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Premanand Ji Maharaj (Vrindavan)

Shri Hit Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj · Premanand Maharaj

  • 1 Mantras
  • 2 Tirth
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Premanand Ji Maharaj (Vrindavan)

About

Premanand Ji Maharaj is a saint living in Vrindavan who belongs to the Radha Vallabh tradition. The tradition was begun by Shri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu and places devotion to Shri Radha above all. His full name is Shri Hit Premanand Govind Sharan. At the Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj ashram on the Vrindavan parikrama path he gives satsang and, in 'Ekantik Vartalap', answers devotees' questions. His talks are also heard online under the name 'Bhajan Marg'. At the heart of his teaching are naam jap, especially chanting the name of Radha, and a disciplined life.

The story

Premanand Ji Maharaj was born into a Brahmin family in Akhri village, in the Sarsaul area of Kanpur district, Uttar Pradesh. His childhood name was Aniruddh Kumar Pandey. His home was full of devotion: his elder brother read the Shrimad Bhagavatam aloud, and young Aniruddh began reciting chalisas at an early age. In class five he started reading 'Sukhsagar', published by Gita Press.

At thirteen he left home and went to Varanasi (Kashi) to live as a sadhu. He took the vow of naishthik brahmacharya and was named Anandswaroop Brahmachari; later, on taking sannyas, he became Swami Anandashram. For many years he lived a very simple, austere life on the ghats of the Ganga.

Inspired by a saint, he watched the Raas Leela for a month, and this drew his heart towards Vrindavan. In Vrindavan he did the parikrama every day and took darshan of Banke Bihari ji. He then began visiting the Shri Radha Vallabh temple and was initiated into the Radha Vallabh tradition with the Sharanagat mantra. Later he accepted Shri Hit Gaurangi Sharan Ji Maharaj as his guru and served him for many years. Since then he has been known as Shri Hit Premanand Govind Sharan.

How they are shown

No murti of Premanand Ji Maharaj is worshipped. In this app he is shown by a symbolic picture: the name 'राधा' in gold letters, a Vrindavan bower and flowers. The name Radha stands for his teaching of naam jap, and the bower for Vrindavan Dham, whose shelter he asks devotees to take. Sadhus of the Radha Vallabh tradition, like him, usually wear yellow, which is why yellow is used here.

How to worship

Offerings

In his tradition bhog is offered to Shri Radha-Krishna (Ladli Lal): simple sattvic home food, fruit or mishri, with a tulsi leaf.

How

The simplest way to follow Maharaj ji's teaching at home is naam jap. Morning and evening, sit quietly for a while and chant 'Radha Radha', on a mala if you like. Keep the name in your mind while you work through the day. Keep a picture of Shri Radha-Krishna, light a lamp and offer bhog. Listen to satsang, respect the guru and the scriptures, and live with self-control. Remembering Vrindavan Dham in the heart is also part of his teaching.

Their festivals

  • Radha Ashtami Bhadrapad Shukla Ashtami
  • Hitotsav (Shri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu Jayanti) Vaishakh Shukla Ekadashi

Temples and tirth

Sources