India, often revered as a land of profound spirituality, is the birthplace of revered figures such as Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. It remains a sanctuary for spiritual teachers, offering guidance and inspiration to countless individuals seeking a deeper connection with the divine.
The Jagadguru tradition
At the heart of this rich spiritual heritage is the esteemed Jagadguru tradition. This tradition is vital in offering guidance on the journey towards the divine and addressing spiritual questions with clarity, wisdom, and authority.
This esteemed lineage began with Adi Jagadguru Shankaracharya and continued through Jagadguru Ramanujacharya, Jagadguru Nimbarkacharya, and Jagadguru Madhvacharya. After several centuries, the world witnessed the emergence of a revered spiritual leader in the Jagadguru tradition. On 14th January 1957, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Kripalu Ji was honoured with Jagadguru by a distinguished assembly of scholars in Varanasi.
The revered spiritual leader is celebrated for his remarkable contributions, including the creation of Prem Mandir in Vrindavan. This spiritual landmark draws countless visitors daily and is a cornerstone of religious tourism in India. Jagadguru Kripalu Ji has also spearheaded the establishment of several temples, charitable hospitals, and educational institutions, leaving a lasting legacy of service and devotion. At the age of 34 years, Kripalu Ji was invited to Kashi for a scholarly debate known as shastrarth. However, the depth of his wisdom and devotion was so profound that the assembled scholars conferred the title of Jagadguruttam (Supreme Jagadguru) without needing a debate. To this day, January 14th is celebrated globally as Jagadguruttam Diwas, marked with great reverence and joy.
Offering a practical approach to devotion
The spiritual journey of the fifth Jagadguru began remarkably early, at the age of 16. After being recognised as a Jagadguru, he dedicated his life to sharing divine wisdom and addressing the spiritual questions of seekers.
Through insightful sermons, televised lectures, writings, and a practical approach to devotion, he reconciled apparent contradictions in the Vedas, Puranas, and other scriptures. He highlighted that in the current age of Kali Yuga, the most effective path to spiritual fulfilment is through selfless love and devotion. With scriptural authority, he proclaimed that true, unconditional love for Shri Radha Krishna is the gateway to lasting peace and joy.
He pioneered the technique of roopdhyan meditation, which is central to his teachings. This method involves lovingly envisioning Shri Radha Krishna in the mind’s eye and drawing divine joy from this mental image. With regular practice, one can rise above life’s challenges and experience true inner peace and happiness.
Establishing iconic temples
As part of his mission, Jagadguru established iconic temples and spearheaded numerous philanthropic endeavours under the auspices of the Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP), founded in 1970.
Among these is the world-renowned Prem Mandir in Vrindavan, an architectural masterpiece and the pride of Shri Vrindavan Dham. Jagadguru established Bhakti Mandir near Prayagraj in Shri Kripalu Dham—Mangarh, his birthplace. The temple has quickly become one of the most visited holy sites in Uttar Pradesh.
He also founded the Kirti Mandir in Barsana, which is recognised as the only temple in the world with baby Radha resting lovingly in Mother Kirti’s lap.
Founding free hospitals and educational institutes
His humanitarian vision extended to establishing three free hospitals in Vrindavan, Barsana, and Mangarh. These institutions provide consultations, treatments, and medicines to the underprivileged at no cost, offering hope and healing to countless lives.
Additionally, he championed education for girls by establishing three institutions offering free education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels: Kripalu Balika Primary School, Kripalu Balika Intermediate College, and Kripalu Mahila Mahavidyalay. These efforts have helped uplift the socio-economic conditions of many while promoting dignity and empowerment among underprivileged communities.
Continuing the legacy
When the esteemed spiritual leader left his earthly journey in 2013, there were concerns that his extraordinary legacy might diminish—a sentiment often felt with the passing of influential figures. However, his vision continues to thrive under the stewardship of his three daughters, Dr Vishakha Tripathi, Dr Shyama Tripathi, and Dr Krishna Tripathi, who has served as the Presidents of JKP since 2002
Under their leadership, JKP’s spiritual and charitable initiatives have been preserved and flourish, positively impacting countless lives across India and beyond. Recent humanitarian initiatives have been widely appreciated, such as large-scale distribution drives to support the underprivileged communities at Prem Mandir, Bhakti Mandir, and Kirit Mandir.
Even more than a century after the fifth Jagadguru’s birth, his influence continues to resonate, inspiring generations through his legacy of love, devotion, and selfless service.
