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Sharad Purnima: Celebrating the Divine Appearance of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat
24 October 2026
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Sharad Purnima: Celebrating the Divine Appearance of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj

On the auspicious full moon night of Sharad Purnima in 1922, a divine personality appeared on this earth at midnight in the humble village of Mangarh, in the district of Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. Born into a highly respected Brahmin family, He was our beloved Spiritual Master, His Divine Excellency Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, lovingly known to His devotees as Shri Maharaj Ji.

Sharad Purnima holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, as it is traditionally associated with the divine Raas Leela of Shri Krishna, when He revealed the sublime depths of divine love to the Gopis. The appearance of Shri Maharaj Ji on this sacred occasion is especially meaningful to His devotees, for His life and teachings revealed the path of divine love and devotion to Shri Radha Krishna.

A Life Immersed in Divine Love and Wisdom

Shri Maharaj Ji received His early education in Mangarh and Kunda. At around the age of sixteen, He travelled to Mahu, near Indore in Madhya Pradesh, to pursue higher studies in Sanskrit. His exceptional intellectual abilities enabled Him to complete His studies in approximately two years.

After leaving college, Shri Maharaj Ji spent time in the forests near Sharbhang Ashram in Chitrakoot, deeply immersed in the divine love of Shri Radha Krishna. He graced deserving souls with Krishna-prema. He then proceeded to Vanshivat in Vrindavan. Some devotees who encountered Him requested Him to visit their town, and in this way He gradually came into contact with people from all walks of life.

His profound spiritual absorption and divine presence drew people towards Him. Satsang would arise spontaneously wherever He stayed, as people gathered to experience His grace and listen to His spiritual wisdom. Only those who witnessed these Satsangs could truly appreciate their divine charm, for their beauty was beyond the power of words to describe.

As increasing numbers of people were drawn to Him, Shri Maharaj Ji brought His ecstatic states under greater outward restraint so that He could dedicate Himself to propagating Krishna-bhakti and guiding souls towards divine love. His extraordinary knowledge of the scriptures, combined with His profound spiritual realisation, enabled Him to explain their deepest truths with remarkable clarity.

In 1955, Shri Maharaj Ji organised a grand spiritual conference in Chitrakoot, attended by eminent saints, scholars and leading spiritual preachers from Kashi and other parts of India. During this Sammelan, He delivered discourses of extraordinary depth, explaining the profound teachings of the Vedas, Shastras, Bhagavat, Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures. 

His ability to elucidate their essential meanings, resolve apparent contradictions and present their teachings with remarkable clarity left the learned audience astonished. His profound scriptural knowledge and spiritual wisdom soon brought His name to the attention of many of India’s most eminent religious scholars and preachers.

Impressed by His unparalleled knowledge, the learned Pandits of Varanasi invited Shri Maharaj Ji to visit their city and deliver discourses on the Indian scriptures. Varanasi had for centuries been regarded as one of India’s foremost centres of Sanskrit learning and scriptural wisdom, making this invitation especially significant.

In 1957, Shri Maharaj Ji travelled to Varanasi and delivered seven speeches before a distinguished assembly of learned Pandits. His extraordinary command of the scriptures and His remarkable ability to elucidate their profound meanings left the scholars deeply impressed and speechless. In recognition of His unparalleled scriptural knowledge and spiritual wisdom, He was conferred the title of Jagadguruttam on Makar Sankranti, 14 January 1957.

A Timeless Legacy of Divine Knowledge and Devotion

Shri Maharaj Ji’s contribution to spiritual knowledge, devotional literature and the practice of Bhakti is immeasurable. Through decades of discourses, He illuminated the teachings of the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita, making their profound wisdom accessible to people from all walks of life. His teachings consistently revealed the essential path of loving devotion to Shri Radha Krishna.

His literary contributions are equally remarkable. Shri Maharaj Ji composed thousands of devotional bhajans and kirtans that continue to inspire devotees and enrich devotional practice. Among His celebrated works are Prem Ras Siddhant, which explains the fundamental principles of divine love, and Prem Ras Madira, a magnificent collection of 1,000 devotional poems expressing the profound sweetness of divine love.

Through His teachings, discourses, writings and devotional compositions, Shri Maharaj Ji revealed the essence of the scriptures and showed countless souls the path of loving devotion to Shri Radha Krishna. His spiritual legacy continues to guide and inspire devotees in their pursuit of divine love.

Sharad Purnima: A Special Milestone in 2026

Every year, devotees gather at Shri Kripalu Dham in Mangarh around the auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima to participate in the Sharad Purnima Sadhana Shivir. Devotees from across India come together for Sadhana, Satsang, Sankirtan and spiritual contemplation, immersing themselves in the teachings and devotional practices revealed by their beloved Shri Maharaj Ji.

The year 2026 marks the 60th Sharad Purnima Sadhana Shivir, making this year’s observance a particularly special and memorable milestone. This significant occasion provides an opportunity for devotees to reflect with gratitude on Shri Maharaj Ji’s divine appearance and His immeasurable contribution to the spiritual upliftment of humanity.

As devotees gather for this landmark Sadhana Shivir, they renew their commitment to the path of Bhakti and seek to deepen their love for Shri Radha Krishna. The occasion is a reminder of the enduring power of Shri Maharaj Ji’s teachings and the grace through which He has guided countless souls towards spiritual understanding and divine love.

On this sacred Sharad Purnima, we offer our heartfelt gratitude and humble pranam at the divine lotus feet of our beloved Shri Maharaj Ji. May His teachings continue to illuminate our lives, strengthen our devotion and inspire us to follow the path of divine love with sincerity and dedication.

A brief introduction of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj*

(Known by His devotees as Shri Maharaj Ji)

The original title of Jagadguruttam (Greatest Spiritual Teacher of the World) was bestowed upon Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on January 14, 1957, by Kashi Vidvat Parishad (a council of 500 greatest scholars saints of India). He composed divine texts like Prem Ras Madira, Prem Ras Siddhant, and Radha Govind Geet to lead us on the right path of devotion. He also gave priceless monuments as gifts to the world which include Bhakti Mandir located in Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, Prem Mandir located in Vrindavan Dham, and Kirti Mandir located in Barsana Dham. Shri Maharaj Ji also built hospitals for the impoverished, the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Vrindavan, Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Barsana, and another one in Pratapgarh. All three help millions of underprivileged to gain free access to medical care. His Kindergarten, School, and College for impoverished girls Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education is located in Kunda and provides completely free education. To stay updated with all the news and events of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, visit www.jkp.org.in/jkpwhatsapp.