PREMANAND JI MAHARAJ

Shri Hit Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj, popularly known as Premanand Ji Maharaj, is an esteemed Indian Hindu spiritual guru, saint, and philosopher devoted to the worship of Radha Krishna. His spiritual teachings and presence are centered at the Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan, a place that embodies his profound dedication to spiritual upliftment and societal betterment. Despite his aversion to publicity and refusal to treat his celebrity devotees differently, he has garnered a significant following, both in-person and across social media platforms.

Born in 1972 in the Akhri village, Sarsaul Block, near Kanpur, Premanand Ji Maharaj, initially named Aniruddh Kumar Pandey, embarked on his spiritual journey at the tender age of 13. Leaving his ancestral home, he embraced the life of a sannyasi, adopting the name Anandswaroop Brahmachari upon initiation into celibacy. He was later named Swami Anandashram after accepting the Mahavakya. Preferring the life of a spiritual seeker, Maharaj Ji spent much of his time on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi, where he deeply meditated and connected with the divine.

Maharaj Ji's spiritual path led him to Vrindavan through the blessings of Shri Shyama-shyam. This divine calling brought him under the guidance of Shri Hit Mohit Maral Goswami Ji, who initiated him into the Radhavallabhi sect with the "Sharanagati Mantra." His spiritual journey was further enriched by meeting his current Sadgurudev, Pujya Shri Hit Gaurangi Sharanji Maharaj, known as Bade Guruji. This revered saint of Sahachari Bhava bestowed upon Maharaj Ji the "Niz Mantra," marking his entry into the esteemed circle of Rasik Saints.

In 2016, Maharaj Ji founded the Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Trust in Vrindavan, a non-profit organization dedicated to societal upliftment through social welfare, health, and spiritual initiatives. The trust ensures that hundreds of saints in Vrindavan Dham receive lodging, food, clothing, medical care, and other necessities, allowing them to continue their spiritual pursuits without material concerns.

Shri Premanand Ji Maharaj’s teachings focus on the core truth of spirituality, advocating for unwavering devotion, continuous chanting of God's holy name, and strict adherence to divine commandments. He emphasizes the importance of celibacy (Brahmacharya) for a balanced, healthy, and spiritually oriented life, and stresses that spiritual power is essential for maintaining harmony in personal and social relationships. His guidance cautions against negative character traits, which he believes can be detrimental to one's spiritual journey.

In June 2024, Maharaj Ji was at the center of a controversy when a video went viral on social media. Bhagwatacharya Pradeep Mishra from Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, claimed that Radha Rani's birthplace was Rawal village, not Barsana. Maharaj Ji criticized Mishra for his lack of understanding of 'Braj Upasana' and 'Radha Tattva,' insisting that Mishra study Shrimad Bhagwat properly and apologize for his statements. The controversy sparked significant backlash from the people of Braj, who demanded Mishra's public apology. Mishra eventually expressed his respect for Maharaj Ji and promised to visit Barsana to seek forgiveness.

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