Premanand Ji Maharaj was born on 30th March 1969 in a small block called Sarsaul, near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He was born into a Brahmin family, and his real name is Aniruddh Kumar Pandey.
His father, Shambhunath Pandey, and mother, Rama Devi, were both deeply religious and devoted. His grandfather was a saint (sannyasi), and later, his father also chose the path of renunciation. The family lived a very spiritual and simple life, where serving saints and reading holy scriptures was a regular part of the day.
His elder brother was well-versed in Sanskrit and often read the Bhagavad Gita at home, which the whole family used to listen to together. The main source of income for the family was farming, through which they managed their daily life.
| Full Name | Aniruddh Kumar Pandey |
| Known As | Premanand Ji Maharaj |
| Date of Birth (DOB) | 30 March 1969 |
| Age | 56 Years (2025) |
| Birthplace | Sarsaul, near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Caste | Brahmin |
| Father’s Name | Shambhunath Pandey |
| Mother’s Name | Rama Devi |
| Guru’s Name | Shri Gaurangi Sharan Ji |
| Ashram Location | Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj, Vrindavan Parikrama Marg, Varah Ghat, in front of Bhaktivedant Dharamshala, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh – 281121 |
When Maharaj Shri Premanand Ji was in school
At an age when most kids are busy playing, Premanand Ji Maharaj was already deeply involved in devotion to God. Even as a child, he had started reciting the Hanuman Chalisa. By the time he reached 5th grade, he had begun reading spiritual books like ‘Sukh Sagar’ published by Gita Press.
From a young age, he started asking deep questions about life — like, Is the love of parents permanent or temporary? If it’s permanent, then why is there attachment (moh)? Can school education really help me reach the true goal of life? And if not, then what’s the real benefit of it?
While searching for answers to these questions, he started chanting mantras like ‘Shri Ram – Jai Ram – Jai Jai Ram’ and ‘Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari’. By the time he reached 9th grade, he had made up his mind to follow the spiritual path. He shared this decision with his parents and was ready to leave his home to walk this path.
When Did Premanand Ji Leave Home?
Shri Hit Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj left home at the young age of 13. He took initiation (diksha) from saints, who gave him the name Anand Brahmachari. After some time, he also accepted sannyas (renunciation). Most of his life was spent on the banks of the Ganga River, living close to Ganga Maa like a true devotee.
He lived a very simple life. He wore just a few clothes and meditated on the holy water of the Ganga. Whatever food he received, he accepted it humbly. No matter how cold it was, he would bathe in the Ganga three times a day. Many times he stayed hungry and thirsty, and even went on long fasts, but his mind always remained focused on devotion to God.
How Premanand Ji Chose the Path of Devotion
It is said that while walking on the path of renunciation, Premanand Ji Maharaj had a divine vision of Lord Shiva. He used to say that it was by Lord Shiva’s blessings that he came towards Vrindavan. One day, while meditating under a tree in Banaras (Varanasi), he felt the divine presence of Radha-Krishna. On a saint’s advice, he spent a month deeply connected to the pastimes (leelas) of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and that one month completely changed his life.
After this, he decided to leave the life of sannyas and walk the path of devotion (bhakti). The Raas Leela touched his heart so deeply that he couldn’t live without it, not even for a moment. With the help of one of his disciples, he took a train to Mathura, not knowing then that Mathura would become his permanent home.
Arrival in Vrindavan
When Maharaj Ji first came to Vrindavan, his daily routine included doing parikrama (holy walk) and having darshan of Banke Bihari Ji. He used to sit and look at Radha Rani at the Radha Vallabh temple. One day, a swami noticed him and recited a verse from ‘Radha Sudha Nidhi’. He also asked Maharaj Ji to start chanting the holy name ‘Shri Harivansh’.
At first, Maharaj Ji found it difficult to chant, but slowly the name began to flow naturally from his lips. After that, he developed deep faith and love for this divine name.
Maharaj Ji took the ‘Sharanagat Mantra’ after joining the Radha Vallabh tradition. Some time later, he met his present Guru, Shri Gaurav Ji Sharan Maharaj. This Guru inspired him to walk the path of “century bhav” (deep, continuous devotion)
For 10 years, Maharaj Ji served his Guru with full dedication and love. Whatever task he was given, he did it with complete devotion and hard work. His Guru was always pleased with him.
By the blessings of his Guru and Vrindavan, a feeling of deep devotion (Sekhari Bhav) developed in Maharaj Ji, and his love and faith for Shri Radha Rani’s lotus feet grew stronger.
Maharaj Ji always accepted whatever came his way — he never had any personal desires. He was full of love for his disciples and the people of Vrindavan.
His words were so powerful that even the most sinful person could be moved toward the path of dharma (righteousness). He always emphasized the glory of the divine name (Naam) in his teachings.
We bow again and again at the feet of such a great saint, and pray that his blessings stay with all of us forever.
Premanand Ji Maharaj’s Kidney Problem
At the age of 35, Premanand Maharaj started having stomach pain. When he went to Ramakrishna Mission Hospital for treatment, doctors told him after tests that both his kidneys had failed, and he had only about 4–5 years to live.
But despite that prediction, 17 years have passed, and Maharaj Ji is still alive. He needs to undergo dialysis three times a week, and all the necessary medical facilities have been arranged at his ashram for his care.
Famous Devotees of Premanand Ji Maharaj
Many well-known people are devotees of Premanand Ji Maharaj — including Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma (video link), RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, and several saints and spiritual leaders from different religions.
People from India and abroad visit Vrindavan just to have his darshan (spiritual audience).
How Can You Meet Premanand Ji Maharaj?
Premanand Ji Maharaj’s ashram is located in Vrindavan. Anyone can visit to listen to his teachings, meet him, and take part in worship.
However, since 2023, due to the increasing crowd, the public discourse sessions have been temporarily stopped. The crowd had become difficult for the local administration to manage.
Address of Premanand Ji Maharaj’s Ashram on Google Maps
You can listen to Premanand Maharaj Ji’s discourses from home through YouTube and other social media platforms. You can also follow him there to stay connected.
The link is given below.
| Youtube channels | 1. Shri Hit Radha Kripa 2. Vrindavan Ras Mahima 3. Bhajan Marg |
| 1. Vrindavan Ras Mahima 2. Bhajan Marg | |
| 1. Shri Hit Radha Kripa 2. Bhajan Marg Official | |
| 1. Bhajan Marg Official 2. Vrindavan Ras Mahima 3. Vrindavan Ras Mahima | |
| Official Website | https://vrindavanrasmahima.com/ |
Author Massage
Living in Vrindavan means taking shelter at God’s feet. It’s also called a place of salvation. People believe you can’t come here without Radha Rani’s blessings. Those who please Radha Rani get the blessings of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani.
Saints say only good people who serve God well can live in Vrindavan. When people talk about Radha Rani, the name of great saint Premanand Ji Maharaj comes up. From my own experience, his words are so powerful, they can even bring the dead to life.
Today, I shared the life story of Premanand Ji Maharaj with you. Please comment and tell us how you liked it. You can also read more articles on our page.
Read this also: Smita Patil Biography, Husband, Son, Death Reason, etc