]. Swami Karpatri was just a viewer in the debate, But He later joined the Debate with Yudhisthir Mimansak. The Result was unannounced due to sunset but It was noticed that Swami Karpatri was ever-ready for a debate.<ref>https://archive.org/details/yudhishthir-mimansak-swami-karpatri-shastrarth-1964-debate</ref>
 
Another Debate took place in 1965, Between Swami Karpatri and Madhvacharya Sri Vidyamanya Teerth, Sri Vidyamanya challenged people to defend [[Advaita]] Siddhanta. Swami Karpatri accepted the challenge, The debate went on for 2 days.<ref>https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi/page/n13/mode/1up</ref> In the end, the mediator "Sri Bhagvatananda" declared Swami Karpatri Victorious.<ref>https://archive.org/details/karpatrijidebate1965</ref>
 
For Him, Celebration of Debates didn't matter. He was of the mindset that, Purpose of Debates is to conclude the real meaning, Not to demean or defame the one who has lost.<ref>https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi/page/n14/mode/1up</ref>
 
==Books==
'''Swami Karpatri''' was the author of Many Books. Few of them are not available in public domain, Many are only in Sanskrit and Some are in Hindi. 
 
Here are a few of his books:
 
'''Marxwad Aur Ramrajya''': Criticism of Modern Ideologies such as Marxism, Feminism etc.<ref>https://archive.org/details/MarkswadOrRamrajya</ref><ref>https://gitapressbookshop.in/0698-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6-%E0%A4%94%E0%A4%B0-%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF-marksvad-aur-ramrajya-</ref>
 
'''Vichar Piyush''': A Summary of Swami Karpatri's Thoughts.<ref>https://archive.org/details/VicharPiyush305to308512to519miss</ref><ref>https://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/vichar-piyush-selected-writing-of-dharma-samrat-shri-karapatri-ji-nzh121/</ref>
 
'''Bhakti Sudha''': An anthology of various articles written by Swami Karpatri on importance of Bhakti.<ref>https://archive.org/details/bhaktisudha_201611</ref><ref>https://gitapressbookshop.in/1982-%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BE-bhakti-sudha-</ref>


'''Bhagwat Sudha''': Explaining the Essence of Srimad Bhagvat Puran.<ref>https://archive.org/details/bhagavatasudha</ref>
'''''Adharma ka Nash Ho'''''
May [[Adharma]] Perish! <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/pratapgarh-karpatri-maharaj-gave-the-victory-of-religion-the-mantra-for-the-destruction-of-unrighteousness-21912269.html|title = करपात्री महाराज ने दिया धर्म की जय, अधर्म के नाश का मंत्र|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914034841/https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/pratapgarh-karpatri-maharaj-gave-the-victory-of-religion-the-mantra-for-the-destruction-of-unrighteousness-21912269.html|archive-date=2021-09-14|url-status=live}}</ref>}}


'''Sri Radha Sudha''': A record of Swami Karpatri's speeches on Radha Sudha Nidhi.<ref>https://archive.org/details/radhasudha</ref>
Under Karpatri's leadership, the Dharm Sangh assisted victims of the 1946 [[Noakhali District|Noakhali]] riots by providing land, food, and financial aid.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Sri Karpatri Ji Sankshipt Jeevani Vedanti Swami Ji |url=https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi}}</ref>{{cn|date=May 2025}} He also participated in the reconversion of Hindus who had been forcefully converted to Islam, initiating them using the Rama-Nama mantra.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ramesh Kutticad|url=https://archive.org/details/abhinav-shankar-smriti-granth-swami-karpatriji-maharaj-poor-scan-vol-1|title=Abhinav Shankar Smriti Granth Swami Karpatriji Maharaj Poor Scan Vol 1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://pragyata.com/swami-karpatri-ji-the-forgotten-dharma-samarat/ |title = Swami Karpatri Ji: The forgotten Dharma SamarAt|date = 30 April 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210117131258/https://pragyata.com/swami-karpatri-ji-the-forgotten-dharma-samarat/|archive-date = 2021-01-17|url-status = live}}</ref>  


'''Bhakti Rasarnava''': A Unique work on Bhakti.<ref>https://archive.org/details/bhaktirasarnava</ref>
On 28 April 1947, Swami Karpatri and his many followers were arrested while protesting in front of the [[Old Parliament House, New Delhi|Council House]] in New Delhi. The following day, an [[Additional District Magistrate]] sentenced him to one month of imprisonment. On 1 May 1947, he was transferred from Delhi District Jail to [[Kot Lakhpat Jail|Lahore District Jail]] by [[train]] forcefully, contrary to his religious practice of avoiding train travel. During this period, his followers conducted non-violent [[satyagraha]] protests outside the residences of [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], [[Vallabhbhai Patel]], interim government offices, and the [[Viceroy of India|Viceroy's residence]]. They presented a charter of five primary demands:
# An immediate ban on [[cattle slaughter in India]], beginning in [[Mathura]].
# Maintenance of the territorial integrity of India, opposing the [[Partition of India|partition]] and provincial grouping plans.
# The repeal of proposed and enacted legislation perceived as interfering in Hindu religious, social, and personal laws.
# Protection of traditional, scriptural practices of [[Idolatry]] and religious institutions.
# Representation of traditionalist (Sanatani) Hindus in the [[Constituent Assembly of India]], with governance laws based on traditional [[Dharmaśāstra|shastric principles]] framed in consultation with orthodox scholars.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=May 24, 1947 |title=New Protests by Hindus Scheduled |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=0WM_AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA8&dq=karpatriji&article_id=3154,2593788&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiUkJfEpM2WAxWO4jgGHbrgK6sQ6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=karpatriji&f=false |work=The Windson Daily Star |pages=9}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=कुमारी |first=सुचेता |url=http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.481046 |title=धर्मदर्शन में स्वामी करपात्री जी के योगदानों का आलोचनात्मक अध्ययन |publisher=दर्शनशास्त्र विभाग इलाहाबाद विश्वविद्यालय |year=1992 |location=[[Prayagraj]] |pages=9-10 |language=hi}}</ref>


'''Pibata Bhagvata Rasamalaya''': A Book dealing with Rasa of Srimad Bhagvata Purana.<ref>https://archive.org/details/PibataBhagavataRasamalayaKarapatrijiMaharaj_201802</ref>
Karpatri was detained in Delhi and Lahore for protests opposing partition (April–May 1947); arrested repeatedly in Delhi during anti-cow slaughter and religious autonomy protests (July 1947); and imprisoned in [[Mathura]] and [[Agra]] during the anti-cow slaughter campaign (August–November 1947).<ref name="auto"/> He was again detained in [[Varanasi]] (Kashi) under breach of peace charges from February to July 1948.  


'''Kaal Mimansa''': A work dealing with the chronology in context of the Pauranic and Other Hindu Epic literature.<ref>https://archive.org/details/KaalMimansa</ref>
In 1948, Karpatri founded the [[Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad]] (RRP),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://old.eci.gov.in/files/file/5822-akhil-bhartiya-ramrajya-parishad/ |title=Akhil Bhartiya Ramrajya Parishad - Contribution Reports Year 2009-10 - Election Commission of India |access-date=13 September 2021 |archive-date=13 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913224816/https://eci.gov.in/files/file/5822-akhil-bhartiya-ramrajya-parishad/ |url-status=live }}</ref> a traditionalist [[Hindu politics|Hindu political party]] headquartered in [[Jaipur]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 7, 1950 |title=SATYAGRAHA AGAINST HINDU CODE BILL |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=J8c-AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA7&dq=karpatri&article_id=2225,4119754&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjHxPzXmsyWAxWYluEIHccFC34Q6AF6BAgHEAM#v=onepage&q=karpatri&f=false |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=7|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20261009170802/https://books.google.co.in/books?id=J8c-AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA7&dq=karpatri&article_id=2225,4119754&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjHxPzXmsyWAxWYluEIHccFC34Q6AF6BAgHEAM |archive-date=2026-10-09 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 18 April 1948, he founded the newspaper ''Sanmarg'', which promoted traditional Sanatana Dharma, opposed the Hindu Code Bill, and advocated against cow slaughter.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0FSDBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT73 |title=Mahila Patrakarita |publisher=Prabhat Prakashan |year=2012 |isbn=9789350481189 |page=73 |language=Hindi |access-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914062149/https://books.google.com/books?id=0FSDBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT73 |archive-date=2021-09-14 |url-status=live }}</ref> The RRP subsequently won three [[Lok Sabha]] seats in the [[1952 Indian general election|1952 Lok Sabha elections]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=MEMBERS OF FIRST LOK SABHA (Ram Rajya Parishad) |url=http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/lok01/party/01ls11.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051216151300/http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/lok01/party/01ls11.htm |archive-date=December 16, 2005 |website=Indian Parliament}}</ref> and two seats in [[1962 Indian general election|1962]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/lok03/party/03ls12.htm |title=Biographical sketches of Third Lok Sabha |access-date=2006-08-14 |publisher=National Informatics Centre, Government of India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060519101624/http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/lok03/party/03ls12.htm |archive-date=2006-05-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref>  


'''Kya Sambhog se Samadhi''': A Simple Refutation of Osho's interpretation of Samadhi.<ref>https://archive.org/details/KyaSambhogSeSamadhi_201609</ref>
He led campaigns against the passage of the [[Hindu Code Bill]]. In correspondence with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he described the bill as a "constitutional outrage" and threatened non-violent direct action if it was not withdrawn.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 17, 1949 |title=OPPOSITION TO HINDU CODE BILL |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=n8U-AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA4&dq=karpatri&article_id=3055,7893669&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjHxPzXmsyWAxWYluEIHccFC34Q6AF6BAgKEAM#v=onepage&q=karpatri&f=false |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=4}}</ref> He was jailed in Delhi during the [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] agitation in January 1953. In the mid-1950s, he established the ''Sumerpeetha'' (or ''Sumermath'') in [[Varanasi]], asserting it was one of the original monastic seats founded by [[Adi Shankara]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 4, 1992 |title=Unholy war over abbey in Varanasi |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=LpBlAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA25&dq=karpatri&article_id=261,1086992&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjHxPzXmsyWAxWYluEIHccFC34Q6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=karpatri&f=false |work=Indian Express Sunday Magazine |pages=3}}</ref> He was imprisoned in Varanasi during protests concerning traditions at the [[Kashi Vishwanath Temple]] following the Uttar Pradesh Removal of Social Disabilities Act in February 1955 and December 1956.


'''Capitalism, Socialism and Ramrajya''': Refuting Osho's shallow understanding on these Ideologies.<ref>https://archive.org/details/wg531</ref>
Karpatri advocated for strict adherence to traditional Hindu laws and the [[Shastras]]. Among his followers, he was popularly known as "Dharmasamrat"<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1424895394081771540|user=govardhanmath|title=#गौ_रक्षा_दिवससर्वभूतहृदय धर्मसम्राट स्वामी श्रीकरपात्रीजी की अद्भुत देन|date=10 August 2021}}</ref> (Emperor of Dharma). In 1964, Karpatri participated in a public debate between traditional [[Sanatani]] scholars and members of the [[Arya Samaj]], engaging directly with Arya Samaj scholar Yudhisthir Mimansak.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vedanti Swami Ji |title=Sri Karpatri Ji Sankshipt Jeevani Vedanti Swami Ji |url=https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi/page/n11/mode/1up |publisher=Shri Dharmasangh Prakashan |language=hi}}</ref> In 1965, he engaged in a two-day debate with Vidyamanya Tirtha, a monk of the [[Madhva Sampradaya]] who had challenged scholars to defend the doctrine of [[Advaita Vedanta]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vedanti Swami Ji |title=Sri Karpatri Ji Sankshipt Jeevani Vedanti Swami Ji |url=https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi/page/n13/mode/1up |publisher=Shri Dharmasangh Prakashan |language=hi}}</ref> According to accounts from Karpatri's followers, he successfully defended the Advaita position using logical interpretations of Vedanta, and was considered the victor after Vidyamanya Tirtha allegedly deviated from his own tradition's philosophical framework during the exchange.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swami Karpatri vs Swami Vidyamanyatirtha 1965 |url=https://archive.org/details/karpatrijidebate1965 |publisher=Internet Archive |language=hi}}</ref>  


'''Ramayana Mimansa''': A Book with systematic analysis of the Hindu Epic Ramayana.<ref>https://archive.org/details/ramayanmimansa</ref>
Karpatri was a prominent figure in the [[1966 anti-cow slaughter agitation]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The Algebra of Warfare-Welfare: A Long View of India's 2014 Election|page=103|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780199097531|author=Irfan Ahmad, Pralay Kanungo|date=24 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2021-12-06 |title=Fact Check: 1966 incident of police firing on sadhus goes viral with exaggerated claims |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fact-check/story/fact-check-1966-incident-police-firing-sadhus-goes-viral-with-exaggerated-claims-1884800-2021-12-06 |access-date=2026-09-08 |website=India Today |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206164402/https://www.indiatoday.in/fact-check/story/fact-check-1966-incident-police-firing-sadhus-goes-viral-with-exaggerated-claims-1884800-2021-12-06 |archive-date=2021-12-06 |url-status=live }}</ref> As a result of his participation, he was jailed in Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi between November 1966 and January 1967.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />


'''Ved Ka Swaroop Aur Pramanya''': The epistemological significance and Structure of the Vedas.<ref>https://archive.org/details/vedkaswaroopaurpramanyapart1shriswamikarpatrijimaharaj.</ref>
=== Later life, death and legacy ===
[[File:Dharma Samrat Swami Karpatri ji Maharaj.jpg|thumb|Statue of Swami Karpatri in a temple.]]
Karpatri remained a disciple of [[Brahmananda Saraswati]], the [[Shankaracharya]] of [[Jyotir Math]].<ref>Rama, Swami (1999) Himalayan Institute, Living With the Himalayan Masters, page 247</ref> He spent the majority of his later life in [[Varanasi]]. [[Nischalananda Saraswati|Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati]], the 145th Shankaracharya of the [[Govardhan Math|Govardhan Peeth]] in [[Puri, Odisha]], is one of Karpatri's prominent disciples.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1157865871093592064|user=govardhanmath|title=Dharma Samrat Swami Karpatri Ji Jayanti.Puri Shankaracharya ji's Pravachan on his Guru Maharaj's 112th Jayanti.ध…<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |access-date=2020-07-23|language=en|date=4 August 2019}}</ref> He also initiated the French [[Historian|historian]] [[Alain Daniélou]] into [[Shaivism|Shaivite Hinduism]], giving him the monastic name Shiv Sharan.<ref name="auto3">Swami Karpatri ''The Linga and the great goddess'' Indica bolls, {{ISBN|818656988X}}</ref>
[[File:The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh releasing the commemorative postage stamp on Karpatri Maharaj, in New Delhi on June 29, 2022.jpg|thumb|[[Rajnath Singh]] releasing the commemorative postage stamp on Swami Karpatri, in [[New Delhi]] on June 29, 2022]]
He was honoured with the degree of [[D.Litt]] in 1978 by [[Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya]]. A Commemorative Postage Stamp of 500 [[paise]] was also issued in his name by [[India Post]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://postagestamps.gov.in/Pdf/KM_BROCHURE.pdf |title=Karapatri Maharaj |publisher=[[India Posts]]}}</ref><ref name=":4" />


'''Veda Pramanya Mimansa''': Establishing the supreme authority of Vedas.<ref>https://archive.org/details/VedaPramanyaMimansa</ref>
Karpatri died on 7 February 1982 ([[Magha (month)|Magha]] [[Shukla paksha|Shukla]] [[Chaturdashi]]) at Kedar Ghat in [[Varanasi]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=गोवंश रक्षक धर्मसम्राट स्वामी करपात्रीजी महाराज ! |url=https://www.hindujagruti.org/hindi/history/great-saints/swami-karpatri-maharaj |access-date=2026-09-01 |website=हिन्दू जनजागृति समिति |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810011936/https://www.hindujagruti.org/hindi/history/great-saints/swami-karpatri-maharaj |archive-date=2021-08-10 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Dharm Samrat Swami Shri Karpatri Ji Maharaj |url=https://dharmsangh.org.in/Karpatri%20Ji%20Maharaj.aspx |access-date=2026-09-01 |website=dharmsangh.org.in}}</ref> According to ashram accounts, he spent his final moments listening to the "Ayodhya Tyaga" episode of the [[Ramayana]], recited the [[Sri Sukta]], and passed away with an idol of [[Krishna]] on his chest while chanting the name of Shiva.<ref name="auto"/>{{cn|date=May 2025}} His body was subsequently given a traditional water burial in the [[Ganga river|Ganges]] near the ghat.<ref name=":1" />  


'''VedaSwarupVimarsh''': A Short book defining the swarupa of Vedas while refuting the claims of Social Reformers and Modern day Scholars Like Swami Dayanand.<ref>https://archive.org/details/VedaSwaroopVimarshaKarpatriji</ref>
According to his disciple, Swami [[Nishchalananda Saraswati|Nischalananda Saraswati]] (the Shankaracharya of Puri), Karpatri took [[Mahasamadhi|samadhi]] in 1982 due to unbearable chronic pain resulting from a long-standing eye injury. Nischalananda stated that the injury was inflicted during the [[1966 anti-cow slaughter protests]] under the [[First Indira Gandhi ministry|Indira Gandhi administration]], when assailants struck Karpatri with an iron rod despite fellow ascetics attempting to shield him.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj9dwILNfFc |title=धर्म और गौवंश के प्रति धर्मसम्राट् स्वामी श्री करपात्री जी महाराज की निष्ठा। |date=2025-10-23 |last=Govardhan Math, Puri |access-date=2026-09-01 |via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205082916/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj9dwILNfFc |archive-date=2025-12-05 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Pramod |date=2019-04-30 |title=Swami Karpatri Ji: The forgotten Dharma SamarAt |url=https://pragyata.com/swami-karpatri-ji-the-forgotten-dharma-samarat/ |access-date=2026-09-01 |language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117131258/https://pragyata.com/swami-karpatri-ji-the-forgotten-dharma-samarat/ |archive-date=2021-01-17 |url-status=live }}</ref>  


'''Samanvaya Samrajya Samrakshanam''':A work dealing with coordination between various schools of Hinduism.<ref>https://archive.org/details/SamanvayaSamrajyaSanrakshanamKarpatriJi</ref>
== Selected works ==
* '''Marxwad Aur Ramrajya''': A critique of modern ideologies, including Marxism, socialism, utilitarianism, liberalism, progressivism, and feminism.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/MarkswadOrRamrajya|title = मार्क्सवाद और रामराज्य markswad or ramrajya}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://gitapressbookshop.in/0698-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6-%E0%A4%94%E0%A4%B0-%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF-marksvad-aur-ramrajya- |title = मार्क्सवाद और रामराज्य (Marksvad Aur Ramrajya)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408190720/https://gitapressbookshop.in/0698-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6-%E0%A4%94%E0%A4%B0-%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF-marksvad-aur-ramrajya-|archive-date=2021-04-08|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Vichar Piyush''': A summary of Karpatri's philosophical thoughts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/VicharPiyush305to308512to519miss|title=Vichar Piyush ( 305to 308 512to 519miss)|date=5 April 2018}}</ref>
* '''Bhakti Sudha''': An anthology of articles on the importance of Bhakti.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/bhaktisudha_201611|title = Bhakti Sudha - Sri Karpatri Swami}}</ref>
* '''Bhagwat Sudha''': An explanation of the Bhagavata Purana.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/bhagavatasudha|title=Bhagavata Sudha - Sri Karpatri Swami|via=Internet Archive}}</ref>
* '''Sri Radha Sudha''': A compilation of his discourses on the Radha Sudha Nidhi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/radhasudha|title = Radha Sudha - Sri Karpatri Swami}}</ref>
* '''Bhakti Rasarnava''': A treatise on Bhakti.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/bhaktirasarnava|title = Bhaktirasarnava - Sri Karpatri Swami}}</ref>
* '''Pibata Bhagvata Rasamalaya''': A book discussing the concept of Rasa in the Bhagavata Purana.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/PibataBhagavataRasamalayaKarapatrijiMaharaj_201802|title=Pibata Bhagavata Rasamalaya Karapatriji Maharaj|via=Internet Archive}}</ref>
* '''Kaal Mimansa''': A work analyzing chronology in the context of Puranic and Hindu epic literature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/KaalMimansa|title=Kala Mimansa - Sri Karpatri Swami|via=Internet Archive}}</ref>
* '''Kya Sambhog se Samadhi''': A philosophical rebuttal to Rajneesh's (Osho) interpretation of Samadhi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/KyaSambhogSeSamadhi_201609|title=Kya Sambhog Se Samadhi - Swami Karpatri|via=Internet Archive}}</ref>
* '''Capitalism, Socialism and Ramrajya''': A critique of Rajneesh's views on capitalism and socialism.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/wg531|title=1960 Around -Punjivad Samajvad Aur Ramrajya|year=1960}}</ref>
* '''Ramayana Mimansa''': An analysis of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/ramayanmimansa|title=Ramayan Mimansa - Sri Karpatri Swami|via=Internet Archive}}</ref>
* '''Ved Ka Swaroop Aur Pramanya''': A text on the epistemological significance and structure of the Vedas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/vedkaswaroopaurpramanyapart1shriswamikarpatrijimaharaj.|title = Ved Ka Swaroop Aur Pramanya Part 1 Shri Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj}}</ref>
* '''Veda Pramanya Mimansa''': A work asserting the epistemological authority of the Vedas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/VedaPramanyaMimansa|title = Veda Pramanya Mimansa - Sri Karpatri Swami}}</ref>
* '''VedaSwarupVimarsh''': A text defining the nature of the Vedas, featuring critiques of social reformers such as Dayananda Saraswati.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/VedaSwaroopVimarshaKarpatriji|title=Veda Swaroop Vimarsha - Sri Karpatri Swami|via=Internet Archive}}</ref>
* '''Samanvaya Samrajya Samrakshanam''': A work focused on the philosophical reconciliation of various Hindu schools of thought.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/SamanvayaSamrajyaSanrakshanamKarpatriJi|title = Samanvaya Samrajya Samrakshanam - Sri Karpatri Swami}}</ref>
* '''Ahamartha aur Parmartha Sara''': A commentary on Patanjali's ''Paramarthasara'', which includes a critique of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/ahamarthaparamarthasarakarpatriji|title = Ahamartha Aur Paramartha Sara - Sri Karpatri Swami}}</ref>
* '''Nastika-Astika Vaad''': A philosophical defense of Astika (orthodox) schools against Nastika (heterodox) arguments.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/nastikastikvaadkarpatriji|title = Nastika Astika Vada - Sri Karpatri Swami}}</ref>
* '''Videsh Yatra Shastriya Paksha''': An examination of Hindu scriptural views on foreign travel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/VideshYatra-KarpatriJi|title = Videsh yatra - karpatri ji विदेश यात्रा (करपात्री जी महाराज )}}</ref>
* '''Sankirtan Mimansa evam Varnashrama Dharma''': A text on the practice of sankirtan and the maintenance of the varnashrama system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/sankirtanamimansakarpatri|title = Sankirtana Mimansa Evam Varnashrama Maryada - Sri Karpatri Swami}}</ref>
* '''Rss aur Hindu Dharma''': A structural critique of the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from a traditionalist perspective.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/LaviB|title=Rss और हिन्दू धर्म स्वामी करपात्री जी|via=Internet Archive}}</ref>
* '''Gau - Ek Samagra Chintan''': A book on the significance of the cow in Hinduism.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/GauEkSamagraChintanKarpatriji|title=Gau - Ek Samagra Chintan - Sri Karpatri Swami|via=Internet Archive}}</ref>
* '''Vedartha Parijata''': A commentary discussing the philosophical essence of the Vedas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/vedarthaparijata|title = Vedartha Parijata - Sri Karpatri Swami (Total 23 Files)}}</ref>
* '''Kumbha Tithyadi Nirnaya''': An astrological treatise determining the dates (tithis) for the Kumbh Mela.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/KumbhaTithyadiNirnaya|title = Kumbha Tithyadi Nirnaya - Sri Karpatri Swami}}</ref>
* '''Yajurveda Commentary''': An eight-part commentary (bhashya) on the Shukla Yajurveda.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/yajurvedakarpatrabhashya08|title=Yajurveda Bhashya 08 - Sri Karpatri Swami|via=Internet Archive}}</ref>


'''Ahamartha aur Parmartha Sara''': A commentary on Patanjali's work "Parmarth Sara" with the refutation of Vishishta Advaita View.<ref>https://archive.org/details/ahamarthaparamarthasarakarpatriji</ref>
== Further reading ==
 
* {{Cite book |last=Lutgendorf |first=Philip |title=The Life of a Text: Performing the Rāmcaritmānas of Tulsidas |date=1991 |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |isbn=978-0-520-06690-8 |language=en}}
'''Nastika-Astika Vaad''': A point to point refutation of Nastika Arguments used against Astikas.<ref>https://archive.org/details/nastikastikvaadkarpatriji</ref>
* {{Cite book |last=Swami |first=Vedanti |url=https://archive.org/details/SriKarpatriJiSankshiptJeevaniVedantiSwamiJi/mode/2up |title=Sri Karpatri Ji Sankshipt Jeevani |date=1999 |language=hi |trans-title=Summarised Biography of Swami Karpatri}}
 
'''Videsh Yatra Shastriya Paksha''': The Views of Hindu Shastras on Travelling Abroad.<ref>https://archive.org/details/VideshYatra-KarpatriJi</ref>
 
'''Sankirtan Mimansa evam Varnashrama Dharma''': A text Describing the maintenance of Varnashrama Dharma along with Holy Enchanting.<ref>https://archive.org/details/sankirtanamimansakarpatri</ref>
 
'''Rss aur Hindu Dharma''': Deals with Structural criticism of Sangh-Sponsored Anti-Shastra ideology.<ref>https://archive.org/details/LaviB</ref><ref>https://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/rss-and-hindu-dharma-nzh123/</ref>
 
'''Gau - Ek Samagra Chintan''': The importance of Cow within Hinduism and Humanity as a whole.<ref>https://archive.org/details/GauEkSamagraChintanKarpatriji</ref>
 
'''Vedartha Parijata''': Explaining the True Essence of the Vedas along with Commentary.<ref>https://archive.org/details/vedarthaparijata</ref>
 
'''Kumbha Tithyadi Nirnaya''': A treatise dealing with the astrological conclusions in context of Tithis and Kumbha Parva.<ref>https://archive.org/details/KumbhaTithyadiNirnaya</ref>
 
'''Yajurveda Commentary''': Bhashya (Commentary) of Shukla Yajurveda by Swami Karpatri in eight parts.<ref>https://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/karpatri-ji-s-commentary-on-shukla-yajurveda-samhita-photo-copy-spiral-binding-set-of-8-volumes-mzr399/</ref><ref>https://archive.org/details/yajurvedakarpatrabhashya01</ref><ref>https://archive.org/details/yajurvedakarpatrabhashya02</ref><ref>https://archive.org/details/yajurvedakarpatrabhashya03</ref><ref>https://archive.org/details/yajurvedakarpatrabhashya04</ref><ref>https://archive.org/details/yajurvedakarpatrabhashya05</ref><ref>https://archive.org/details/yajurvedakarpatrabhashya06</ref><ref>https://archive.org/details/yajurvedakarpatrabhashya07</ref><ref>https://archive.org/details/yajurvedakarpatrabhashya08</ref>
 
==Further reading==
 
Lutgendorf, Philip. 1991. The Life of a Text: Performing the Rāmcaritmānas of Tulsidas. Berkeley: University of California Press, pp.&nbsp;384–387.


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Hindudharma}}
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[[Category:20th-century Hindu religious leaders]]
[[Category:Critics of Marxism]]
[[Category:Writers from Varanasi]]

Latest revision as of 17:25, 17 October 2026

Pujya

Swami Karpatri

Ji Maharaj
स्वामी करपात्री
Swami in his ashram in Varanasi.
Founder of Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad
In office
1948–1982
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byShankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati elected as first president
TitlePuri Shankaracharya
Personal
Born
Har Narayan Ojha

11 August 1907 (1907-08-11)[1] (Shravana Shukla Dvitiya)
Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh
Died7 February 1982(1982-02-07) (aged 74)
Kedar Ghat, Varanasi
ReligionHinduism
SpouseShrimati Mahadevi
ChildrenBhagawati (daughter)
Parents
  • Pandit Ramnidhi Ojha (father)
CitizenshipIndian
DenominationDashanami Sampradaya
Political partyAkhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad (founder)
Known forHindu revivalism and activism
Monastic nameHariharananand Saraswati
Founder ofAkhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad
PhilosophyAdvaita Vedanta
Religious career
TeacherBrahmananda Saraswati
HonoursDharma Samrat (Emperor of Dharma)

Swami Karpatri (11 August 1907 – 7 February 1982), born Har Narayan Ojha, was a Hindu ascetic and political leader who founded the Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad. He authored numerous texts and led several pro-Hindu movements, including the cow protection movement. A sannyasi of the Dashanami Sampradaya, he belonged to the Smārta tradition of Hinduism.

Biography[edit | edit source]

Early life and monastic training[edit | edit source]

He was born on 11 August 1907 (Shravana Shukla Dvitiya) into a Saryuparin Brahmin family in Bhatni, a small village in Pratapgarh, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, British India (modern-day Uttar Pradesh). Showing little interest in worldly affairs during his youth, he was married to Mahadevi in 1916 at the age of nine.[1] He expressed a desire to renounce worldly life to attain Sannyasa, but his father insisted he have a child before departing. Following the birth of his daughter, he left home at the age of 19.[2]

After leaving home, he took the vow of brahmacharya (celibacy) under Swami Brahmananda Saraswati. Upon initiation, he was given the name Harihar Chaitanya and moved to a gurukul in Narwar, Bulandshahr, to continue his education.

He remained at the gurukul for two years, studying Vyakarana, Vedanta, and the six Darshanas (schools of Hindu philosophy). In 1927, he left the gurukul and traveled along the Ganges to Uttarakhand, where he spent the next three years practicing solitary meditation.[3]

Upon returning to his gurukul, he was regarded by his peers as a paramahamsa. It was during this period that he acquired the name "Karpatri" because he received food alms directly in his cupped hands (derived from Sanskrit words kara meaning hands, and patra meaning bowl).[3][4]

In 1931 or 1932, at the age of 24, he was formally initiated into the sannyasa order by Swami Brahmananda Saraswati near Durga Kund in Varanasi, receiving the monastic name Swami Hariharananda Saraswati.[3] In 1932, he debated Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya on the topic of "Pranava" (ॐ). According to traditional accounts, Malaviya conceded the debate.[5]

Religious activism and political career[edit | edit source]

On the festival of Vijayadashami in 1940, Karpatri established the Dharm Sangh. He traveled across India to establish various branches of the organization. Its primary slogan was:

Dharma ki Jaya Ho

Victory to Dharma!

Adharma ka Nash Ho

May Adharma Perish! [6]

Under Karpatri's leadership, the Dharm Sangh assisted victims of the 1946 Noakhali riots by providing land, food, and financial aid.[7][citation needed] He also participated in the reconversion of Hindus who had been forcefully converted to Islam, initiating them using the Rama-Nama mantra.[8][9]

On 28 April 1947, Swami Karpatri and his many followers were arrested while protesting in front of the Council House in New Delhi. The following day, an Additional District Magistrate sentenced him to one month of imprisonment. On 1 May 1947, he was transferred from Delhi District Jail to Lahore District Jail by train forcefully, contrary to his religious practice of avoiding train travel. During this period, his followers conducted non-violent satyagraha protests outside the residences of Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, interim government offices, and the Viceroy's residence. They presented a charter of five primary demands:

  1. An immediate ban on cattle slaughter in India, beginning in Mathura.
  2. Maintenance of the territorial integrity of India, opposing the partition and provincial grouping plans.
  3. The repeal of proposed and enacted legislation perceived as interfering in Hindu religious, social, and personal laws.
  4. Protection of traditional, scriptural practices of Idolatry and religious institutions.
  5. Representation of traditionalist (Sanatani) Hindus in the Constituent Assembly of India, with governance laws based on traditional shastric principles framed in consultation with orthodox scholars.[10][11]

Karpatri was detained in Delhi and Lahore for protests opposing partition (April–May 1947); arrested repeatedly in Delhi during anti-cow slaughter and religious autonomy protests (July 1947); and imprisoned in Mathura and Agra during the anti-cow slaughter campaign (August–November 1947).[7] He was again detained in Varanasi (Kashi) under breach of peace charges from February to July 1948.

In 1948, Karpatri founded the Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad (RRP),[12] a traditionalist Hindu political party headquartered in Jaipur.[13] On 18 April 1948, he founded the newspaper Sanmarg, which promoted traditional Sanatana Dharma, opposed the Hindu Code Bill, and advocated against cow slaughter.[14] The RRP subsequently won three Lok Sabha seats in the 1952 Lok Sabha elections[15] and two seats in 1962.[16]

He led campaigns against the passage of the Hindu Code Bill. In correspondence with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he described the bill as a "constitutional outrage" and threatened non-violent direct action if it was not withdrawn.[17] He was jailed in Delhi during the Jammu and Kashmir agitation in January 1953. In the mid-1950s, he established the Sumerpeetha (or Sumermath) in Varanasi, asserting it was one of the original monastic seats founded by Adi Shankara.[18] He was imprisoned in Varanasi during protests concerning traditions at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple following the Uttar Pradesh Removal of Social Disabilities Act in February 1955 and December 1956.

Karpatri advocated for strict adherence to traditional Hindu laws and the Shastras. Among his followers, he was popularly known as "Dharmasamrat"[19] (Emperor of Dharma). In 1964, Karpatri participated in a public debate between traditional Sanatani scholars and members of the Arya Samaj, engaging directly with Arya Samaj scholar Yudhisthir Mimansak.[20] In 1965, he engaged in a two-day debate with Vidyamanya Tirtha, a monk of the Madhva Sampradaya who had challenged scholars to defend the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta.[21] According to accounts from Karpatri's followers, he successfully defended the Advaita position using logical interpretations of Vedanta, and was considered the victor after Vidyamanya Tirtha allegedly deviated from his own tradition's philosophical framework during the exchange.[22]

Karpatri was a prominent figure in the 1966 anti-cow slaughter agitation.[23][24] As a result of his participation, he was jailed in Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi between November 1966 and January 1967.[10][11]

Later life, death and legacy[edit | edit source]

Statue of Swami Karpatri in a temple.

Karpatri remained a disciple of Brahmananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math.[25] He spent the majority of his later life in Varanasi. Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati, the 145th Shankaracharya of the Govardhan Peeth in Puri, Odisha, is one of Karpatri's prominent disciples.[26] He also initiated the French historian Alain Daniélou into Shaivite Hinduism, giving him the monastic name Shiv Sharan.[27]

Rajnath Singh releasing the commemorative postage stamp on Swami Karpatri, in New Delhi on June 29, 2022

He was honoured with the degree of D.Litt in 1978 by Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya. A Commemorative Postage Stamp of 500 paise was also issued in his name by India Post.[28][4]

Karpatri died on 7 February 1982 (Magha Shukla Chaturdashi) at Kedar Ghat in Varanasi.[29][30] According to ashram accounts, he spent his final moments listening to the "Ayodhya Tyaga" episode of the Ramayana, recited the Sri Sukta, and passed away with an idol of Krishna on his chest while chanting the name of Shiva.[7][citation needed] His body was subsequently given a traditional water burial in the Ganges near the ghat.[30]

According to his disciple, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati (the Shankaracharya of Puri), Karpatri took samadhi in 1982 due to unbearable chronic pain resulting from a long-standing eye injury. Nischalananda stated that the injury was inflicted during the 1966 anti-cow slaughter protests under the Indira Gandhi administration, when assailants struck Karpatri with an iron rod despite fellow ascetics attempting to shield him.[31][32]

Selected works[edit | edit source]

  • Marxwad Aur Ramrajya: A critique of modern ideologies, including Marxism, socialism, utilitarianism, liberalism, progressivism, and feminism.[33][34]
  • Vichar Piyush: A summary of Karpatri's philosophical thoughts.[35]
  • Bhakti Sudha: An anthology of articles on the importance of Bhakti.[36]
  • Bhagwat Sudha: An explanation of the Bhagavata Purana.[37]
  • Sri Radha Sudha: A compilation of his discourses on the Radha Sudha Nidhi.[38]
  • Bhakti Rasarnava: A treatise on Bhakti.[39]
  • Pibata Bhagvata Rasamalaya: A book discussing the concept of Rasa in the Bhagavata Purana.[40]
  • Kaal Mimansa: A work analyzing chronology in the context of Puranic and Hindu epic literature.[41]
  • Kya Sambhog se Samadhi: A philosophical rebuttal to Rajneesh's (Osho) interpretation of Samadhi.[42]
  • Capitalism, Socialism and Ramrajya: A critique of Rajneesh's views on capitalism and socialism.[43]
  • Ramayana Mimansa: An analysis of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.[44]
  • Ved Ka Swaroop Aur Pramanya: A text on the epistemological significance and structure of the Vedas.[45]
  • Veda Pramanya Mimansa: A work asserting the epistemological authority of the Vedas.[46]
  • VedaSwarupVimarsh: A text defining the nature of the Vedas, featuring critiques of social reformers such as Dayananda Saraswati.[47]
  • Samanvaya Samrajya Samrakshanam: A work focused on the philosophical reconciliation of various Hindu schools of thought.[48]
  • Ahamartha aur Parmartha Sara: A commentary on Patanjali's Paramarthasara, which includes a critique of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy.[49]
  • Nastika-Astika Vaad: A philosophical defense of Astika (orthodox) schools against Nastika (heterodox) arguments.[50]
  • Videsh Yatra Shastriya Paksha: An examination of Hindu scriptural views on foreign travel.[51]
  • Sankirtan Mimansa evam Varnashrama Dharma: A text on the practice of sankirtan and the maintenance of the varnashrama system.[52]
  • Rss aur Hindu Dharma: A structural critique of the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from a traditionalist perspective.[53]
  • Gau - Ek Samagra Chintan: A book on the significance of the cow in Hinduism.[54]
  • Vedartha Parijata: A commentary discussing the philosophical essence of the Vedas.[55]
  • Kumbha Tithyadi Nirnaya: An astrological treatise determining the dates (tithis) for the Kumbh Mela.[56]
  • Yajurveda Commentary: An eight-part commentary (bhashya) on the Shukla Yajurveda.[57]

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • Lutgendorf, Philip (1991). The Life of a Text: Performing the Rāmcaritmānas of Tulsidas. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-06690-8.
  • Swami, Vedanti (1999). Sri Karpatri Ji Sankshipt Jeevani [Summarised Biography of Swami Karpatri] (in हिन्दी).

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Swami 1999, p. 1.
  2. ↑ Swami 1999, p. 2.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Kumar, Pramod (30 April 2019). "Swami Karpatri Ji: The forgotten Dharma SamarAt". Pragyata. Archived from the original on 17 January 2021.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Karpatri Maharaj Death Anniversary : सनातन के पोषक और गोरक्षक थे स्वामी करपात्री महाराज, प्रतापगढ़ से जुड़ी हैं खास यादें - swami karpatri maharaj devotion sanatan dharma and cow protection till end of live". Jagran (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 31 January 2026. Retrieved 8 September 2026.
  5. ↑ Vedanti Swami Ji. "Sri Karpatri Ji Sankshipt Jeevani Vedanti Swami Ji" (in हिन्दी). Shri Dharmasangh Prakashan.
  6. ↑ "करपात्री महाराज ने दिया धर्म की जय, अधर्म के नाश का मंत्र". Archived from the original on 14 September 2021.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Sri Karpatri Ji Sankshipt Jeevani Vedanti Swami Ji".
  8. ↑ Ramesh Kutticad. Abhinav Shankar Smriti Granth Swami Karpatriji Maharaj Poor Scan Vol 1.
  9. ↑ "Swami Karpatri Ji: The forgotten Dharma SamarAt". 30 April 2019. Archived from the original on 17 January 2021.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "New Protests by Hindus Scheduled". The Windson Daily Star. 24 May 1947. p. 9.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 कुमारी, सुचेता (1992). धर्मदर्शन में स्वामी करपात्री जी के योगदानों का आलोचनात्मक अध्ययन (in हिन्दी). Prayagraj: दर्शनशास्त्र विभाग इलाहाबाद विश्वविद्यालय. pp. 9–10.
  12. ↑ "Akhil Bhartiya Ramrajya Parishad - Contribution Reports Year 2009-10 - Election Commission of India". Archived from the original on 13 September 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
  13. ↑ "SATYAGRAHA AGAINST HINDU CODE BILL". The Indian Express. 7 February 1950. p. 7. Archived from the original on 9 October 2026.
  14. ↑ Mahila Patrakarita (in Hindi). Prabhat Prakashan. 2012. p. 73. ISBN 9789350481189. Archived from the original on 14 September 2021. Retrieved 14 December 2016.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  15. ↑ "MEMBERS OF FIRST LOK SABHA (Ram Rajya Parishad)". Indian Parliament. Archived from the original on 16 December 2005.
  16. ↑ "Biographical sketches of Third Lok Sabha". National Informatics Centre, Government of India. Archived from the original on 19 May 2006. Retrieved 14 August 2006.
  17. ↑ "OPPOSITION TO HINDU CODE BILL". The Indian Express. 17 December 1949. p. 4.
  18. ↑ "Unholy war over abbey in Varanasi". Indian Express Sunday Magazine. 4 October 1992. p. 3.
  19. ↑ @govardhanmath (10 August 2021). "#गौ_रक्षा_दिवससर्वभूतहृदय धर्मसम्राट स्वामी श्रीकरपात्रीजी की अद्भुत देन" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  20. ↑ Vedanti Swami Ji. "Sri Karpatri Ji Sankshipt Jeevani Vedanti Swami Ji" (in हिन्दी). Shri Dharmasangh Prakashan.
  21. ↑ Vedanti Swami Ji. "Sri Karpatri Ji Sankshipt Jeevani Vedanti Swami Ji" (in हिन्दी). Shri Dharmasangh Prakashan.
  22. ↑ "Swami Karpatri vs Swami Vidyamanyatirtha 1965" (in हिन्दी). Internet Archive.
  23. ↑ Irfan Ahmad, Pralay Kanungo (24 December 2018). The Algebra of Warfare-Welfare: A Long View of India's 2014 Election. Oxford University Press. p. 103. ISBN 9780199097531.
  24. ↑ "Fact Check: 1966 incident of police firing on sadhus goes viral with exaggerated claims". India Today. 6 December 2021. Archived from the original on 6 December 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2026.
  25. ↑ Rama, Swami (1999) Himalayan Institute, Living With the Himalayan Masters, page 247
  26. ↑ @govardhanmath (4 August 2019). "Dharma Samrat Swami Karpatri Ji Jayanti.Puri Shankaracharya ji's Pravachan on his Guru Maharaj's 112th Jayanti.ध…" (Tweet). Retrieved 23 July 2020 – via Twitter.
  27. ↑ Swami Karpatri The Linga and the great goddess Indica bolls, ISBN 818656988X
  28. ↑ Karapatri Maharaj (PDF). India Posts.
  29. ↑ "गोवंश रक्षक धर्मसम्राट स्वामी करपात्रीजी महाराज !". हिन्दू जनजागृति समिति. Archived from the original on 10 August 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2026.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Dharm Samrat Swami Shri Karpatri Ji Maharaj". dharmsangh.org.in. Retrieved 1 September 2026.
  31. ↑ Govardhan Math, Puri (23 October 2025). धर्म और गौवंश के प्रति धर्मसम्राट् स्वामी श्री करपात्री जी महाराज की निष्ठा।. Archived from the original on 5 December 2025. Retrieved 1 September 2026 – via YouTube.
  32. ↑ Kumar, Pramod (30 April 2019). "Swami Karpatri Ji: The forgotten Dharma SamarAt". Archived from the original on 17 January 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2026.
  33. ↑ "मार्क्सवाद और रामराज्य markswad or ramrajya".
  34. ↑ "मार्क्सवाद और रामराज्य (Marksvad Aur Ramrajya)". Archived from the original on 8 April 2021.
  35. ↑ "Vichar Piyush ( 305to 308 512to 519miss)". 5 April 2018.
  36. ↑ "Bhakti Sudha - Sri Karpatri Swami".
  37. ↑ "Bhagavata Sudha - Sri Karpatri Swami" – via Internet Archive.
  38. ↑ "Radha Sudha - Sri Karpatri Swami".
  39. ↑ "Bhaktirasarnava - Sri Karpatri Swami".
  40. ↑ "Pibata Bhagavata Rasamalaya Karapatriji Maharaj" – via Internet Archive.
  41. ↑ "Kala Mimansa - Sri Karpatri Swami" – via Internet Archive.
  42. ↑ "Kya Sambhog Se Samadhi - Swami Karpatri" – via Internet Archive.
  43. ↑ "1960 Around -Punjivad Samajvad Aur Ramrajya". 1960.
  44. ↑ "Ramayan Mimansa - Sri Karpatri Swami" – via Internet Archive.
  45. ↑ "Ved Ka Swaroop Aur Pramanya Part 1 Shri Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj".
  46. ↑ "Veda Pramanya Mimansa - Sri Karpatri Swami".
  47. ↑ "Veda Swaroop Vimarsha - Sri Karpatri Swami" – via Internet Archive.
  48. ↑ "Samanvaya Samrajya Samrakshanam - Sri Karpatri Swami".
  49. ↑ "Ahamartha Aur Paramartha Sara - Sri Karpatri Swami".
  50. ↑ "Nastika Astika Vada - Sri Karpatri Swami".
  51. ↑ "Videsh yatra - karpatri ji विदेश यात्रा (करपात्री जी महाराज )".
  52. ↑ "Sankirtana Mimansa Evam Varnashrama Maryada - Sri Karpatri Swami".
  53. ↑ "Rss और हिन्दू धर्म स्वामी करपात्री जी" – via Internet Archive.
  54. ↑ "Gau - Ek Samagra Chintan - Sri Karpatri Swami" – via Internet Archive.
  55. ↑ "Vedartha Parijata - Sri Karpatri Swami (Total 23 Files)".
  56. ↑ "Kumbha Tithyadi Nirnaya - Sri Karpatri Swami".
  57. ↑ "Yajurveda Bhashya 08 - Sri Karpatri Swami" – via Internet Archive.
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