Shri Ramkripeshwar Mahadev Mandir

Shri Ramkripeshwar Mahadev Mandir

Location: Situated on the banks of the Varuna River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Significance: It is the third main stop on the traditional Panchkoshi Yatra pilgrimage.

History and Establishment: The establishment of Shri Ramkripeshwar Mahadev Temple is associated with the vision of Dharmasamrat Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj and his tradition of renunciation.

Swami Karpatri Ji's Vision: After undergoing rigorous spiritual austerities and studying Vedanta in Kashi, Swami Karpatri Ji, formerly known as Har Narayan Ojha, embraced renunciation. He established his principal place of spiritual practice on the banks of the Ganges near Kedar Ghat. Recognizing the supreme importance of Lord Shiva worship in Kashi, he resolved to establish a Shiva temple within his ashram in accordance with scriptural traditions.

The Significance of the Name 'Ramkripeshwar': Swami Karpatri Ji was a devoted worshipper of both Lord Shiva and Lord Shri Ram. He believed that there was no difference between Shiva and Ram. As Goswami Tulsidas Ji wrote in the Ramcharitmanas, 'Shiv drohi mam das kahawa, so nar mohi sapnehu na bhawa,' meaning that one who is hostile to Shiva can never be dear to Lord Ram. The name Shri Ramkripeshwar Mahadev expresses the grace of Lord Ram and the spiritual unity of Shiva and Ram.

Consecration According to Vedic Rituals: The consecration of the Shiva Lingam was performed according to Vedic rituals, including Shodashopachara Puja, Rudrabhishek, and the chanting of sacred mantras as prescribed in Hindu scriptures, in the presence of eminent scholars of Kashi.

A Centre for Spiritual Practice and Scriptural Studies: Following the installation of the Shiva Lingam, the ashram complex became more than a place of worship. It also developed into an important centre for daily Vedic recitation, Rudrashtadhyayi chanting, and Vedanta discussions among monks, celibate students, and spiritual seekers.

shri karpatri dham

shri karpatri dham is a prominent spiritual and cultural center dedicated to the life, penance, guru lineage, and philosophy of the great saint, philosopher and scholar of the Vedas, Dharmasamrat Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj.

1. Main Center (Varanasi – Kedar Ghat)

The primary and most renowned center is located at Kedar Ghat in Varanasi (Kashi) — a living center of devotion, scriptural study and spiritual practice, housing the shrines of Ramkripeshwar Mahadev and the Dev Panchayatan.

2. Other Key Centers

• Delhi: Dharma Sangh Kothi, Civil Lines
• Nemawar (Madhya Pradesh): Siddha Kshetra Nemawar
• Bikaner (Rajasthan): Devkund Sagar (Dharma Sangh Sanskrit Vidyalaya)

3. Core Activities

• Vedic Education: Facilitating the study and teaching of the Vedas, Vedanta, Mimamsa, Nyaya, and traditional scriptural frameworks.
• Literature & Publication: Compiling and publishing the philosophy, discourses, and writings of Swami Karpatri Ji.
• Guru Lineage & Rituals: Regularly organizing religious rituals, festivals and seminars dedicated to preserving Sanatan Dharma.

Currently, Swami Shri Sarveswaranand Saraswati Ji Maharaj serves as the Peethadhishwar of this Dham and President of the Akhil Bharatiya Dharma Sangh.

Gurukul

Information about the Gurukul will be available soon.

Gaushala

The Gaushalas associated with the tradition and memory of Dharmasamrat Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj, especially those operated by Karpatri Dham in Varanasi (Kedar Ghat), Prayagraj or its ashrams, are important centers of Sanatan tradition and cow service.

Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj devoted his life to the cow-protection movement, especially the celebrated 1966 movement, and to preserving Sanatan Dharma. In keeping with his resolve, the Gaushalas operated by the Dham provide the following arrangements and services:

Key Features and Activities

• Protection of indigenous Indian cattle breeds: The Gaushalas primarily care for and preserve indigenous Indian cows, such as Gir, Sahiwal and Tharparkar.
• Selfless cow service and veterinary care: Alongside milch cows, elderly, weak, sick or abandoned cattle receive lifelong care, medical treatment, and suitable fodder and water.
• Panchagavya and organic products: Milk, curd, ghee, cow urine and dung are used to prepare Panchagavya products, organic manure and pure materials for daily religious rituals.
• Religious and Vedic routine: Regular cow worship, aarti, Vedic chanting and the offering of go-gras by saints and devotees are observed on the Gaushala premises.

Ways to Support and Serve

Devotees and cow-protection supporters can contribute to the Dham's Gaushala in several ways:

1. Go-gras and fodder service: Arrange green fodder, hay and oilcake for the cows on a daily or monthly basis.
2. Cow adoption service: Cover the monthly or annual costs of caring for and providing medical treatment to a particular cow.
3. Gaushala construction and expansion: Support essential facilities such as shelters, drinking-water arrangements and fans.

Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj

Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj (1907–1982) was a legendary saint, scholar, renunciate and defender of Sanatan Dharma and Vedic tradition.

1. Early Life & Sannyasa

• Born 11 August 1907 in Bhatni village, Pratapgarh district, UP, into a Saryupareen Brahmin family. Childhood name: Harinarayan Ojha.
• Initiated into monkhood by Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath; became Shri Hariharananda Saraswati on taking full monastic vows.
• Origin of 'Karpatri': he ate only what fit in his cupped hands (kar = hand, patra = vessel), rejecting all utensils — earning him this revered title.

2. Contributions

• Founded the Dharma Sangh on Vijayadashami, 1940, with the motto: 'Let Dharma triumph, let adharma perish, let there be goodwill among beings.'
• Established numerous Sanskrit schools across India to preserve Vedic learning.
• Opposed the Hindu Code Bill and led the historic Cow Protection Movement (Goraksha Andolan).
• In 1948 founded the Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad, which won seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies in the 1950s.

3. Literary Works

• Vedartha Parijat (~3,000 pages)
• Ramayana Mimansa
• Marxism and Ramrajya
• Vichar Piyush

4. Mahasamadhi

He attained Mahasamadhi on 7 February 1982 (Magha Shukla Chaturdashi) at Kedar Ghat, Kashi, and was given Jala Samadhi in the Ganga at this very ghat.

Shri Vedshastra Anusandhan Kendra

An esteemed institution at shri karpatri dham, Varanasi, dedicated to the preservation, research and dissemination of Sanatan Dharma, Indian philosophy and ancient Vedic literature.

1. Establishment

Established: 14 February 1978. It carries forward the spiritual and philosophical legacy of Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj.

2. Core Activities

• Scriptural Publishing: Publishing authentic texts and commentaries on the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and classical Shastras.
• Preservation & Research: Safeguarding vanishing manuscripts and traditional knowledge systems for future generations.
• Defense of Vedic Culture: Awakening cultural and religious consciousness while safeguarding the original form of the Vedas.

Scholars, saints and researchers from across India and abroad visit for study and research.

Get in Touch & Contact Us

Fill out the form below to get information about activities and upcoming programs at shri karpatri dham.

What Can We Donate?

As per Sanatan scriptures, various forms of Dana purify the heart and support sacred institutions. Here is what you can contribute to shri karpatri dham:

1. Vidyadan (Education Support)

Considered the highest of all dana — support Vedic students with books, clothing, food and living essentials.

2. Annadan & Vastra Seva

Contribute towards daily meals and clothing for students and saints residing at the Dham.

3. Mandir Seva & Utsav Sponsorship

Sponsor special pujas, aartis and celebrations during Mahashivratri, Shravan Somwar and Dev Deepawali.

4. Gau Seva & Infrastructure

Support the maintenance of Gaushalas, publication of Vedic literature, and expansion of Gurukuls.