This is the first time in history that anyone has received this title
Hyderabad: Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, or Srila Prabhupada, founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and Worldwide Hare Krishna Movement, was bestowed the title of ‘Vishwa Guru’ at the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, the country’s top body of Hindu saints.
This is the first time in history that anyone has received this title. Srila Prabhupada passed away in 1977 at the age of 81. The seer authored over 70 volumes on the Krishna tradition. Iskcon today is a world-wide organisation.
As part of the event, Srila Prabhupada’s statue was bathed with holy water (abhishekam), showered with flowers and offered special prayers and rituals while devotees chanted sacred hymns.
Bengaluru Iskcon president Madhu Pandit Dasa expressed his happiness, saying, “Srila Prabhupada spread India’s ancient spiritual knowledge and culture to people all over the world, transforming many lives.”
Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara, said, “Only a great soul like Srila Prabhupada could take India’s spiritual wisdom to every corner of the world. This honour should have been given earlier, but it’s our blessing to give it today at this holy gathering.”
Mahant Ravindra Puri Ji Maharaj, president of the Mansa Devi Mandir, Haridwar, added that conferring the title of Vishwa Guru on Srila Prabhupada felt like lighting a lamp in front of the sun because his greatness is beyond compare. “His hard work made the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita known to people around the world.”
Acharya Avadhoot Arun Giri Ji Maharaj, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhar, praised Srila Prabhupada for spreading Sanatana Dharma even during difficult times. “Despite many challenges, he went abroad to share the message of Lord Krishna. We are honored to give him this title today,” he said.
