By Devansh Desai
Ahmedabad, June 27, 2025: In a significant ceremony held on the auspicious occasion of the Jagannath Rath yatra during Ashadhi Beej, Mahant 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Dilip Darji Maharaj of the Jamalpur Jagannath Temple was conferred the prestigious title of Jagatpati Jagadguru by the Vaishnav sect. The honor was bestowed upon him by a gathering of revered sadhus and saints. Henceforth, Mahant Dilip Dasji will be recognized as Jagadguru Dilipdasji Maharaj, marking a new chapter in his spiritual leadership.
Origins of the Jagadguru Shankaracharya Title
According to Indian religious traditions, Adi Guru Shankaracharya established four major mathas (monasteries) to preserve and propagate Sanatan Dharma. He entrusted these institutions, located in the four cardinal directions of India, to his disciples. The heads of these mathas are known as Shankaracharyas, regarded as the highest spiritual authorities in Sanatan Dharma. These mathas serve as centers for imparting religious teachings and spiritual knowledge to disciples.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Ahead of Ahmedabad's 148th Rath Yatra, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi and officials inspected security. Union Home Minister Amit Shah joined Mangala Aarti. Devotees gathered for Lord Jagannath’s darshan as heavy security was deployed at the temple pic.twitter.com/Aw5GZ9f262
— IANS (@ians_india) June 26, 2025
Criteria for Attaining the Jagadguru Shankaracharya Title
The title of Shankaracharya is reserved for individuals who embody strict spiritual and scholarly qualifications. Candidates must be ascetic, celibate, and well-versed in Sanskrit, the four Vedas, Vedanta, and the six Vedangas. They must also adhere to specific rituals, including tonsure, pindadaan (a ritual offering for ancestors), and wearing rudraksha beads. The selection process requires the approval of prominent saints, acharyas, mahamandaleshwars, and the Kashi Vidvat Parishad, ensuring the candidate meets the rigorous standards of spiritual and intellectual excellence.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Preparations for Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra are underway. Lord Jagannath, Balram, and Subhadra will be seated in their chariots for the city procession. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will perform the ceremonial golden broom ritual before the chariots depart pic.twitter.com/F7ub2qmgSH
— IANS (@ians_india) June 27, 2025
Current Shankaracharyas in India
At present, India is home to four Shankaracharyas, each leading one of the four mathas established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya: Govardhan Math in Odisha, Sharada Math in Dwarka (Gujarat), Jyotirmath in Uttarakhand, and Shringeri Math in Rameshwaram. Additionally, the Kanchi Math in Kanchipuram, one of the five sacred Panchabhuta sites, is another significant Hindu monastery founded by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. The head of this math is also referred to as a Shankaracharya, and it remains a vital religious center in South India.