Premanand Govind Sharan, widely revered as Premanand Ji Maharaj, is a well-known spiritualguru in the contemporary landscape of Indian spirituality. Born as Aniruddh Kumar Pandey in Akhri village, Kanpur, he was attracted to spiritual practice from an early age, largely influenced by the devotional environment of his family and the presence of saints who frequented hishome. Inspired by the path of renunciation, he left his household at the age of 13 to pursue a deeper connection with the divine, beginning his journey as a Brahmachari and then embracingSannyasa, dedicating himself to a life of strict renunciation and spiritual discipline.
Why People Seek His Guidance
Premanand Ji Maharaj commands immense respect in Vrindavan, where he has established his ashram and serves as the chief saint. Devotees are drawn to him not only for his spiritual wisdom and deep scriptural knowledge, but also for his humility, asceticism, and authenticity. People from all walks of life—children, youth, elders, and even prominent public figures from across India—wait for hours just for his darshan or spiritual audience. His teachings emphasize pure devotion to Radha and Krishna, selfless service, deep meditation, and living a life surrendered to divine will. The simplicity of his message and his compassionate approach toward guiding seekers have won him a massive following, with many attributing personal transformation and peace of mind to his presence.
Views on Love Marriage
On contemporary social topics such as love marriage, Premanand Ji Maharaj’s perspective is shaped by traditional spiritual values infused with compassion. He often stresses that true love is rooted in respect, selflessness, and devotion, aligning with the eternal relationship between Radha and Krishna that his teachings center upon. While he acknowledges the changing dynamics of modern society, his advice consistently revolves around making decisions with a pure heart, seeking parental blessings, and ensuring that actions do not lead to pain or discord within families. According to him, the success of any marriage—arranged or love—is ultimately dependent on mutual understanding, spiritual compatibility, and commitment to dharma (righteousness).
The Impact of His Spiritual Path
Premanand Ji Maharaj’s life story is a testament to dedication. After his initial years of meditation and spiritual penance in places like Varanasi, he moved to Vrindavan, the heart of Krishna devotion, where he wholly immersed himself in seva (selfless service) and bhajan (devotional singing). Known for his austere discipline—taking daily dips in the Ganges regardless of the weather, embracing voluntary poverty, and practicing intense meditation—he embodies the ideals he preaches. Over time, his influence has grown, inspiring seekers to view spirituality as a living practice, not merely ritualistic or doctrinal
The enormous crowds gathered for his katha (spiritual discourses) and the testimonials of countless followers point to his profound ability to connect spiritual wisdom with practical, everyday challenges. For many, listening to his teachings offers clarity, peace, and a sense of purpose in life, motivating them to embrace bhakti and pursue inner transformation.
