Jagadguruttam Divas
On the auspiscious day of Makar Sankranti our beloved Guru Jagadguruttam Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was honored with the title of Jagadguruttam in 1957.
Shri Maharaj Ji is the embodiment of the unlimited light of knowledge. He was honored with the rare title of Jagadguruttam on this day in 1957.
The word Jagadguruttam is the combination of three Sanskrit words jagad (universe), guru (spiritual master or guide) and uttam (best amongst all). Hence, Jagadguruttam means the spiritual mentor of the entire world.
From this point of view there was, is, and will be only one Jagadguru: Shri Krishna. This is also true according to the Vedic scriptures.
Then from where did the tradition of 5 mool (means original) Jagadgurus come into being?
In Kali yug there are many who cannot even tell the names of the Vedas or give an accurate count of the number of Vedas-Shastra. In Kali yug these imposters acquired the posts of high spiritual prestige. Further, they started duping hundreds of thousands of people by reciting a mantra in people’s ear and calling them disciples and calling themselves as Guru. In other words, under the influence of Kali yug those imposters misled the innocent masses. This precarious situation posed a dire need to stop this malpractice.
So, scholars devised the title of Jagadguru. It was decided that this tile would be bestowed on one contemporary scholar who is
- the greatest scholar of Ved Shastra and
- is also endowed with true divine love
This was instituted to help seekers of God-realization to distinguish that saint from imposters. So, without any doubt, aspirants could approach that scholar, to gain undisputed and accurate knowledge of the Vedas and other scriptures. This tradition commenced 3000 years ago. The first Jagadguru title was conferred upon Jagadguru Shankaracharya in 8th Century BC.
There is no depiction of Jagadguru title in the Vedas. Yet in modern age of Kali yug it is important to consecrate one person with Jagadguru title. This is the only way to provide an authentic and indisputable spiritual master to the innocent and inquisitive souls.
In 1957, Shri Maharaj Ji was honored with this title at the age of 35 in the presence of 500 contemporary scholars. Shri Maharaj Ji was given a time of 10 days to present his knowledge. Based on the content of his discourses, selected scholars were supposed to debate (Shastrarth) with him. But, by the 5th day of his discourse, he had already spellbound all the scholars with his incredible memory of the Vedic scriptures and an extraordinary power of reconciliation of all the seemingly contradictory philosophies. On the seventh day, without any debate, he was declared as Fifth Original Jagadguru in tradition of Jagadgurus.
We celebrate this auspicious day with great devotion, love and pomp and call it Jagadguruttam Diwas.
My good wishes, on this day, to all devotees of Shri Radha, Shri Krishna and Shri Maharaj Ji.