Sri Krishna Samarpanotsava, a unique event was held to commemorate the conferment of the honorary title “Vishwaguru” upon His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of ISKCON and the worldwide Hare Krishna Movement. The event was organised by ISKCON Bangalore in association with Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha.
Srila Prabhupada was conferred the title of “Vishwaguru” by the Akhila Bharatiya Akhada Parishad during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. This was the first time in history that the Parishad bestowed this title upon any saint.
The programme took place on Sunday, 21 December 2025, at Rajangana Hall, Sri Krishna Mutt, Udupi, in the auspicious presence of HH Sri Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji, Head Pontiff of Puttige Matha, and HH Swami Kailashananda Giri Ji Maharaj, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara.
The event was presided over by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, President of ISKCON Bangalore and Chairman and Mentor of the Global Hare Krishna Movement.
The programme began with an auspicious procession, in which the honoured guests entered the venue accompanied by divine chatra, chamara, and danda, amidst the sounds of bheri and other sacred instruments. This was followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, accompanied by the chanting of Vedic hymns.
During Sri Krishna Samarpanotsava, Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa fondly recalled and cherished this historic moment from the Maha Kumbh Mela. He reiterated the words of HH Swami Kailashananda Giri Ji Maharaj, stating that the conferment of the Vishwaguru title by the Akhada Parishad was unprecedented.
Explaining the reason for the commemoration, Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa said that Srila Prabhupada taught the whole world the science of Krishna consciousness, and nothing would please him more than offering this honour at the lotus feet of Sri Krishna. He emphasized that Sri Krishna Himself is the original Vishwaguru and Jagatguru. Srila Prabhupada preached beyond the boundaries of nationality, caste, creed, or religion, and even today, through his books, he continues to inspire millions across the world. He described every word of Srila Prabhupada as an expression of pure devotional ecstasy.
This was followed by Srila Prabhupada Guru Vandana, during which devotees offered divine flowers at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada.
Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Senior Vice President of ISKCON Bangalore and Vice Chairman and Co Mentor of the Global Hare Krishna Movement, through his welcome address, formally marked the opening of the event.
Later, the phalaka (plaque) of Sri Krishna Samarpanotsava was inaugurated, symbolically placing the title of Vishwaguru at the lotus feet of Sri Krishna, marking a historic moment.
HH Sri Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji, in his address, expressed his joy that Sri Krishna Samarpanotsava took place during his Paryaya. He said that with Vishwaguru Madhvacharya and Lord Krishna Himself blessing Srila Prabhupada with the Vishwaguru title, it felt as though the Paryaya had become a “Vishwa Paryaya” (Universal Paryaya). He further mentioned that, being pleased with His devotee, Sri Krishna bestowed His own title upon Srila Prabhupada, symbolizing His blessings by offering His divine crown.
During the event, a biography of Srila Prabhupada, written by Ashtavadhani Dr. Kabbinale Vasanta Bharadwaja, was released. The author was also honoured and offered Krishna prasadam.
Later, HH Swami Kailashananda Giri Ji Maharaj spoke, stating that he was inspired by Lord Krishna Himself to bestow this honour. He expressed that it was his great fortune to receive this rare and divine opportunity after 144 years, and mentioned that such moments are very rare in history.
While congratulating Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa and Sri Chanchalapati Dasa, both HH Sri Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji and HH Swami Kailashananda Giri Ji Maharaj appreciated their dedication and leadership in spreading devotion across the country and the world through various initiatives.
During the programme, Hon’ble Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi’s special video compilation appreciating the sacrifices of Srila Prabhupada was shown. His message highlighted the extraordinary journey Srila Prabhupada undertook, spreading Krishna consciousness across the West and the world within just eleven years. He also recalled how former Prime Minister Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee had once described Srila Prabhupada as “no less than a wonder.”
Sri Tulasi magazine, published by Paryaya Sri Puthige Matha was also unveiled during the event.
The event culminated in a grand Guru Puja to Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada, offered with heartfelt respects, marking a revered tribute to his timeless spiritual legacy.