A video showing former WWE wrestler and baseball player Rinku Singh engaging in humble service at the ashram of Premanand Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan has drawn wide attention on social media. Known once for his athletic power and global recognition, Singh was seen in an entirely different light — one that reflected simplicity, devotion, and personal transformation.
The short video, which quickly spread online, depicted Singh sweeping the floors at the ashram as part of his seva. Dressed in traditional attire with a tilak on his forehead, he appeared calm and composed, far removed from his earlier public persona in the world of sport and entertainment.
The clip, shared with the caption “Baseball, WWE to Vrindavan — Rinku Singh’s Spiritual Turn,” chronicled his journey from professional sports to spiritual pursuit. It began by tracing how Singh first entered the world of baseball after throwing a ball at a recorded speed of 87 miles per hour — an event that marked the beginning of his professional career.
He later became the first Indian athlete to play professional baseball in the United States, competing in the minor leagues and reaching the Single-A level. His story, along with that of fellow pitcher Dinesh Patel, was adapted into the 2014 Disney film "Million Dollar Arm", produced by Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray. The film portrayed how the two young men were discovered through a reality show organised by sports agent J. B. Bernstein, who sought to bring new talent from India into the sport.
The video then shifted to the next chapter of Singh’s professional life — his association with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Joining the organisation in 2018, he competed under the ring name “Veer Mahaan.” Clad in a dhoti-style costume and adorned with a rudraksha mala and tilak, he cultivated a distinctly Indian identity within the wrestling circuit. During his time with WWE, Singh competed against well-known wrestlers, including John Cena and The Great Khali, making a mark as one of the few Indian-origin athletes in the arena.
A particularly moving segment in the clip showed Singh in conversation with Premanand Ji Maharaj. The spiritual leader was heard saying, “Agar tumko lagta hai ki tum ho gaye ho is sansaar ke layak toh ajao” (If you feel that you have become worthy of this world, then come). To this, Singh responded softly, folding his hands, “Lagne laga hai” (I’m feeling it).
The exchange resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom expressed admiration for the athlete’s humility and sense of surrender.
"That 6'4" world renowned beast of a Man becomes a small child in front of Maharaj ji. He achieved everything that he wanted and then decided to let go of everything and walk on bhakti Marg by the age of 35," a user wrote.
Another user commented, "That is attaining shunyata, becoming zero."
According to a report by Zee News, Rinku Singh Rajput was born on August 8, 1988 in Holpur village of Bhadohi district, Uttar Pradesh. He grew up in a large family with nine siblings; his father worked as a driver. From an early age, Singh showed enthusiasm for sports, participating in several athletic disciplines during his school years. He also achieved success as a javelin thrower, earning medals at junior national events before his later transition to baseball and professional wrestling.
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