Kashi Vidvat Parishad is a prestigious forum of learned scholars and spiritual authorities based in

Varanasi Varanasi (, also Benares, Banaras ) or Kashi, is a city on the Ganges river in northern India that has a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world.* * * * The city has a syncretic tradition of I ...

(Kashi), India. Comprising primarily eminent scholars of Sanskrit, Vedanta, and theology, the forum holds a significant position in the interpretation, preservation, and dissemination of Vedic knowledge and scriptures of Hinduism.

Overview

Kashi Vidvat Parishad is situated in Varanasi, which is one of the oldest centers of Hindu learning, and consists of distinguished scholars of the Vedas, Vedanta, Nyaya, and Sanskrit grammar, along with other branches of Indian philosophy. These scholars are recognized as the highest authorities in scriptural interpretation and philosophical debate within the Hindu tradition.

Authority and significance

Kashi Vidvat Parishad's power to confer the title of

Jagadguru , literally meaning " of the universe", is a title used in . Traditionally, it has been bestowed upon or used for belonging to the school (among the six traditional schools of thought in Hinduism) who have written Sanskrit commentaries on the ...

, literally meaning "spiritual master of the world", comes from religious legitimacy rooted in tradition, scriptural mastery, and universal scholarly respect. When a body like this, composed entirely of revered thinkers from multiple sampradayas (traditions), confers a title, it carries immense weight and legitimacy. The Parishad follows rigorous criteria based on scriptural mastery, originality of interpretation, and global impact of teachings before granting such titles. Known for its rigorous standards and depth of scholarship, the Parishad is often consulted on complex philosophical and theological matters within Sanatan Dharma. The Parishad extended its wishes and duly sent a delegation for representation during the pran-pratishtha of Ayodhya's Ram Madir.

Historic acts

An act of great historical significance was the unanimous conferring of the title of Jagadguru by Kashi Vidvat Parishad upon Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj in 1957, recognizing him as the foremost spiritual master of the age.

Presidents

Ramyatna Shukla (1932−2022) was among the many renown Presidents of Kashi Vidvat Parishad. He is the recipient of over 25 prominent awards such as the President Award, Keshav Award, Vachaspati Award and Vishwabharti award and was also given the title of Mahamahopadhyaya. In 2021, the Parishad's former President was awarded the fourth highest civilian honour of India—

Padma Shri The Padma Shri (IAST: ''padma śrī'', lit. 'Lotus Honour'), also spelled Padma Shree, is the fourth-highest Indian honours system, civilian award of the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. In ...

—in the social work category.

References

External links