As we continue to pay our humble tribute to our revered Guru, Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary, let us delve into the significance of the third verse of the aarti composed by Shree Maharajji himself:
भक्तियोग-रस-अवतार अभिराम, करें निगमागम समन्वय ललाम।
श्यामा-शयाम नाम, रूप, लीला, गुण, धाम, बांटि रहे प्रेम निष्काम बिनु दाम।
हो रही सफल काया नारी नर की, गावो मिलि आरती रसिकवर की॥
Bhaktiyog-ras-avatār abhirām, kareṁ nigamāgama samanvay lalām।
śyāmā-śayām nāma, rūpa, līlā, guṇa, dhāma, bāṁṭi rahe prema niṣkāma binu dāma।
ho rahī saphala kāyā nārī nara kī, gāvo mili ārti rasikavara kī॥
Translation: My revered Guru, who is the descension of Love and Bliss, masterfully reconciles the seemingly opposing viewpoints found in both the Vedas and Shastras. Through his guidance, we are taught to glorify the names, forms, pastimes, qualities, and abodes of Shri Radha Krishna, and in doing so, he selflessly bestows upon us the invaluable gift of divine love. Those fortunate enough to be in his holy presence are truly blessed.
The Title "bhakti yog-rasa-avatar"
Maharajji was honoured with the title "bhakti yog-rasa-avatar" by the Kashi Vidvat Parishad, a prestigious assembly of 500 Vedic scholars representing the seat of spiritual learning. This title signifies Maharajji's embodiment of devotional nectar. He possessed the power to please God, an ability associated with the "hladini shakti," the energy of Radha Rani, as mentioned in the scriptures. This implies that Shree Kripaluji Maharaj was an avatar of blissful Radha Rani herself.
Reconciliation of Contradictions in Scriptures
Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj skillfully reconciled apparent contradictions within all scriptures (karen nigamāgam samanvaya lalām). His philosophy of bhakti, rooted in the Vedas and supported by Vedic mantras, held the Vedas as the supreme source of divine knowledge. Maharajji emphasized the importance of adhering to the Vedas, even if God were to defy them, to underscore the significance of the scriptures. He opposed pandits who misinterpreted the Vedas for their selfish practices, including rituals like sacrificing animals. Maharajji considered historical texts like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas as the fifth Veda, a perspective shared by Vedvyas, the composer of the Srimad Bhagavatam.
Resolution of Philosophical Debates
Shree Kripaluji Maharaj not only integrated the conflicting concepts of a tangible (sakar) and formless (nirakar) God but also resolved the age-old debate between dualism (propounded by Jagadguru Madhvacharya) and non-dualism (proposed by Jagadguru Shankaracharya). He asserted that God is both sakar and nirakar and endorsed Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's view of Achintya Bhedabhed. According to his Bhakti Shatak, Jiv and Maya are two energies of God, while God is the energetic. This perspective establishes that Jiv is both one and distinct from God. Souls are part of God's Jiv shakti (soul energy), making them divine but not a direct part of God.
Shree Kripaluji Maharaj's Selfless Contribution
The subsequent lines describe how Maharajji selflessly and generously disseminated the names, attributes, forms, abodes, pastimes, and selfless love of Shree Radha Krishna. His vast body of devotional literature aimed to inspire people worldwide to lead successful human lives through devotion. Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj's literary works, including the Prem Ras Siddhant, Prem Ras Madira, Bhakti Shatak, Radha Govind Geet, Braj Ras Madhuri, and Shyama Sham Geet, all contributed to this monumental task. These texts contained verses and philosophical insights that clarified the Sanatan Vedic Dharma in a simple and accessible manner, inspiring countless souls to embark on the path of selfless devotion.
In summary, the third verse of Maharajji's aarti highlights his unique spiritual stature, his role in reconciling scriptural contradictions, his resolution of philosophical debates, and his unparalleled contribution to the world of devotional literature. Maharajji's teachings and writings continue to guide and inspire seekers on their spiritual journey.
