Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj: A Life of Spiritual Wisdom

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was a renowned spiritual leader of India, revered for his knowledge of Sanskrit scriptures and his teachings on devotion and love for God. In his first discourse before the Kashi Vidvat Parishat, he amazed scholars by speaking four different kinds of Sanskrit. He went on to deliver several discourses, revealing the true philosophy of love and God-realization through bhakti or devotion. This article delves into the life history of this spiritual leader and his contributions to the world of spirituality.

KASHI 1957

On 7 January 1957, as requested, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj commenced his first discourse addressing Kashi Vidvat Parishat, the assembly of 500 Vedic scholars in Sanskrit, but simple Sanskrit. Some of those scholars started thinking, “Well, he’s speaking Sanskrit, but it is very simple Sanskrit isn’t it?” After about twenty minutes, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj began to play with his audience. First, he started speaking in classical Sanskrit. Now those doubting scholars started to think, “Yes, that’s better.” After about one hour of speaking like this, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj continued in Sahitya Sanskrit or a poetical form of Sanskrit, similar to a bhasya or commentary of the Bhagavatam Nearing the end of his discourse, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj then spoke in Vedic Sanskrit, which was completely beyond the understanding of some of those Scholars. In order to understand Vedic Sanskrit, one must be well-versed in Vedic grammar. Only then can he understand Vedic words. In this way, in his first discourse before such an esteemed gathering, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj delivered a discourse speaking four different kinds of Sanskrit: simple, classical, poetic, and Vedic. The scholars of Kashi were amazed. 

During that first Sanskrit discourse, as per protocol, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj NAMED THE SCRIPTURES THAT HE WAS GOING TO REFER TO. HE REFERENCED THE FOUR VEDAS AND THEIR BRANCHES, UPAVEDAS, SMRITI GRANTHAS OF WHICH THERE ARE THIRTY OR FORTY STILL AVAILABLE, ALL THE PURANAS, ALL THE SHASTRAS, AND MANY OTHER SCRIPTURES, AND THE UPANISHADS. HE STATED THAT FROM ALL OF THESE SCRIPTURES HE WOULD PRESENT, WITH REFERENCES, THE TRUE PHILOSOPHY OF LOVE AND GOD-REALISATION THROUGH BHAKTI OR DEVOTION.

When those scholars returned home that night, their hearts were full of admiration and respect for Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. Nevertheless, some still harboured a doubt. Such a youthful personality will speak on that many scriptures, which no one in one lifetime could ever learn? It’s impossible!

Before Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was scheduled to commence his second discourse, even the great aged pundits of Kashi, who because of their pride of being so learned never attended anyone’s discourse, they too had come to listen to Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. Many of them arrived much earlier to ensure a seat up the front, so they could listen more closely and see more clearly. In this way, on the second day of discourses-8 January 1957- the hall was fully packed. 

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj began his discourse quoting from the Vedas and established his purba paksh or question. There is system called purba paksh and uttar paksh: the question component and the answer component. A speaker first frames his question and then goes about delivering the answer. Using this as the basis for his line of reasoning, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj started to unravel the perdurable contradictory verses within Vedic scripture. He revealed, “These are the variances of the Vedas, but they only appear to be so. In truth, all is in harmony.” So how does one reconcile this? Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj would then explain the following day. Shri Maharaj li demonstrated. That one must know the true sense of each word and what they actually mean in scripture and explain that there are in fact many such words in the scriptures if taken literally, can cause confusion, but if one knows the true meaning of the word in the given context there will not be any confusion.

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj spoke for several consecutive days. At one point, he took up the Bhagavat Gita, and showed how all the darshan shastras (the six schools of philosophy, Samkhya, Yoga, Nyayo, Vaisheshika, Mimansa and Vedanta) are revealed in the Gita. In this way, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj presented purba paksha and later uttar paksha to reveal the Bhagavata Gita, then the Puranas followed by the Shrimad Bhagavatam.

Conclusion:

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj’s life was marked by his deep spiritual wisdom and devotion to God. He spent his life spreading the message of love and devotion through his discourses and teachings. His vast knowledge of Sanskrit scriptures and his ability to explain complex philosophical concepts in simple terms made him a beloved spiritual guide to millions. His teachings continue to inspire people across the world to live a life of devotion and love for God.