Premanand Ji Maharaj health update: Vrindavan ashram quells rumours after viral video sparks concern

A formal statement from his ashram has sought to quell growing concern over the health of revered Vrindavan saint, Premanand Maharaj, after a video showing his swollen and reddened face sparked alarm online. The statement, issued by Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Parikar Shridham Vrindavan, asserts that the saint’s condition is stable.

According to media reports, the ashram confirmed that Maharaj’s health is "fine" and that he is continuing with his daily routine. The only acknowledged adjustment is that his customary early morning walk has been "postponed indefinitely." The administration also made a "humble request" to the public to disregard and refrain from spreading "false or baseless rumours."

This official update comes directly in response to a flurry of online speculation, including claims that Maharaj had been hospitalised. An OneIndia report detailed a recent interaction where a devotee questioned the saint about these very rumours. In a response captured on video, Maharaj was seen smiling and addressing the issue indirectly.

He remarked, "For the past three days, we have been having intense private conversations. Now we should also take a look at the private conversation." He went on to question the reliability of information spread through modern technology, stating that mobile phones often propagate lies, making it difficult to distinguish reality from falsehood. He advised his followers to remain steadfast in truth.

Despite the assurances, it is an established fact that the saint has been contending with a serious kidney ailment for a significant period. His treatment regimen has reportedly intensified, with dialysis now required daily under medical supervision, a change from his previous schedule of five days a week. Those close to him affirm that his spirit remains undimmed, with his smile and confidence continuing to inspire his devotees.

The postponement of his 2 am walk to the Raman Reti ashram is a tangible change felt by thousands of followers who would traditionally gather to see him. This, combined with the viral video, fuelled the recent anxiety.

The saint’s long-standing illness has previously prompted numerous offers for kidney donations from devotees and public figures, including businessman Raj Kundra, Arif Khan Chishti and Phalahari Baba. Maharaj has consistently declined all such offers.

Premanand Maharaj, born Aniruddha Kumar Pandey in Akari village, Kanpur district, left home at the age of 13 to pursue a spiritual path. He later practised under the guidance of Guru Gauri Sharan Ji in Kashi before settling in Vrindavan, where he became deeply absorbed in Krishna devotion.