Kripalu Maharaj

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj

Śrī Kṛpālu Ji Mahārāja

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj
In Devanagari जगद्गुरु श्री कृपालु जी महाराज
Religion Hinduism
Lineage Bhakti yoga
Temple Prem Mandir Vrindavan
Other names Kripalu Ji Maharaj, Ram Kripalu Tripathi, Paramahansa Ji, Shri Maharaj Ji
Personal
Nationality Indian
Home town Mangarh, Pratapgarh
Born Ram Kripalu Tripathi
(1922-10-05)5 October 1922[1][2]
Mangarh, Pratapgarh
Died 15 November 2013(2013-11-15) (aged 91)[1][2]
New Delhi, Delhi, India
Senior posting
Based in Mangarh, Pratapgarh
Title Jagadguruttam
Period in office 1957-2013
Religious career
Works Prem Ras Sidhhant, Prem Ras Madira
Post Guru, Samanvaya-Acharya
Website Official website of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj (Sanskrit: जगद्गुरु श्री कृपालु जी महाराज, IAST: Jagadguru Śrī Kṛpālu Ji Mahārāja) (5 October 1922 – 15 November 2013)[3] was a Hindu spiritual leader, poet[4] and Jagadguru from Allahabad (Prayag), India.[5][6][7]

He was the preceptor of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishad (JKP), a worldwide Hindu non-profit organization with 5 main ashrams;[8] four in India and one in the USA.[9][10] JKP Radha Madhav Dham is one of the largest Hindu Temple complexes in the Western Hemisphere,[9][11] and the largest in North America.[9][12][13][14]

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

Birth and early life history

Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was born on Sharad Purnima, the full moon on the month of Sharad (5 October 1922),[1][2] as Ram Kripalu Tripathi in Mangarh district Pratapgarh, near Allahabad, in India.[7][15] 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,[15] known affectionately as Shri Maharaj Ji.[15] When he was 17 years old, he led a 6-month continuous chanting of the "Maha Mantra".[15]

Jagadguru

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

The congregation had scholars from Varanasi and other parts of India.[16] His speeches lasted for seven days, after which he was formally installed as the fifth Jagadguru ("world teacher").[16][19] He was 34 years old when given the title on 14 January 1957, by the Kashi Vidvat Parishad, a group of Hindu scholars.[15][19][20] The Kashi Vidvat Parishad also conferred on him the titles Bhaktiyog-Ras-Avtar and Jagadguruttam.[21]

He is the fifth original Jagadguru in the series of Jagadgurus after Śrīpāda Śaṅkarācārya (A.D. 788-820), Śrīpāda Rāmānujācārya (1017-1137), Śrī Nimbārkācārya and, Śrīpāda Madhvācārya (1239-1319).[5] He was also awarded 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. 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.

According to Kripalu Ji Maharaj, "the desired goal of the soul is to attain the selfless Divine love of Radha Krishna who are eternally related to you".[16] He taught that Radha Krishna are the supreme 'form' of God and the 'form' of Divine Love and are eternally related to us.[15]

TV discourses

Kripalu Ji Maharaj's discourses are broadcast daily on several religious TV channels, including Aastha TV, Sadhna TV, IBN 7, News24 and Sanskar TV.[22][23][24] In the United States, his discourses are also broadcast everyday on TV Asia.[25] In his TV discourses, Kripalu Maharaj quotes the chapter and verse of almost everything he cites from the scriptures.[26]

YouTube channel

Two of his longest lecture series are available on the official YouTube channel, JKP Vedic:[27]

JKP Bhakti Bhavan & Bhakti Mandir Mandir, Mangarh, Pratapgarh

Ashrams and temples

Kripalu Ji Maharaj 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.[30] The organization also publishes a Hindi magazine, Sadhan Sadhya, three times a year,[31] as well as a monthly newsletter.[32]

He also established three temples.[33] - Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple, Austin;[10] Bhakti Mandir, Mangarh; Prem Mandir, Vrindavan[34][35]

JKP Bhakti Mandir, Mangarh, Pratapgarh
Sita Rama, Prem Mandir, Vrindavan, Mathura

Prem Mandir

For further information see: Prem Mandir Vrindavan
Prem Mandir, Vrindavan, Mathura
Krishna dancing on Kaliya giant snake, Prem Mandir, Vrindavan, Mathura

Prem Mandir is a religious and spiritual complex in Vrindavan. Construction of Prem Mandir began on January 2001 and the inauguration ceremony took place from 15 February to 17 February 2012. The temple was opened to public on 17 February 2012. The cost was 150 crore rupees ($23 million).[36] 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.[37] 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.[35]

Philanthropic Activities

Jagadguru Kripalu Free Treatment Hospital, Mangarh, Pratapgarh

Kripalu Ji Maharaj established three free hospitals.[5][38][39][40] The Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalay, Mangarh, the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalay (Barsana), and the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalay (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.[41] A secular educational Institution is being financed and run by Kripalu Maharaj's educational trust, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education (JKP Education), which provides underprivileged women and girls free education up to post graduation level.[42] JKP Education runs three colleges for girls in Kunda, Uttar Pradesh (Kripalu Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Kripalu Balika Primary School and Kripalu Balika Intermediate College).[43][44] Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat also donates money for disaster relief,[42][45] 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.[42] In May 2013, Kripalu Maharaj donated Rs.1 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief fund for the victims of the Uttarakhand floods.[46] In 2013, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education president Vishakha Tripathi received the Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award,[47] the Mother Teresa Excellence Award[48] and the Nari Shakti Award[48][49] for work providing free education to 5000 girls and women in rural India.[48]

Inside JKP Bhakti Bhavan, Mangarh, Pratapgarh

Bibliography

Philosophical Books

Kirtans

Renditions

Renditions of Shree Kripaluji's bhajans and kirtans have been recorded by singers such as Manna Dey[60] and Anuradha Paudwal.[61] Anup Jalota has also agreed to release several CDs of his compositions.[62]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "JKYOG Magazine" (PDF). JKYOG.
  2. 1 2 3 "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. ↑ Hutton, F. 2012.Rose Lore: Essays in Cultural History and Semiotics. Lexington
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 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. 02/10/2008. Asian News International.
  7. 1 2 "Maharaj Ji Kripalu". Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  8. 1 2 Walker, J.K. 2007. The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality. Harvest House Publishers.
  9. 1 2 3 Grigonis, Richard (8 November 2013). "13 of America's Most Fascinating Cathedrals and Houses of Worship". Newsmax Media. Newsmax. Retrieved 9 November 2013.
  10. 1 2 Radha Madhav Dham. The Harvard Plurism Project.
  11. ↑ Vedic Foundation Inaugurated at Barsana Dham, Austin. Retrieved 15 Dec 2011.
  12. ↑ Ciment, J. 2001. Encyclopedia of American Immigration. Michigan: M.E. Sharpe
  13. ↑ Hylton, H. & Rosie, C. 2006. Insiders' Guide to Austin. Globe Pequot Press.
  14. ↑ Mugno, M. & Rafferty, R.R. 1998. Texas Monthly Guidebook to Texas. Gulf Pub. Co.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Melton, J. Gordon (2003). The Encyclopedia of American Religions. Gale. ISBN 978-0-7876-9696-2.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Saraswati, Prakashanand (2007). The True History and Religion Of India: A Concise Encyclopedia of Authentic Hinduism (First ed.). New Delhi: Macmillan Publishers. ISBN 0230630650. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  17. ↑ "A Wisdom Archive on Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj". Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  18. ↑ "Kripalu Maharaj". Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  19. 1 2 Singh, Khushwant (29 January 2007). "Without people or drink". Opinion. The Telegraph. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  20. ↑ The Meaning of Makar Sankranti and Jagadguru Divas. 14 January 2011. Retrieved 16 Dec 2011.
  21. ↑ Pandey, V.K. 2007. Encyclopaedia of Indian philosophy — Part 1. Delhi: Anmol Publications
  22. ↑ Csordas, T. 2009. Transnational transcendence: essays on religion and globalization. University of California Press.
  23. ↑ TV Broadcast of Lectures by Shri Kripaluji Maharaj
  24. ↑ Teachings
  25. ↑ Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj on TV Asia
  26. ↑ Singh, Khushwant (4 March 2006). "Tricks memory plays". This Above All. Tribune India. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  27. ↑ "Online Resources". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  28. ↑ "Brahm Jeev Maya - Hindi Lecture Series". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  29. ↑ "Main Kaun Mera Kaun - Hindi Lecture Series". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  30. ↑ Regular Satsang Programs. Retrieved 15 Dec 2011.
  31. ↑ Sadhan Sadhya. Retrieved 19 Dec 2011.
  32. ↑ JKP Monthly Newsletter. Retrieved 19 Dec 2011.
  33. ↑ JKP Ashrams. Retrieved 27 Feb 2016.
  34. ↑ Singhal, A. 25 February 2011. Foundation stone of Satsang Bhawan to be laid on in Prem Mandir. Indilive.com. Retrieved 15 Dec 2011. Archived 14 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
  35. 1 2 Singhal, A. 1 Mar 2011. Foundation stone of renowned Satsang Bhawan laid by Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj. Indlive.com. Retrieved 15 Dec 2011. Archived 4 March 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
  36. ↑ Kumar, M. 13 February 2012. [Kripaluji Maharaj's Prem Mandir will be inaugurated on 17th February http://www.aajkikhabar.com/en/News/Region/Kripaluji-Maharaj-s-Prem-Mandir-will-be-inaugurated-on-17th-February/690284.html]. Aaj Ki Khabar
  37. ↑ Agratoday News Service. 1 July 2010. Dream Of “एक झोंपड़ी हो कृष्ण के बृज में” Now Becomes A Reality. Retrieved 28 Dec 2011.
  38. ↑ Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya. 25 Jul 2011. Aaj Ki Khabar. Retrieved 15 Dec 2011.
  39. ↑ Free Cataract Workshop organized by Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya Mangarh, Kunda. 25 Jul 2011. Aaj Ki Khabar. Retrieved 15 Dec 2011.
  40. ↑ JKP Hospitals. Retrieved 16 Dec 2011.
  41. ↑ Singhal, A. 20 Nov 2010. "Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya", a hand for the poor. Indialive.com. Retrieved 16 Dec 2011.
  42. 1 2 3 Trust donates Rs one crore for Uttarakhand victims. 26 Jun 2013. Sahara Samay
  43. ↑ Sinha, L. 5 Dec 2011. Utthan 2011: Annual Function at Kripalu Mahila Mahavidyalaya. Pranam India. Retrieved 16 Dec 2011.
  44. ↑ Jagaduru Kripalu Parishat Education. Retrieved 16 Dec 2011.
  45. ↑ Contributions to PM's relief fund cross 200 crore mark. Retrieved 16 Dec 2011.
  46. ↑ Kripaluji donates Rs.1 crore for Uttarakhand victims. Wed 26 Jun 2013. IANS
  47. ↑ Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education gets Rajiv Gandhi Global Excellence Award. IANS. 23 May 2013
  48. 1 2 3 Trust honoured for educating the girl child. IANS. 2 Sept. 2013
  49. ↑ Education trust of Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj honoured. IANS. 11 May 2013
  50. ↑ Prem Rasa Siddhant (ISBN 1-881921-08-5) lth 5 & 6, le "Kripaluji Maharaj".
  51. ↑ "The Literature Revealed by Kripaluji Maharaji". Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  52. ↑ "Bhakti Shatak". Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  53. ↑ "Radha Govind Geet". Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  54. ↑ "Prem Ras Madira". Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  55. ↑ "Braj Ras Madhuri I and II". Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  56. ↑ "Yugal Shatak". Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  57. ↑ "Yugal Ras". Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  58. ↑ "Shree Krishna Dwadashi". Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  59. ↑ "Shree Radha Trayodashi". Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  60. ↑ Kinnear, M. 1985. A discography of Hindustani and Karnatic music. Greenwood Press.
  61. ↑ Video Keertans by Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  62. ↑ Rang De with Anup Jalota at Radha Madhav Dham, Austin. 20 Oct 2011. Indo-American News. Retrieved 15 December 2011.

External links

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