Kripalu Maharaj

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Jagadguru Shrī

Kripāluji Maharaj

Jī Mahārāj
Kripalu
Kripālu Ji Maharaj giving lecture
TitleJagadguru
Personal
Born
Rām Kripālu Tripathī

(1922-10-05)5 October 1922[1][2]
Mangarh, Pratapgarh
Died15 November 2013(2013-11-15) (aged 91)[1][2]
New Delhi, Delhi, India
ReligionHinduism
NationalityIndian
Home townMangarh, Pratapgarh
LineageBhakti yoga
Notable work(s)Prem Ras Sidhhant, Prem Ras Madira, Shyama Shyam Geet, Radha Govind Geet, Braj Ras Madhuri Part 1-4, Yugal Shatak, Yugal Ras, Yugal Madhuri, Bhakti Shatak, Radha Trayodashi, Kripalu Trayodashi
TemplePrem Mandir, Vrindavan; Bhakti Mandir Mangarh, Pratapgarh
Religious career
Based inMangarh, Pratapgarh
Period in office1957–2013
PostGuru, Samanvaya-Acharya
Websitejkp.org.in
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Kripaluji Maharaj (IAST: Kṛpālu) (5 October 1922 – 15 November 2013)[3] was a Hindu spiritual leader [4] from Allahabad (Prayag), India.[5][6][7]

He was the founder of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP), a worldwide Hindu non-profit organization with five main ashrams;[8] four in India and one in the United States.[9] JKP Radha Madhav Dham is one of the largest Hindu Temple complexes in the Western Hemisphere,[10] and the largest in North America.[11][12][13]

He was awarded the title of Jagadguru (world teacher) at the age of 34 by Kashi Vidvat Parishat (the oldest and most recognised body of Varanasi's intellectuals) on Makar Sankranti day, 14 January 1957.[5][14][15]

Honorifics[edit]

Early life[edit]

Kripāluji Maharaj was born on Sharad Purnima, the full moon on the month of Sharad (5 October 1922),[1][2] as Rām Kripālu Tripathī in Mangarh district Pratapgarh, near Allahabad, in India.[7][14] He received his preliminary education in Hindi and Sanskrit in the local school. He went on to study advanced Sanskrit and Ayurved in Ashtang Ayurved College, Lokmanya Nagar, Indore and Varanasi and spent a year or more around Chitrakoot.[5] After completing his formal education, at the age of 16, he entered into self-imposed vanvas.[5] He found his way to Vrindavan and the next year he emerged as a Guru,[14] known affectionately as Shri Maharaj Ji.[14] When he was 17 years old, he led a 6-month continuous chanting of the "Maha Mantra".[14]

Jagadguru[edit]

Receiving the title of Jagadguru from the scholars of Kashi Vidvat Parishad (false colour)

In 1955 Kripalu organized a religious convention for prominent spiritual leaders[16] in India.[17] Mahamahopadhyay Giridhar Sharma, President of the Kashi Vidvat Parishat had also come and was impressed by Kripalu's scriptural knowledge.[17][18] Kripalu was invited to give discourse at the Kashi Vidvat Parishat in 1957.[17][19]

The congregation had scholars from Varanasi and other parts of India.[17] His speeches lasted for seven days, after which he was formally installed as the fifth Jagadguru ("world teacher").[17][20] He was 34 years old when given the title on 14 January 1957,[15] by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat, a group of Hindu scholars.[14][20][21] The Kashi Vidvat Parishat also conferred on him the titles Bhaktiyog-Ras-Avtar and Jagadguruttam.[22]

Shri Kripalu Ji was given the title of Jagadguru in 1957,[23] prior to him there were four original Jagadgurus i.e. Śrīpāda Śaṅkarācārya (A.D. 788-820), Śrīpāda Rāmānujācārya (1017-1137), Śrī Nimbārkācārya and, Śrīpāda Madhvācārya (1239-1319),[5][15] he was known as the "fifth original Jagadguru". He was also awarded, by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat, the title Samanvaya-Acharya, i.e., He analyses and reconciles the meaning of all the scriptures, the six philosophies and the (seemingly contradictory) teachings of other previous Jagadgurus.[24] After being awarded Jagadguruttam (the foremost among Jagadgurus), he spent most of the initial years in Agra. Prem Ras Sidhhant and Prem Ras Madira were also written during that phase of His life, which extends from late 1950s to 1970s.

Teachings[edit]

According to Kripalu, "the desired goal of the soul is to attain the selfless Divine love of Radha Krishna who are eternally related to you".[17] He taught that Radha Krishna are the supreme 'form' of God and the 'form' of Divine Love and are eternally related to us.[14]

TV discourses[edit]

Kripalu's discourses are broadcast daily on several religious TV channels, including DD India, Aastha TV, Sadhna TV, IBN 7, News24 and Sanskar TV.[25][26][27] In the United States, his discourses are also broadcast everyday on TV Asia.[28] In his TV discourses, Kripalu quotes the chapter and verse of almost everything he cites from the scriptures.[29]

YouTube channel[edit]

Two of his longest lecture series are available on the official YouTube channel, JKP Vedic:[30]

  • Brahm Jeev Maya Tattva Gyan[31]
  • Main Kaun Mera Kaun[32]

Ashrams and temples[edit]

Kripalu was the founder and preceptor of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP), a worldwide Hindu non-profit religious organization with four main ashrams in India, (Rangeeli Mahal, Barsana; Bhakti Dham, Mangarh; Shyama Shyam Dham, Vrindavan and Jagadguru Dham, Vrindavan) and one in the USA (Radha Madhav Dham, Austin).[8] Besides these 5 main ashrams, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat has established a number of teacher centres in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Fiji Island, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Nepal, Ireland, Scotland, Singapore, Trinidad, West Indies, United Kingdom and in many cities throughout India and USA.[33] The organization also publishes a Hindi magazine, Sadhan Sadhya, three times a year,[34] as well as a monthly newsletter.[35]

He also established three temples.[36] – Shri Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple, Austin;[9] Bhakti Mandir, Mangarh; Prem Mandir, Vrindavan[37][38]

Prem Mandir[edit]

Further information: Prem Mandir, Vrindavan

Prem Mandir is a religious and spiritual complex in Vrindavan. Construction of Prem Mandir began in January 2001 and the inauguration ceremony took place from 15 to 17 February 2012. The temple was opened to public on 17 February 2012. The cost was 150 crore rupees ($23 million).[39] 30,000 tons of Italian marble, carved with specialized KUKA robotic machines, have been used in the construction. The presiding deity are Shri Radha Govind (Radha Krishna) and Shri Sita Ram.[40] A 73,000 square feet, pillar-less, dome shaped satsang hall is being constructed next to Prem Mandir, which will accommodate 25,000 people at a time.[38]

Ashrams
Prem Mandir, Vrindavan
File:BhaktiMandir.jpg
Bhakti Mandir, Mangarh
Bhakti Bhawan, Mangarh

Philanthropic activities[edit]

Kripalu established three free hospitals.[5][41][42][43] The Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya, Mangarh, the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya (Barsana), and the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya (Vrindavan) are serving rural populations of 1,000,000 within their catchment radius of 80–100 km each and each treating 600 – 700 patients daily. The expenses are all borne by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat.[44] A secular educational Institution is being financed and run by Kripalu's educational trust, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education (JKP Education), which provides underprivileged women and girls free education up to post graduation level.[45] JKP Education runs three colleges for girls in Kunda, Uttar Pradesh (Kripalu Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Kripalu Balika Primary School and Kripalu Balika Intermediate College).[46][47] Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat also donates money for disaster relief,[45][48] including Rs. 10 lacs for the aid of Bhuj earthquake victims in 2001, Rs. 25 Lacs for tsunami victims in 2004 and again Rs. 2 Crore for Bihar flood victims in 2008.[45] In May 2013, Kripalu donated Rs.1 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief fund for the victims of the Uttarakhand floods.[49] In 2013, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education president Vishakha Tripathi received the Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award,[50] the Mother Teresa Excellence Award[51] and the Nari Shakti Award[51][52] for work providing free education to 5000 girls and women in rural India.[51]

Bibliography[edit]

Philosophical books[edit]

  • Prem Rasa Siddhant (ISBN 978-93-80661-35-3) — The philosophy of Divine love.[53][54] It was first published (in Hindi) in 1955.[17] Later, it was published is several other languages of India. It has been described as an "incredible book" by Swami Sivananda among others.
  • Bhakti Shatak (ISBN 978-93-80661-26-1) — The concise philosophy of the Upaniṣats, Gītā, Brahma sūtras and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam in an easy to understand style.[14][55]
  • Radha Govind Geet (ISBN 978-81-90966-16-0) — Printed in two volumes, with eleven thousand one hundred and eleven couplets of Radha Krishna leelas and the devotional philosophy.[56]
  • Ras Panchadhyayi (ISBN 978-93-80661-15-5) — Represents a series of discourses given on the esoteric of subject of Raas Leela.[57]

Kirtans[edit]

Renditions[edit]

Renditions of Kripalu's bhajans and kirtans have been recorded by singers such as Manna Dey[63] and Anuradha Paudwal.[64] Anup Jalota,[65] Suresh Wadkar, Kavita Krishnamurthy have also agreed to release several CDs of his compositions.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "JKYOG Magazine" (PDF). JKYOG.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Radha Madhav Society, US". RMS, US. Radha Madhav Society.
  3. ↑ "Spiritual Guru Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj passes away". Zee News. 15 November 2013. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  4. ↑ "Hindu Spiritual Leader". Retrieved 8 August 2008.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Singh, Khushwant (28 January 2007). "Varanasi seer's memory is phenomenal". The Tribune. Tribune India. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
  6. ↑ Ex-Nepalese King Gyanendra meets Indian Spiritual guru. 2 October 2008. Asian News International.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Maharaj Ji Kripalu". Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Walker, J.K. 2007. The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality. Harvest House Publishers.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Radha Madhav Dham. The Harvard Pluralism Project.
  10. ↑ Vedic Foundation Inaugurated at Barsana Dham, Austin Archived 18 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  11. ↑ Ciment, J. 2001. Encyclopedia of American Immigration. Michigan: M.E. Sharpe
  12. ↑ Hylton, H. & Rosie, C. 2006. Insiders' Guide to Austin. Globe Pequot Press.
  13. ↑ Mugno, M. & Rafferty, R.R. 1998. Texas Monthly Guidebook to Texas. Gulf Pub. Co.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 14.7 Melton, J. Gordon (2003). The Encyclopedia of American Religions. Gale. ISBN 978-0-7876-9696-2.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "जगद्गुरु कृपालु के जयकारों से गूंजा वृंदावन". jagran. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
  16. ↑ "Spiritual Leader". Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 17.7 Saraswati, Prakashanand (2007). The True History and Religion Of India: A Concise Encyclopedia of Authentic Hinduism (First ed.). New Delhi: Macmillan Publishers. ISBN 978-0230630659. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  18. ↑ "A Wisdom Archive on Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj". Archived from the original on 18 October 2012. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  19. ↑ "Kripalu Maharaj". Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Singh, Khushwant (29 January 2007). "Without people or drink". Opinion. The Telegraph. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  21. ↑ The Meaning of Makar Sankranti and Jagadguru Divas Archived 16 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine. 14 January 2011. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
  22. ↑ Pandey, V.K. 2007. Encyclopaedia of Indian philosophy — Part 1. Delhi: Anmol Publications
  23. ↑ "Kirti Mandir in Barsana Opens in a Grand and Historical Opening Ceremony". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 11 February 2019. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  24. ↑ "Nikhildarshan-Samanvayacharya". jkpliterature. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  25. ↑ Csordas, Thomas J. (2009). Transnational Transcendence: Essays on Religion and Globalization (illustrated ed.). University of California Press. p. 287. ISBN 9780520257429. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
  26. ↑ TV Broadcast of Lectures by Shri Kripaluji Maharaj
  27. ↑ Teachings
  28. ↑ "Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj on TV Asia". Archived from the original on 2 September 2015. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
  29. ↑ Singh, Khushwant (4 March 2006). "Tricks memory plays". This Above All. Tribune India. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  30. ↑ "Online Resources". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  31. ↑ "Brahm Jeev Maya Tattva Gyan– Hindi Lecture Series". Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  32. ↑ "Main Kaun Mera Kaun – Hindi Lecture Series". Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  33. ↑ Regular Satsang Programs Archived 29 July 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  34. ↑ Sadhan Sadhya Archived 1 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  35. ↑ JKP Monthly Newsletter. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  36. ↑ JKP Ashrams Archived 26 February 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  37. ↑ Singhal, A. 25 February 2011. Foundation stone of Satsang Bhawan to be laid on in Prem Mandir. Indilive.com. Retrieved 15 December 2011. Archived 14 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Singhal, A. 1 March 2011. Foundation stone of renowned Satsang Bhawan laid by Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj. Indlive.com. Retrieved 15 December 2011. Archived 4 March 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  39. ↑ Kumar, M. 13 February 2012. [Kripaluji Maharaj's Prem Mandir will be inaugurated on 17 February "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 6 September 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)]. Aaj Ki Khabar
  40. ↑ Agratoday News Service. 1 July 2010. Dream Of “एक झोंपड़ी हो कृष्ण के बृज में” Now Becomes A Reality Archived 11 January 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2011.
  41. ↑ Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya Archived 22 December 2011 at the Wayback Machine. 25 July 2011. Aaj Ki Khabar. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  42. ↑ Free Cataract Workshop organized by Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya Mangarh, Kunda Archived 13 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine. 25 July 2011. Aaj Ki Khabar. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  43. ↑ "JKP Hospitals". Retrieved 16 December 2011.
  44. ↑ Singhal, A. 20 November 2010. "Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya, a hand for the poor". Indialive.com. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 Trust donates Rs one crore for Uttarakhand victims. 26 June 2013. Sahara Samay
  46. ↑ Sinha, L. 5 December 2011. Utthan 2011: Annual Function at Kripalu Mahila Mahavidyalaya. Pranam India. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
  47. ↑ Jagaduru Kripalu Parishat Education. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
  48. ↑ Contributions to PM's relief fund cross 200 crore mark. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
  49. ↑ Kripaluji donates Rs.1 crore for Uttarakhand victims. Wed 26 June 2013. IANS
  50. ↑ Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education gets Rajiv Gandhi Global Excellence Award. IANS. 23 May 2013
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 Trust honoured for educating the girl child Archived 23 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine. IANS. 2 September 2013
  52. ↑ Education trust of Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj honoured. IANS. 11 May 2013
  53. ↑ Prem Rasa Siddhant (ISBN 1-881921-08-5) lth 5 & 6, le "Kripaluji Maharaj".
  54. ↑ "The Literature Revealed by Kripaluji Maharaji". Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  55. ↑ "Bhakti Shatak". Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  56. ↑ "Radha Govind Geet". Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  57. ↑ "Raas Panchadhyayi". Retrieved 26 May 2016.
  58. ↑ "Prem Ras Madira". Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  59. ↑ "Braj Ras Madhuri I and II". Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  60. ↑ "Yugal Shatak". Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  61. ↑ "Yugal Ras". Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  62. ↑ "Shri Radha Trayodashi". Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  63. ↑ Kinnear, M. 1985. A discography of Hindustani and Karnatic music. Greenwood Press.
  64. ↑ Video Keertans by Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  65. ↑ Rang De with Anup Jalota at Radha Madhav Dham, Austin Archived 5 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine. 20 October 2011. Indo-American News. Retrieved 15 December 2011.

External links[edit]

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