Premanand Maharaj, born Anirudh Kumar Pandey in 1972, is a spiritual leader known for his devotion to Radha and Krishna. He left his home at 13 to pursue a spiritual life, eventually becoming a sannyasi and renouncing worldly attachments. Maharaj’s health has been a topic of interest, particularly his prolonged survival despite kidney failure. He has also been associated with claims about past lives and the timing of reincarnation, according to News18 Hindi.
Birth and Early Life:
- Born:Anirudh Kumar Pandey in 1972, in Akhri village, Sarsaul Block, near Kanpur.
- Family:His father was Shambhu Pandey, and his mother was Rama Devi.
- Spiritual Awakening:He was raised in a spiritual family, with his grandfather and father being sannyasis.
- Renunciation:At 13, he left home to pursue a spiritual life, becoming a sannyasi and later known as Premanand Maharaj.
Spiritual Journey:
- Early Life as a Sannyasi: He lived on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi, practicing meditation and spiritual discipline.
- Raas Leela Experience: A significant event in his spiritual journey was witnessing Raas Leela, which led him to visit Vrindavan.
- Devotion to Radha and Krishna: He dedicated his life to the service of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna.
Health and Prolonged Survival:
- Kidney Failure:Premanand Maharaj has been reported to have both kidneys failing, a condition he has lived with for over 19 years.
- Survival:His prolonged survival despite kidney failure has been attributed to faith, devotion, and the blessings of Radha Rani.
- Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease:He is believed to be suffering from this genetic disorder, which causes cysts to form in the kidneys and impairs their function.
Claims about Past Lives and Reincarnation:
- Reincarnation Claims:News18 Hindi reported on claims by Maharaj about reincarnation, stating that if one has desires or attachments, they will be reborn.
- No Rebirth with Celibacy and Spiritual Purification:He emphasizes that those who embrace celibacy and spiritual purification may not experience rebirth.
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visited Premanand Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan after Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket. Anushka Sharma reportedly asked Premanand Maharaj about the importance of “naam jap” (chanting God’s name), according to Times of India.
Details of the visit:
- Location: Vrindavan, specifically Premanand Ji Maharaj’s ashram.
- Reason for visit: To seek blessings from Premanand Ji Maharaj after Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket.
- Anushka Sharma’s question: While there’s no specific detail on the exact question, Anushka Sharma reportedly asked Maharaj about the power of chanting God’s name.
Anushka Sharma’s perspective:
- In the video, Anushka Sharma shared how she felt connected to Premanand Ji Maharaj through her thoughts and how the guru’s teachings resonated with her.
- India Today reports that she also said she was talking to Maharaj in her mind about her questions and that the questions were later answered by someone else.
- Maharaj praised Anushka for keeping Kohli grounded and spiritually devoted.
Additional context:
- This is not the first time Kohli and Anushka have visited Vrindavan to meet Premanand Ji Maharaj.
- They have also visited Neem Karoli Baba ashram in Kainchi Dham.
- The couple is known to be followers of spiritual gurus and frequently visit Vrindavan.
Biography of Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Anirudh Kumar Pandey |
| Spiritual Name(s) | Anandswaroop Brahmachari → Swami Anandashram → Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj |
| Year of Birth | 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Akhri village, near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Parents | Rama Devi (Mother), Shambhu Pandey (Father) |
| Took Sannyasa At | Age 13 |
| Sampradaya | Radhavallabhi Sampradaya |
| Main Deity of Worship | Radha Rani |
| Initiation | Through “Sharanagati Mantra” |
| Sadguru | Hit Gaurangi Sharan Ji Maharaj |
| Ashram | Sri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram, Vrindavan |
| Spiritual Views | – Emphasis on pure devotion (bhakti) to Radha Rani – Opposes rigid hierarchies in spiritual institutions |
| Current Role | Revered spiritual guide and preacher in Vrindavan |
| Devotee Base | Followers from across India and abroad, especially those inclined toward Radha-bhakti |
| Message | Promote unconditional love, surrender, and remembrance of Radha Rani |
| Public Reputation | Known for simplicity, powerful bhajans/kirtans, and divine expressions of love for Radha Rani |
| Common Beliefs (by Devotees) | – Considered a spiritually advanced soul – Many believe he is divinely guided – Some say he’s an incarnation due to his early renunciation |
Spiritual and Public Perception: Reality vs. Devotee Belief
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Spiritual Reality | Based on factual life events: birth, sannyasa, teachings, and association with Radha bhakti |
| Devotee Beliefs | Considered a divine soul; some believe he’s reborn for a spiritual purpose |
| Philosophical Standpoint | Emphasis on reincarnation, detachment, and prema-bhakti (loving devotion) |
| Cultural Impact | Influences thousands through teachings, bhajans, and katha (spiritual discourses) |
“Radha Rani herself pulled him away from the world at 13… such love and renunciation cannot be ordinary
Premanand Ji Maharaj is known for his emotional, heart-touching expressions of Radha Rani’s love. Some of his most beloved and soul-stirring lines include:
“Radha naam ki mahima, samundar se bhi gahri hai.”
(The glory of Radha’s name is deeper than the ocean.)“Prem mein sab kuch haar jaata hai, par Radha ka naam jeet dilata hai.”
(In love, everything may be lost, but Radha’s name always wins hearts.) .”