Why Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj is Revered as the Fifth Original Jagadguru

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj has been endowed with a position in which he distinguished himself amidst the vastness of lineages of spiritual luminaries from India. The most prestigious assembly of scholars, Kashi Vidvat Parishad, acknowledges him as the fifth Jagadguru, being respected for his unmatched mastery over scriptures and equally deep instruction on Bhakti. 

Who is known as Jagadguru?

The word 'Jagadguru' is very old. In the Mahabharata, Arjuna called Shri Krishna 'Jagadguru' -'krishnam vande jagadgurum'. Shri Krishna Himself is the foremost original 'Spiritual Master of the World. In the age of Kali-Yuga, 5 ORIGINAL Jagadgurus have been appointed.

Each saint has defined the Vedic scriptures and the paths to attaining the divine as per their unique understandings. However, in 1957, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was awarded as the fifth original Jagadguru because he was capable of bringing all philosophical schools into harmony and thereby giving a universal message of devotion and divine love.

Why is He Recognized as the Fifth Jagadguru?

1. Unparalleled Scriptural Mastery

At the very young age of 35, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj delivered deep insights in favor of Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Puranas before highly learned scholars of Kashi. His command over Sanskrit was so effortless and on the other hand, made it requisite for getting Jagadguru from Kashi Vidvat Parishad, bestowed upon him such recognition that had not been given for centuries.

2. The Title of "Jagadguruttam"

He was also honored with the title "Jagadguruttam": "supreme Jagadguru" that was because he not only reiterated the teachings of the earlier Jagadgurus but also compiled them into a transcendental, comprehensive spiritual way according to selfless devotion.

3. Emphasis on Divine Love and Bhakti

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was centered more on Bhakti than his predecessors, who had made philosophical debates their primary emphasis. His unique teachings were all about devotion to Radha-Krishna with selfless surrender. He said true happiness is found in giving oneself to God without material desires.

4. Simple Yet Profound Teachings

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj taught easy and widely understood teachings, even when he had learned all the scriptures. The kirtans, bhajans, and discourses made deep spiritual truths as applicable to the hearts of learned scholars as one would see for laymen.

5. Establishing Divine Institutions

To propagate his teachings, he created Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP), which is currently serving mankind through avenues of spiritual education, devotional programs, and welfare work. His mission made sure that the message of divine love and selfless devotion could be heard in the ears of people from all over the globe.

Conclusion:

Recognition of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj as the fifth original Jagadguru has in it a high degree of learning brought into a unification of different spiritual traditions and emphasized Bhakti Yoga. In this current era, his teachings are inspiring and guiding millions of followers along the path leading to love, devotion, and divine realization.