Premanand Ji Maharaj was born into a virtuous and discerning family in a humble Brahmin household in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. His birth name was Aniruddh Kumar Pandey. Premanand Ji Maharaj’s mother was named Srimati Rama Devi, and his father was named Shri Shambhu Pandey. He was also known by the name “Pile Baba.”
Premanand Ji Maharaj Biography
His grandparents were sannyasis, and their home environment was exceptionally pure, serene, and devoted to spirituality due to the blessings of the elderly. The entire family, being devoted to saints, regularly hosted visits from saints and sages.
Growing up, Premanand Ji Maharaj was deeply influenced by spiritual discussions and satsangs. His life in Vrindavan was filled with a profound sense of devotion. Let’s delve into the detailed biography of Premanand Ji Maharaj.
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Why Premanand Ji Maharaj was in the headlines?
Some time ago, he gained attention on social media as the renowned cricketer Virat Kohli, along with his wife Anushka Sharma and daughter Vamika, visited Premanand Ji Maharaj. After the visit, Virat Kohli scored two centuries in a cricket match.
Birth of Premanand Ji Maharaj:
Premanand Ji Maharaj was born in Akhri Gaon, Sarasol Block, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, into a simple and pious family. His childhood was spent in a very ordinary manner, but from an early age, his intellectual level set him apart. His attention was more focused on devotional activities, such as going to the temple, participating in kirtans, and reciting hymns.
Early Life and Education:
Due to the spiritual atmosphere at home, Premanand Ji Maharaj began reciting hymns at a young age. His parents were always involved in the service of saints, and his elder brother played a crucial role in advancing the family’s spiritual journey by reading verses from Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.
In the 5th grade, Premanand Ji started reading the Gita and Shri Sukhsagar. During his school years, he had numerous questions in his mind, and to find answers, he started chanting the names of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna.
By the time he reached the 9th grade, he had a firm determination to live a spiritual life and explore the truth behind existence. At the age of 13, he left his home in search of the ultimate truth behind human life.
Premanand Ji Maharaj’s life is marked by a deep commitment to spirituality and a relentless pursuit of the divine.
Family of Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj:
Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj’s father, Shri Shambhu Pandey, was a devout individual, and his mother was named Rama Devi, known for her purity. His grandparents were also sannyasis, and the overall atmosphere at home was pure and untainted. His parents were dedicated to serving saints, and his elder brother gained spiritual knowledge by studying Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, which the entire family listened to together.
Brahmachari Life of Maharaj:
After leaving home, Maharaj embraced the life of celibacy and was initiated into Naishtik Brahmacharya. His name was changed to Anand Swaroop Brahmachari. Later, he accepted sannyas and adopted the name Swami Ananda Ashram after embracing the Mahavakya.
Austerities and Tapasya:
In his quest to attain the divine, Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj underwent rigorous tapasya (austerity). He dedicated his entire life to the devotion of God. Choosing to spend most of his time alone, he sought alms for meals, observed extended periods of fasting, and remained engrossed in the divine play of God. Swami Premanand Ji transcended physical consciousness, renouncing worldly attachments and embracing a life of complete surrender to God.
Life as a Sannyasi:
As a sannyasi, Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj spent the majority of his time by the banks of the Ganga River, considering it as his second mother. Rejecting a structured ashram life, he renounced everything and accepted only what was given by God, without any personal endeavor. His routine remained unchanged, and he wandered along the ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar without concern for food, weather, or clothing.
His daily routine included thrice-daily baths in the Ganga, regardless of the weather. Even during extreme cold, he continued to immerse himself in the river without feeling any discomfort. Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj also practiced fasting for extended periods, forsaking meals for days.
Due to the cold weather, his body shivered, but being absorbed in meditation, he remained oblivious to physical sensations. After several years of sannyas and devotion, he received the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to spirituality and his profound connection with the divine.
Arrival in Vrindavan for Devotion:
Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj was blessed with the grace and wisdom of Lord Shiva. One day, while meditating under a tree in Varanasi, he felt drawn towards the divine glory of Vrindavan, thanks to the benevolence of Shri Shyama Shyam. Later, he actively participated in a Ras Leela for about a month, completely engrossed and attracted by the divine play.
His daily routine included witnessing the Leela of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the morning and the Ras Leela of Shri Shyama Shyam at night. Within this short span, Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj became so captivated and absorbed in the Leela that he couldn’t imagine living his life without it. This one month completely transformed his life.
Premanand Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan:
Following the advice of Swami Ji and with the assistance of a disciple of Shri Narayan Das Bhakt Mala, Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj, unaware of Mathura, prepared to go there. Little did he know that Vrindavan would forever steal his heart.
In Vrindavan, Maharaj Ji initially did not know anyone. Baba Premanand started living in Vrindavan, and his days began with the circumambulation of Vrindavan and darshan of Shri Banke Bihari Ji. One day, a priest in Vrindavan recited a verse from Shri Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi, but Maharaj Ji couldn’t understand its meaning. To comprehend the meaning, Goswami Ji suggested chanting the name of Shri Hari Vansh. Although hesitant, Maharaj Ji agreed.
The next day, during his Vrindavan parikrama, he found himself chanting the name of Shri Hari Vansh while being absorbed in the Leela. This marked the beginning of his deep connection with the divine.
Spiritual Organization in Vrindavan:
After some time, following Swami Ji’s advice and with the help of Shri Narayan Das Bhakt Mala’s disciple, Maharaj Ji got ready to go to Mathura. Unfamiliar with Mathura, he ended up in Vrindavan, a place that stole his heart forever.
Maharaj Ji, not knowing anyone in Vrindavan, started living there. His days began with the circumambulation of Vrindavan and darshan of Shri Banke Bihari Ji. One day, a priest in Vrindavan recited a verse from Shri Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi, but Maharaj Ji couldn’t understand its meaning. To comprehend the meaning, Goswami Ji suggested chanting the name of Shri Hari Vansh. Although hesitant, Maharaj Ji agreed.
The next day, during his Vrindavan parikrama, he found himself chanting the name of Shri Hari Vansh while being absorbed in the Leela. This marked the beginning of his deep connection with the divine.
In Vrindavan, Maharaj Ji initially did not know anyone. Baba Premanand started living in Vrindavan, and his days began with the circumambulation of Vrindavan and darshan of Shri Banke Bihari Ji. One day, a priest in Vrindavan recited a verse from Shri Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi, but Maharaj Ji couldn’t understand its meaning. To comprehend the meaning, Goswami Ji suggested chanting the name of Shri Hari Vansh. Although hesitant, Maharaj Ji agreed.
The next day, during his Vrindavan parikrama, he found himself chanting the name of Shri Hari Vansh while being absorbed in the Leela. This marked the beginning of his deep connection with the divine.
In Vrindavan, Maharaj Ji initially did not know anyone. Baba Premanand started living in Vrindavan, and his days began with the circumambulation of Vrindavan and darshan of Shri Banke Bihari Ji. One day, a priest in Vrindavan recited a verse from Shri Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi, but Maharaj Ji couldn’t understand its meaning. To comprehend the meaning, Goswami Ji suggested chanting the name of Shri Hari Vansh. Although hesitant, Maharaj Ji agreed.
The next day, during his Vrindavan parikrama, he found himself chanting the name of Shri Hari Vansh while being absorbed in the Leela. This marked the beginning of his deep connection with the divine.
In Vrindavan, Maharaj Ji initially did not know anyone. Baba Premanand started living in Vrindavan, and his days began with the circumambulation of Vrindavan and darshan.
Swami Premanand Ji’s Health:
As of now, Maharaj Ji is residing in Vrindavan, dedicating his entire focus to spiritual activities, meditation on Lord Krishna, and selfless service. Despite being in old age, Swami Premanand Ji’s health is good. Not only from India but people from around the world visit him to seek his knowledge and blessings, showing great respect for him.
It is known that he has been dealing with kidney issues for many years, yet he remains healthy. He attributes his well-being to a life dedicated to the service and devotion of Radha Ji. Maharaj Ji believes that he has left everything in the hands of the divine, and even now, his daily routine revolves around devotion and meeting devotees to listen to their problems and offer solutions.
Contact Information for Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj:
Many people wonder about the whereabouts of Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan. Currently, he resides in the ashram at the following address:
Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj
Vrindavan Parikrama Marg, Varah Ghat,
In front of Bhakti Vedanta Dharmshala,
Vrindavan-281121
Uttar Pradesh, India
If you wish to have a darshan (sacred sight) of Maharaj Ji, you can visit the above address. However, his contact number is not publicly available. Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj meets devotees starting from 2 AM at night. For more information, you can visit his official website.
Premanand Maharaj social media links
Official Website – vrindavanrasmahima.com
Email Address – info@vrindavanrasmahima.com
Instagram – vrindavanrasmahima
Facebook – Vrindavan Ras Mahima
Youtube – Shri Hit Radha Kripa
FAQs about Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj
How did Swami Premanand Ji choose the life of a Sannyasi?
When he was in school, Swami Ji had many questions about whether formal education would lead him to his goals. Dissatisfied with materialistic education, he began seeking answers through chanting the names of God. The chanting of "Jai Shri Ram" and "Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari" marked the beginning of his spiritual journey.
When did Swami Premanand Ji contemplate taking Sannyas?
Swami Ji contemplated taking Sannyas when he was in the 9th grade, around the age of 13. At that point, he started exploring the path of surrendering to God and devoted his entire being to spiritual life.
How did Swami Premanand Ji spend his life as a Sannyasi?
Swami Premanand Ji spent several years of his life along the banks of the Ganges, enduring the challenges of a sannyasi's life. His routine involved begging for food, accepting whatever came his way, and wandering without concern for clothing in the Varanasi ghats.
What advice does Swami Premanand Ji give to people?
Swami Premanand Ji advises people to follow the path of devotion to Shri Radha Rani Ji and Shri Krishna. He emphasizes having faith in God, avoiding harsh words, refraining from making fun of others, and taking care of one's health.
What teachings does Swami Premanand Ji have for people?
Swami Premanand Ji imparts teachings related to devotion to Shri Radha Rani Ji. He encourages everyone to believe in God, avoid using harsh words, refrain from mocking others, and prioritize their health.
How old is Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj?
Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj is approximately 60 years old.
