Premanand Maharaj who is also known as Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj, is a a spiritual leader and guru in the Radha Vallabha Sampradaya. He was also born as Aniruddha Kumar Pandey in the year 1969 and did sannyasa at the very young age of 13, and ever since then, Premanand ji has been doing his journey of guiding millions who have come up to seek guidance from him through h
is uplifting spiritual sermons and teachings relating to devotion and bhakti.
His daily padayatra in Vrindavan, walking from Shri Krishna Sharanam Ashram to Shri Radha Kelikunj, is a special ritual that draws many devotees far and wide. But some recent incidents have stopped the padyatra indefinitely.
The saint, who is devoted to Goddess and God
Radha Krishna, used to commence this spiritual journey every night at 2 o'clock, walking from Shri Krishna Sharanam Ashram to Shri Radha Kelikunj. Thousands of devotees would line the streets, eagerly awaiting his darshan (blessing) before Brahmamuhurta.
However, according to reports, the residents of NRI Green Colony, whose houses run parallel to the padayatra route, expressed their grievances that the nightly procession was causing a lot of noise and disturbance. According to reports, the loud bhajans, firecrackers, and fireworks were disturbing the sleep of the residents, especially the elderly and school-going children, affecting their health and daily routines. Looking after the grievances of the residents, Premanand Maharaj decided to stop the nightly padayatra to ensure the well-being of the local residents.
Even though he suspended his darshan, according to reports, today at 4 am, he went by car and then came to meet the devotees and then walked towards Vrindavan. His followers were in emotional turmoil due to the change, but they understood and respected his decision.
The indefinite suspension has been cited by the ashram both due to the health of Premanand Maharaj and the growing crowd. As devotees from everywhere in the world make plans to visit for a glimpse of the saint, local residents' complaints have become important. The ashram has pleaded repeatedly not to create any noise pollution during the padayatra, but disturbances didn't stop.
The emotional devotees, awaiting the nightly darshan with high enthusiasm, find themselves facing an altogether new scenario.
Premanand Maharaj’s nightly padayatra was more than just a walk; it was a deeply spiritual experience for thousands of devotees. However, considering the concerns of the local residents and his own well-being, he made the difficult yet thoughtful decision to suspend it indefinitely. While this change has left his followers emotional, their faith in his wisdom remains unwavering. True devotion goes beyond rituals, and his teachings continue to inspire countless seekers on the path of bhakti. Even without the padayatra, his presence and guidance remain a source of spiritual strength for all who seek him.