The administration for Vrindavan spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj has moved to quell widespread concern over his health, issuing a formal statement confirming that the saint is stable and continuing his daily routine despite serious, long-standing medical issues.
This clarification from Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Parikar Shridham Vrindavan follows days of speculation on social media, which was triggered by a video showing the saint with a visibly swollen and reddened face. In its communication, the ashram explicitly urged the public not to spread rumours.
While his customary early morning walks have been postponed indefinitely, the administration affirmed he is otherwise maintaining his activities. This follows an earlier notice this month from Shri Kali Kunj Ashram, which cited health reasons for the indefinite suspension of Maharaj’s pilgrimage schedule.
The core of the saint’s health challenges is a genetic condition, polycystic kidney disease, which has led to a complete loss of kidney function. As reported by ABP Live, he is currently undergoing full-day dialysis. He has reportedly been on dialysis for nearly two decades, a period during which he has remained notably active and composed.
Addressing his condition personally with a stark realism, Maharaj reportedly told YouTuber Elvish Yadav, “Dono kidney fail hai, theek kya hona hai ab to jaana hai. Ab theek hone ko kuch nahi bacha.” (Both kidneys have failed, what is there to be fixed now? It’s time to go. Nothing remains for recovery.)
Despite numerous devotees offering to donate a kidney, Maharaj has consistently declined, stating he does not wish to cause pain to others.
The wave of concern for the saint has transcended religious boundaries. In a poignant display, a Muslim devotee, Sufiyan Allahabadi, was filmed offering prayers for Maharaj’s health from the holy city of Medina in Saudi Arabia.
In the video, with the sacred mosque visible behind him, Sufiyan explained he was from Prayagraj and held up a photo of the saint on his phone. “Sant Premanand Maharaj is a very good person,” he said, his hands raised in supplication. “From here, we pray that Allah grants him health and wellness.”
Premanand Maharaj, born Anirudh Kumar Pandey in Kanpur, left home at 13 to become a sanyasi. Initiated into the Radhavallabhi Sampradaya, he has grown into a globally followed figure, attracting prominent visitors like cricketer Virat Kohli, actress Anushka Sharma and politician Hema Malini to his Vrindavan ashram.
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