Early Life and Background
Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj (born Aniruddha Kumar Pandey on 30 March 1969) is a revered Hindu saint, teacher, and author belonging to the Radha Vallabh Sampradaya, one of the oldest devotional lineages rooted in Vrindavan, India.
He was born in Akhri village, Sarsaul Block, near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to Shambhu Pandey and Rama Devi, in a traditional Brahmin family deeply connected with spiritual values and Vedic culture.
From early childhood, Aniruddha Kumar displayed a natural inclination toward devotion, simplicity, and renunciation. Unlike other children of his age, he was deeply immersed in spiritual thoughts, meditation, and listening to stories of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. His grandfather, a spiritually inclined man, had a significant influence on his early moral and spiritual foundation.
At the age of 13, moved by an inner spiritual calling, he left home quietly to pursue a life of renunciation and divine devotion. This decision marked the beginning of his lifelong journey toward enlightenment, detachment, and divine realization.
Path of Renunciation and Spiritual Awakening
After leaving home, the young Aniruddha began wandering in search of truth and divine experience. He adopted the name “Anandswaroop Brahmachari”, symbolizing the embodiment of bliss and discipline.
His spiritual journey led him to Varanasi, where he spent a considerable period living under a Peepal tree on the banks of the holy river Ganga. There, he engaged in intense sadhana (spiritual practice), meditation, and scriptural studies. Despite facing hardships, he remained steadfast in his devotion, living a life of austerity and simplicity.
Later, he was renamed “Swami Anandashram” as he deepened his ascetic practice and gained respect among seekers for his discipline, humility, and divine aura.
Initiation and Guidance under Guru
During his spiritual exploration, Aniruddha Kumar Pandey came into contact with the Radha Vallabh Sampradaya, a lineage founded by Sri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu, which emphasizes Madhurya Bhava—the loving relationship between Radha and Krishna.
He was formally initiated into the sampradaya through the sacred Sharanāgati Mantra, symbolizing complete surrender to the divine.
Under the spiritual guidance of Shri Gaurangi Sharan Ji Maharaj, popularly known as Bade Guruji, he was introduced to the deep esoteric practices of Rasik tradition—a devotional approach centered on divine love and surrender.
His guru later gave him the name Premanand Govind Sharan, which means “one who finds bliss in the divine shelter of Lord Govind (Krishna).”
Through rigorous practice and total surrender to his Guru, Premanand Ji attained profound spiritual insight, becoming a revered figure within the Radha Vallabh lineage.
Philosophy and Teachings
Premanand Govind Sharan Ji’s philosophy bridges ancient devotion with modern practicality. His teachings emphasize that spirituality is not an escape from life but the essence of it. He teaches that devotion (bhakti) is incomplete without moral integrity, character, and service to others.
Core Principles of His Teachings
- Purity of Character:
“A negative character can be very dangerous; don’t spoil your character.”
He considers character the foundation of a spiritual life and insists that one’s external actions must align with inner values. - Brahmacharya (Celibacy):
He believes that self-control and celibacy are vital for conserving spiritual energy and gaining higher realization. His book Brahmcharya explores this topic in depth. - Guru–Shishya Relationship:
Premanand Ji emphasizes total surrender (sharanagati) to one’s Guru. According to him, spiritual progress begins when the disciple dissolves the ego and becomes an instrument of the divine will. - Simple Living and Service:
He promotes a life of simplicity, compassion, and devotion. In his teachings, serving others is the highest form of worship. - Bhakti as the Ultimate Path:
He advocates for prem bhakti — devotion rooted in pure, selfless love for Radha and Krishna. He describes bhakti as both the path and the goal of human life.
Establishment of Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Trust
In 2016, Premanand Ji established the Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Trust in Vrindavan, with the goal of supporting both spiritual seekers and the local community. The Trust embodies his vision of combining devotion with service.
The organization provides:
- Free lodging and meals for pilgrims visiting Vrindavan.
- Medical care and assistance for the underprivileged.
- Distribution of food, clothing, and essentials during festivals and emergencies.
- Educational support for children from economically weaker sections.
The trust also organizes Ras Leela Mahotsavs, Katha Vaachan, and devotional programs to spread awareness about Radha–Krishna’s divine love.
Literary Works and Publications
Premanand Govind Sharan Ji has written and compiled several spiritual books that serve as guides for seekers on the path of devotion and purity. His works combine classical devotion with contemporary relevance, appealing to both scholars and common devotees.
Major Works:
- Brahmcharya (2019)
— A detailed discourse on celibacy, discipline, and moral strength. - Ekāntik Vārtālāp (2019)
— Conversations on one-pointed devotion and the inner meaning of surrender. - Hit Sadguru Dev Ke Vachnamrit (2020)
— Teachings and sayings of his Guru, offering insights into spiritual life. - Ashtāyam Sevā Paddhati (2020)
— A guide to performing daily devotional rituals (seva) with mindfulness and love. - Spiritual Awakening (Vol. 1) (2024, English)
— His first English work, intended for a global audience seeking spiritual transformation.
His writings blend philosophy with simplicity, allowing readers to experience devotion through words that are practical, emotional, and spiritually profound.
Influence and Recognition
Premanand Govind Sharan Ji has become one of the most respected modern saints of Vrindavan. His discourses, both online and in person, attract thousands of devotees from India and abroad.
Through YouTube and digital platforms, his messages of purity, devotion, and self-realization reach millions of followers.
He is admired for his calm demeanor, compassionate nature, and straightforward communication style that resonates especially with the youth. His life demonstrates how one can balance inner devotion with outer action, and personal spirituality with public service.
Views on Modern Society
Premanand Ji often speaks about the moral crisis and spiritual emptiness in modern life. He encourages people to slow down, meditate, and live consciously.
He believes that spirituality should empower the individual to live truthfully, rather than being limited to religious rituals or social status.
He emphasizes that true religion (dharma) lies in compassion, humility, and gratitude — values that transcend caste, sect, and social divisions.
Legacy and Continuing Mission
Today, Premanand Govind Sharan Ji continues to guide devotees through his ashram in Vrindavan, where daily prayers, discourses, and seva programs are conducted. His ashram has become a center for spiritual rejuvenation, peace, and community service.
Through his trust, publications, and teachings, he continues to spread the message of Radha–Krishna’s divine love, moral discipline, and the importance of living a life dedicated to both devotion and humanity.
Conclusion
Premanand Govind Sharan Ji’s life is an inspiring journey of devotion, discipline, and divine realization. From a 13-year-old boy leaving home in search of truth to becoming one of Vrindavan’s most respected saints, his story embodies faith, renunciation, and compassion.
His teachings remind the modern world that spirituality is not about escaping society but uplifting it through love, purity, and selfless service.
Through his words and actions, Premanand Ji continues to light the path for countless seekers toward inner peace and divine bliss.
References:
- Wikipedia – Premanand Govind Sharan
- Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Trust (Official site)
- Discourses and Publications by Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj
