Early Life & Spiritual Inclination
Birth & Background
Born Aniruddh Kumar Pandey on 30 March 1969 in Akhri village, Sarsaul Block near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, he grew up in a deeply devotional Brahmin household.
Family Influences
His father, Shambhu Pandey, later embraced sannyasa; his mother, Rama Devi, was known for her devotional life. His grandfather was also a sanyasi, and the family regularly hosted saints, nourishing Aniruddh’s spiritual curiosity from a young age.
Early Spiritual Awakening & Renunciation
Early Devotion
As a child, he recited Hanuman Chalisa and devotional mantras. By 5th grade, he was reading texts like Sukh Sagar from Gita Press.
Quest for Truth
He questioned the purpose of worldly life, pondering themes like the impermanence of relationships and the limitation of conventional education.
Taking Sannyasa
At just 13, around 3 a.m., he left home to embrace renunciation. Initially named AnandSwaroop Brahmachari, later he accepted full sannyasa and became Swami Anandashram, depending on "Akashvriti" (divine providence) for sustenance.
Life on the Ganges
Austerity in Varanasi
He spent his early monastic life living austerely on the banks of the Ganges, bathing three times daily regardless of weather, fasting, and meditating under extreme conditions—all signs of unwavering dedication.
Turning to Vrindavan & Spiritual Transformation
Divine Attraction to Vrindavan
While meditating in Varanasi, he felt an irresistible pull toward Vrindavan, the sacred land of Krishna. A saint invited him to witness a Raas Lila, and this transformative experience led him to relocate there.
Becoming RadhaVallabhi
In Vrindavan, witnessing a devout expression of divine love, he was guided to adopt the Bhakti path. Under a Goswami, he received the Sharanagat Mantra and formally joined the RadhaVallabh Sampradaya.
Meeting His Sadguru
He met his spiritual teacher, Shri Hit Gaurangi Sharan Ji Maharaj, also known as “Bade Guruji,” who bestowed upon him Nij Mantra, introducing him to Sahchari Bhava and Nitya Vihar Ras. He served his guru devotedly for ten years.
Teachings, Service & Present Day
Philosophy & Discourses
Premanand Ji regularly delivers Bhagavat Katha, Ram Katha, satsangs, and spiritual retreats, drawing large audiences. His teachings center on Prem Bhakti (divine love), Nama Japa, detachment, and devotion to Radha-Krishna.
Social & Spiritual Outreach
He encourages ethical living, engages youth in spiritual growth, supports cow protection, temple preservation, and Vrindavan’s heritage, and promotes interfaith respect.
ShrI Hit Radha Keli Kunj Trust
Founded in 2016, this trust, based in Vrindavan, offers pilgrims lodging, meals, medical support, satsangs, and serves as a spiritual retreat center.
Daily Seva: Ekantik Vartalap
Every morning, he holds Ekantik Vartalap, an open discussion session where seekers can ask questions about spiritual practice, devotion, or initiation.
Personal Health
Maharaj Ji has experienced chronic polycystic kidney disease, with both kidneys being non-functional for over 15–20 years. Remarkably, he named his kidneys Radha and Krishna—a poetic reflection of his devotion.
Community Reflections & Impact
Redditor Experiences
Devotees online describe him as genuine and inclusive—even people from different faiths appreciate his respectful approach to religious diversity and deep knowledge of scriptures.
Another shared how Premanand Ji inspired him to conquer addiction:
> “They changed my life … the glow and power in his voice is clearly visible.”
Summary of His Spiritual Journey
From a young seeker questioning life’s meaning, Premanand Ji Maharaj evolved into a deeply influential saint in Vrindavan. His life has woven a path through renunciation, scriptural devotion, heartfelt discipleship, and public service—all under the guiding light of bhakti.
He remains grounded in ascetic simplicity—awareness rooted in divine love—but his reach extends globally, touching hearts through satsangs, storytelling, compassionate counsel, and unwavering faith.
Highlights
Early Spiritual Upbringing Born into devotional family; early mantra chanting, spiritual reading
Renunciation At 13, embraced sanyasa as AnandSwaroop Brahmachari → Swami Anandashram
Ganges Austerities Survived on minimal sustenance; daily Ganges bathing, fasting, meditation
Vrindavan Calling Inspired by Raas Lila; joined RadhaVallabh tradition
Sadguru Initiation Guided by Shri Hit Gaurangi Sharan Ji; ten years of dedicated service
Teachings & Outreach Katha, satsang, social service, trust establishment
Health & Challenges Kidney failure for over a decade, yet continued spiritual work
Influence & Popularity Adored by celebrities, thousands of devotees; long waitlists for darshan
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