Mahamahopadhyaya Pandit Gopinath Kaviraj, a stalwart in the field of Indological studies, was born on 7th September, 1887 at Dhamrai, in the Dhaka District, now in Bangladesh. Studying initially, at Dhaka and Jaipur, he later obtained the Master's Degree in Sanskrit from the Government Sanskrit College, Varanasi. Appointed Librarian of the famous Saraswati Bhavan Library at the same college, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to research. He declined the offer of Professorship at Calcutta University and in the Department of Oriental Studies, London University. He edited and got published 72 books in the Saraswati Bhavan Text and study Series, opening a new horizon in the field of Indological studies and research. He had mastered various branches of Indian and Western Philosophy and had a profound knowledge of and insight into Christian mysticism and Sufism as well. His studies shed new light on different branches of Indian philosophy, Ancient Indian History, Epigraphy, Kashmir Saivism, Buddhism, Jainism, etc., considered invaluable guides to academic and spiritual research.

For 23 years he served the Government Sanskrit College, Varanasi first as Librarian and later as Principal, till he voluntarily retired in 1937. He devoted himself subsequently to the pursuit of spiritual studies and meditation under the guidance of his guru, Yogi Paramahansa Swami Vishudhanandaji of Varanasi. His services in the field of scholarship received recognition from the then Government of India in 1934 and 1937 when he was awarded the title of 'Mahamahopadhyaya' and later the Coronation Medal. In 1964 the Government of India conferred the title of 'Padmavibhushan' on him. He was a rare combination not only of uncommon erudition but also of singular Yogic experience.

To him knowledge stood for 'Para Vidya' (Supreme Knowledge) which has no other objective than the realisation of Ultimate Reality. Universal salvation is, according to him, the ultimate goal towards which the entire creation has been moving. He died on 12th June, 1976 at Varanasi. text Courtesy: Mahamahopadhyaya Pandit Gopinath Kaviraj Birth Centenary celebration Committee.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India