ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada receives ‘Vishwa Guru’ title at Maha Kumbh mela

At the Maha Kumbh Mela, his divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder-acharya of ISKCON and the global Hare Krishna Movement, was awarded the highly honored title of Vishwa Guru by the Akhila Bharatiya Akhara Parishad. This is the first time in history that any person has been given this award.

The title was awarded in the presence of Mahant Ravindra Puri Ji Maharaj, President of the Akhara Parishad, and other important spiritual leaders, such as Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara, and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avadhoot Arun Giri Ji Maharaj of Awahan Akhara. 

Some Mahamandaleshwar from various Akharas, secretaries, senior saints, and thousands of devotees were also present on the grand occasion.

Madhu Pandit Dasa, Chairman and Mentor of the Global Hare Krishna Movement and President, of ISKCON Bangalore, and Chanchalapathi Dasa, Vice-Chairman and Co-Mentor of the movement, were present to chair the function. The ceremony involved a formal abhisheka (ritual bathing), pushpa vrishti (flower showering), grand aarti, and other sacred offerings with godly chants.

Delivering the address on the occasion, Madhu Pandit Dasa said,It brings me and the entire ISKCON community immense happiness to see that Srila Prabhupada, our Acharya, has been offered the title of Vishwa Guru on the auspicious occasion of Sri Nityananda Trayodashi, in the divine atmosphere of Maha Kumbh Mela. It is a matter of pride that Srila Prabhupada is being honored for taking Sanatana Dharma, Bharatiya culture, and the timeless wisdom of India to the world beyond our shores.”

He extended his thanks to the Akhila Bharatiya Akhara Parishad and its veteran leaders for hosting the event and honoring Srila Prabhupada’s work. “I pray to Lord Krishna to bless us with the strength to continue serving humanity and preserving Sanatana Dharma,” he added.

Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj pointed out that Srila Prabhupada’s contribution to preach Sanatana Dharma across the globe was unmatched. 

“Taking the Sanatana tradition to every household was possible only for a personality like Srila Prabhupada, who was sent by Lord Krishna Himself. The title of Vishwa Guru has gained even more significance now that it has been conferred upon him. Ideally, this honor should have been given when he first took the teachings of Krishna consciousness to the West and established ISKCON, but it was destined to happen at this sacred confluence today,” he said.

Mahant Ravindra Puri Ji Maharaj emphasized Srila Prabhupada’s vast impact on spiritual philosophy and religious instruction.

“Honoring Srila Prabhupada with the title of Vishwa Guru is like offering a lamp to the sun. He carried forward the mission of his guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, making the Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta accessible to all,” he remarked, urging the youth to join ISKCON in spreading the Gita’s message worldwide.

[Image source- News18]

Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avadhoot Arun Giri Ji Maharaj added that Srila Prabhupada took Sanatana Dharma across the globe at a time when India faced numerous challenges. “Despite the odds, he journeyed abroad and propagated our spiritual heritage. It is a privilege for us to confer the title of Vishwa Guru upon him,” he said.

About Srila Prabhupada

Born in 1896 in Calcutta to a pious family, Srila Prabhupada devoted his life to the service of Lord Krishna. He practiced an exemplary grihastha (householder) life while actively preaching Krishna consciousness. Afterwards, he took sannyasa (renounced order) and became the 32nd Acharya in the pure Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.

At the age of 69, he undertook a challenging mission to the West with the singular purpose of preaching the teachings of Lord Krishna. He made true the prediction of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu by making Krishna’s Holy Names sound in all villages and towns throughout the globe. His profound study of Bhakti (devotion) and Vedanta (knowledge) resulted in him acquiring the title Bhaktivedanta.

Srila Prabhupada authored insightful commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam to keep Lord Krishna’s teachings original and within reach. With his leadership, ISKCON built more than 100 temples, implemented complex deity worship, and encouraged Harinam Sankirtan Yajna (chanting of the Holy Names). He also started Annadaan (food distribution) initiatives, so no one ever went hungry.

Even after his passing in 1977, Srila Prabhupada’s teachings continue to transform lives. Today, ISKCON operates over 450 temples worldwide, carrying forward his vision of a spiritually awakened world.

The establishment of Srila Prabhupada as Vishwa Guru is not only a moment of glory for ISKCON but a celebration for Sanatanis around the world. His absolute surrender and unconditional devotion have made him immortal as a shining light of Krishna consciousness, inspiring centuries to accept the philosophy of Sanatana Dharma.