Every year, Teacher’s Day is celebrated as a tribute to the individuals who impart knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration in our lives. In India, it is observed on the 5th of September, commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a distinguished scholar and philosopher who himself emphasized the sanctity of teaching. While schools, colleges, and universities celebrate this day to honor academic teachers, the essence of Teacher’s Day extends far beyond classrooms and textbooks. In the spiritual tradition of Bharat, the highest reverence has always been reserved for the Guru — the enlightened master who dispels the darkness of ignorance and illuminates the path toward truth and self-realization.
Among the great saints of India, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj (1922–2013) stands as a radiant beacon of divine love and knowledge. Recognized as the Fifth Original Jagadguru of India — a title bestowed only five times in the entire history of Sanatan Dharma — he was acknowledged by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat, the highest council of Vedic scholars, as the Supreme Spiritual Master of the Age. His life was not only a testimony to the infinite compassion of the Guru but also an invitation to seekers of all walks of life to experience the joy of devotion to Shri Radha Krishna.
“A teacher and student should behave in the same manner as a Guru and his Disciple.”
On this Teacher’s Day, when we reflect on the transformative role of teachers, it is only fitting to remember and celebrate the life of Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, the Supreme Guru who embodied perfect wisdom, perfect love, and perfect selflessness
The Concept of the Guru in Sanatan Dharma
In Vedic tradition, the Guru is not merely a teacher of skills or worldly knowledge; the Guru is a divine representative who awakens the soul to its eternal nature and guides it toward liberation. The word Guru is derived from two syllables: Gu (darkness) and Ru (light). Thus, the Guru is the one who dispels darkness and brings light. The scriptures resound with the glory of the Guru. The Guru Stotram declares:
“Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwaraha,
Guru Saakshaat Parabrahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha.”
This verse recognizes the Guru as the embodiment of the Trinity and the very manifestation of the Supreme God. Without the Guru’s grace, the soul cannot cross the ocean of Maya, the illusory material energy.
The Bhagavad Gita also emphasizes the importance of approaching a realized master:
“Tad viddhi pranipaatena pariprashnena sevayaa,
Upadekshyanti te jnaanam jnaaninas tattva darshinah.” (BG 4.34)
This means, “Approach a spiritual master with humility, inquiry, and service. Such realized souls can impart divine knowledge because they have seen the truth.”
Thus, while worldly teachers provide intellectual skills, the Supreme Guru provides eternal wisdom — knowledge of the soul, God, and the path to liberation. Teacher’s Day, in this higher sense, becomes an opportunity to revere such masters whose grace illuminates human existence.
The Early Life of Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj
Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was born on October 5, 1922, in the small village of Mangarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. From his very childhood, he displayed extraordinary qualities of intellect and devotion. While most children were engaged in play, young Kripalu was immersed in chanting the divine names of God and reflecting upon scriptures.
His brilliance shone through in both academic scholarship and spiritual pursuit. By the age of 16, he had mastered Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, and English. His photographic memory allowed him to retain vast portions of the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Puranas. What made him unique, however, was not just his scholarship, but his living realization of the truths contained in those scriptures. While still a youth, Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj entered into deep states of bhav-samadhi (divine absorption) and kirtan, often reciting extempore poetry in praise of Shri Radha Krishna. His divine effulgence drew seekers, scholars, and devotees alike.
In 1957, at the age of 34, Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was honored with the title of Jagadguru by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat — a council of 500 foremost Vedic scholars in Varanasi. This was a historic event, as only four personalities before him in 5,000 years — Jagadguru Shankaracharya, Jagadguru Nimbarkacharya, Jagadguru Madhvacharya, and Jagadguru Ramanujacharya — had been conferred this recognition.
The scholars acknowledged his unparalleled knowledge of all scriptures, his ability to resolve the most complex philosophical debates, and his capacity to express profound truths in a way accessible to ordinary people. From that day, Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was revered not only as a saint but as the Supreme Teacher of the world.
The Teachings of Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj
The hallmark of Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj’s teachings was their simplicity, universality, and practicality. While he was an ocean of scriptural knowledge, he always emphasized that mere intellectual understanding is not enough; realization comes only through the practice of devotion. His mission was to inspire souls to turn toward Shri Radha Krishna with loving surrender.
1. The Path of Bhakti
Maharaj Ji declared that the ultimate goal of human life is to attain divine love for God. He emphasized Bhakti Yoga — loving devotion — as the supreme means. He taught that devotion must be exclusive, selfless, and continuous, not mixed with desires for worldly gains or liberation.
2. The Role of Grace
Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj highlighted the indispensable role of God’s grace and the Guru’s grace. He explained that the soul is bound by Maya and cannot, by its own effort, overcome it. Only through surrender and longing can one attract divine grace, which then purifies the heart and allows the soul to perceive God.
3. Practical Devotion through Kirtan and Sadhana
One of his greatest contributions was making devotion accessible through chanting the holy names, singing kirtans, and meditating on the pastimes of Radha Krishna. He composed thousands of pad (devotional songs), sankirtans, and philosophical treatises that encapsulate the essence of Vedantic and Bhakti scriptures.
4. Unity of Scriptural Philosophy
Maharaj Ji harmonized seemingly diverse philosophies of Vedanta, such as dualism, non-dualism, and qualified non-dualism, by showing their contextual truth and ultimate reconciliation in the path of divine love. This integrative approach established him as the supreme philosopher-saint of modern times.
His Divine Personality: Love Incarnate
While his scholarship was unmatched, what truly set Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj apart was his heart overflowing with compassion and love. He lived not as a distant philosopher but as a tender-hearted Guru who empathized with the struggles of his devotees.
He would often spend hours in kirtan, sometimes completely lost in ecstasy, weeping and singing the glories of Shri Radha Krishna. His very presence uplifted hearts, instilling devotion, humility, and joy. Those who came near him felt as though they were in the presence of divinity itself.
Despite his exalted status, he lived with profound humility. He accepted no wealth for himself, dedicating all resources to the establishment of temples, hospitals, and educational institutions. His life exemplified the principle of tyaga (renunciation) combined with prema (divine love).
Institutions and Contributions
Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj established several institutions to spread devotion and serve humanity:
- Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP): A spiritual, educational, and philanthropic organization that continues his mission.
- Temples: Magnificent temples such as Prem Mandir (Vrindavan), Bhakti Mandir (Mangarh), and Kirti Mandir (Barsana), which are centers of devotion and cultural heritage.
- Philanthropy: Free hospitals, schools, and service projects for the poor and needy, embodying his teaching that devotion must also express itself as compassion in action.
Celebrating Teacher’s Day with the Supreme Guru
On Teacher’s Day, we express gratitude to those who shape our minds. But when we reflect deeper, the Supreme Guru, like Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, shapes our very soul. He does not just prepare us for a career or a livelihood, but for the eternal journey of the soul.
To celebrate Teacher’s Day through the life of Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj is to:
- Reflect on his teachings and apply them in daily life.
- Engage in devotion — sing kirtans, meditate, and remember God with love.
- Practice gratitude — recognizing that without the Guru’s grace, spiritual progress is impossible.
- Serve selflessly — embodying compassion toward others in his spirit.
- Offer inner surrender — the greatest gift a disciple can offer to the Guru.
In honoring Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, we not only honor a teacher but the very embodiment of divine wisdom and love.
The Eternal Relevance of the Guru
In today’s fast-paced, materialistic age, the guidance of a true Guru is more essential than ever. Human beings are surrounded by technology, information, and opportunities, yet remain restless and unfulfilled. The Guru provides clarity, direction, and purpose.
Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj’s life reminds us that spirituality is not an outdated pursuit but the very essence of life. Teacher’s Day, when celebrated in light of his teachings, becomes more than a ritual — it becomes a call to rediscover the purpose of life and surrender to divine love.
Conclusion: The Eternal Teacher
As we celebrate Teacher’s Day, let us bow not only to our academic teachers but also to the Supreme Guru who lights the flame of devotion in our hearts. Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was not only a teacher of scriptures but a teacher of life itself. His words, his songs, his presence — all were designed to awaken divine love within us.
May Teacher’s Day remind us that the highest celebration of knowledge is not in intellectual pride but in humble surrender to the Guru. In Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, we see the living embodiment of the timeless truth:
“The Guru is not different from God; the Guru is God’s mercy manifest before us.”
FAQs
1. Why is Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj called the Supreme Guru?
Because he was honored as Jagadguru — the spiritual teacher of the world — by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat for his unmatched knowledge and realization of scriptures, and his ability to guide souls toward God.
2. How can one celebrate Teacher’s Day in a spiritual way?
By reflecting on the Guru’s teachings, engaging in devotion, practicing gratitude, and dedicating acts of service in the spirit of love.
3. What is the difference between a teacher and a Guru?
A teacher imparts worldly knowledge; a Guru imparts eternal wisdom and guides the soul to liberation.
4. What are Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj’s main teachings?
His central teaching is that the goal of human life is to attain selfless love for Shri Radha Krishna through devotion, humility, and surrender to divine grace.
5. How did Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj make devotion accessible to ordinary people?
He simplified devotion by encouraging kirtans, sankirtans, and remembrance of Radha Krishna’s pastimes. His compositions and teachings made the deepest scriptural truths understandable and practical for everyone.
6. What institutions continue his legacy today?
His mission continues through Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP), which manages spiritual centers, magnificent temples like Prem Mandir and Bhakti Mandir, as well as hospitals, schools, and philanthropic initiatives that reflect his teachings.
Fun and inspiring facts about Maharajji
- Youngest Jagadguru in History
Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was only 34 years old when he was honored as the Jagadguru by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat in 1957 — the youngest ever to receive this title. - A Living Encyclopedia of Scriptures
Maharaj Ji had a photographic memory and could fluently quote from the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and even rare scriptures, often reciting long passages verbatim without reference. - Poet of Divine Love
He composed thousands of pad (devotional songs), sankirtans, and couplets that capture the essence of divine love. Many devotees affectionately call him the “Rasik Saint of the Age.” - Master of Languages
Apart from Sanskrit and Hindi, he was well-versed in Urdu and English, and he used his command of languages to connect with diverse audiences. - Unique Style of Kirtan
In Maharaj Ji’s kirtans, devotees often witnessed him entering bhava-samadhi (divine ecstasy) — weeping, laughing, or completely absorbed in Radha Krishna’s blissful pastimes. - Temples of Love
He established awe-inspiring temples like Prem Mandir in Vrindavan, known as the “Temple of Divine Love,” which blends devotional beauty with architectural splendor. - Philanthropy with a Spiritual Touch
Under his guidance, JKP charitable hospitals and schools were opened that serve thousands of poor patients and students free of cost — showing how spirituality translates into compassion in action.
Call to Action
“If you’ve read this far, it’s not by accident — your soul is being called.
Let this Teacher’s Day be more than a date on a calendar.
Let it be a turning point —
a moment of deep remembrance and surrender to the Supreme Teacher, the one who leads us to our eternal home.”
Join us for the divine celebration of Sharad Poornima at Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas, the auspicious appearance day of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. (Details given below)
Immerse yourself in an evening of blissful kirtans, spiritual wisdom, and divine remembrance on this most sacred night.
Let your soul answer the call — come celebrate with us.
Sharad Poornima 2025
Join us at Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas
October 6 – 8 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM CST
Kirtans • Abhishek • Sadhana • Mahaprasad
🌼 Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj
Sharad Poornima is the divine appearance day of Jagadguruttam Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj — the 5th original Jagadguru of Sanatan Dharma.
On this sacred night, the ocean of divine love descended to bless the world. Maharajji, the personification of bliss and spiritual ecstasy, inspires us to turn inward and awaken devotion to Shri Radha Krishna.
Let us celebrate his divine presence with our hearts full of surrender and gratitude.
🗓️ Event Schedule
Evenings of bhakti, wisdom & bliss — October 6 to 8
🕉 Countdown to Sharad Poornima
📸 Cherished Moments from Past Celebrations
🎶 Listen to Shri Maharajji's Divine Kirtan
📞 Contact Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas
Website: radhakrishnatemple.net
Phone: +1 (972) 527-6195
Email: [email protected]