JKP

Sharat Purnima, The Crest Jewel of all Festivals

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat
18 October 2024
0 Comments

(A speech by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on Sharat Purnima)

Of all the festivals that have existed since eternity, or will exist in the future, the crest jewel of all these festivals is the festival of Sharat Purnima.

Why is this festival so special? It is on this night that Lord Shri Krishna performed the ‘Maharaas.’ To understand its significance, we look at the terms involved: One is ‘Ras’, Another is ‘Raas’.  And yet another is ‘Maharaas.’ ‘Ras’ signifies the divine essence, and in this context, it refers to God Himself—Shri Krishna, the embodiment of ‘Ras.’ This is declared in the Vedas.

When Lord Krishna bestows the essence of all ‘Ras’ upon individual souls, it is referred to as ‘Raas.’ However, when He engages in ‘Raas’ with countless Gopis, it is elevated to the realm of ‘Maharaas.’ 

Today’s festival is a great blessing. Let us celebrate it with heartfelt bhakti (devotion) to God and fully embrace its significance. 

Each year on Sharat Purnima, we must also take the time to reflect on our actions from the past year. How much progress have we made? Have we reduced our worldly attachments? Have our inner challenges (material diseases) – such as lust, anger, greed, illusion, ego,  jealousy, and hypocrisy—lessened, or do they still persist? Have we stopped committing spiritual transgressions?

It’s vital to reflect on these questions, identify areas for improvement, and strive towards our ultimate spiritual goal of God-realisation.

By Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj

A Sacred Legacy

Sharat Purnima holds profound significance not only for the celebration of the Maharaas but also as the birth anniversary of our revered Gurudev, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, who was born in 1922 on this auspicious night, into a revered Brahmin family in the remote village of Mangarh, Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, India.

It is significant that five thousand years ago, on this very full moon night, Lord Krishna revealed His divine form and bestowed Divine love to the Gopis at Vrindavan. 

This connection makes Sharat Purnima a deeply sacred occasion for all devotees, celebrating both the legacy of our Gurudev and the timeless love of Shri Radha Krishna. 

*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.