Srila Prabhupada conferred with "VISHWA GURU" title by Akhil Bhartiya Aakhada Parishad
February 10, 2025: In a momentous event at the Maha Kumbh Mela, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON and the worldwide Hare Krishna Movement, was bestowed with the prestigious title of ‘Vishwa Guru’ by the Akhila Bharatiya Akhara Parishad. This is the first and only time in history that such an honor has been conferred upon any individual.
The grand ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of HH Mahant Ravindra Puri Ji Maharaj, President of the Akhara Parishad, along with Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avadhoot Arun Giri Ji Maharaj of Awahan Akhara, and other revered Mahamandaleshwars from various Akharas. Also gracing the event were Shri Madhu Pandit Dasa, Chairman and Mentor of the Global Hare Krishna Movement and President of ISKCON Bangalore, along with Shri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Vice Chairman and Co-Mentor of the Global Hare Krishna Movement and Senior Vice President of ISKCON Bangalore. Thousands of saints, devotees, and pilgrims gathered to witness this historic occasion.
As part of the grand tribute, Srila Prabhupada’s deity was offered an elaborate abhisheka, accompanied by a sacred flower shower (pushpa vrishti), a majestic arati, and devotional chanting.
Speaking on this significant occasion, Shri Madhu Pandit Dasa expressed his joy, stating, “It is an indescribable honor to see our revered Acharya, Srila Prabhupada, being recognized as Vishwa Guru in the sacred environment of the Maha Kumbh Mela, on the auspicious day of Sri Nityananda Trayodashi. His selfless mission to propagate Sanatana Dharma and Vedic wisdom beyond the shores of India has transformed countless lives worldwide. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Akhila Bharatiya Akhara Parishad and the esteemed saints for acknowledging Srila Prabhupada’s unparalleled contributions.”
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj remarked, “The title ‘Vishwa Guru’ finds its true significance today as it is being conferred upon Srila Prabhupada. His dedication to spreading the teachings of Bhagavad Gita and Sanatana Dharma is nothing short of divine grace. Though this honor should have ideally been given to him much earlier, it is our great fortune that we are able to do so now, in this sacred confluence of Triveni. The entire Sanatani community worldwide celebrates this moment.”
HH Mahant Ravindra Puri Ji Maharaj added, “Honoring Srila Prabhupada with the title of Vishwa Guru is like offering a lamp to the sun. His relentless efforts in making the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta accessible to the world are unparalleled. I call upon the youth to carry forward his legacy and spread the divine teachings of the Gita far and wide.”
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avadhoot Arun Giri Ji Maharaj also shared his reflections: “At a time when India faced numerous challenges, Srila Prabhupada took it upon himself to carry the light of Sanatana Dharma across the globe. It is our privilege to bestow this title upon him in the presence of revered saints and leaders of the Akhara Parishad.”
About Srila Prabhupada
Born in 1896 in Kolkata, Srila Prabhupada exhibited a deep devotion to Lord Krishna from an early age. As a dedicated disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, he took the sannyasa order and committed himself to fulfilling his spiritual master’s instruction of spreading Krishna consciousness worldwide. At the age of 69, despite immense hardships, he embarked on a journey to the West with a singular mission—to introduce the world to the teachings of Bhagavad Gita and the practice of bhakti-yoga.
Srila Prabhupada’s impact was extraordinary—he established ISKCON, translated and commented on sacred Vedic scriptures, built over a hundred temples, and inspired millions to embrace Sanatana Dharma. His scholarly yet accessible writings, including his commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, continue to be studied by seekers across the world. Under his guidance, the global Harinam Sankirtan movement flourished, spreading the Holy Name of Krishna to every corner of the world.
A pioneer in Krishna prasadam distribution, he ensured that food sanctified by devotion was made available to all, embodying the principle that ‘no one should go hungry in the presence of Krishna’s mercy.’ His legacy continues to thrive through the ongoing efforts of his followers in propagating his mission of universal spiritual upliftment.
With this historic recognition, Srila Prabhupada’s role as the greatest spiritual ambassador of India stands further affirmed. His teachings and movement continue to illuminate the path for millions, reinforcing the eternal wisdom of Sanatana Dharma for generations to come.
