The Early Years: Childhood and Family of Swami Premananda ji

Swami Hit Premananda Ji Maharaj, born as Aniruddh Kumar Pandey ( full name as Baburam Maharaj ) in Sarsaul, Kanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, was blessed with a deeply spiritual and virtuous family environment.

His grandfather was a sanyasi, and the family held saints in great esteem, regularly serving and honoring holy people. 

He was born on 30th March 1969, father name was Shambu Pandey and mother was was Rama devi. His Monkhood name is Swami Premananda Govind Sharan.

From a young age, Swami Premananda Ji immersed himself in chanting mantras and reading devotional texts like ‘Shri ShukSagar’ published by Gita Press, revealing an early disinterest in worldly studies and a profound inclination toward spirituality.

At age 13, driven by his quest for spiritual truth and liberation, he left home at 3 AM seeking the deeper meaning of human life.​

Seeds of Devotion and Early Renunciation

His first steps as a renunciate included taking diksha and adopting the Naishtik Brahmacharya lifestyle, followed by sannyasa and acquiring the name Anand Brahmachari. 

Premanand Ji began practicing extreme austerities near the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi, firmly sticking to ‘Akashvritti’—accepting only what came by God’s will, only ever bathing in the Ganga three times a day regardless of intense cold, and engaging in long fasts and mantra chanting.

His daily routine centered on meditation, study of scriptures, and serving beggars and saints selflessly.​

Monk Life and Divine Inspirations

Encounter with Lord Shiva and Vrindavan Calling

Premanand Ji’s path took a decisive turn after a profound meditation experience under a tree in Banaras, where he felt blessed by Lord Shiva and drawn toward Vrindavan. Inspired by saints, he attended a Raas Leela organized by Swami Shri SriRam Sharma for a month, immersing himself completely in the transcendent stories of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the Raas Leela of Shri ShyamaShyam.

This experience deepened his devotion to Radha-Krishna and led him to permanently settle in Vrindavan, the sacred land of Bhakti.​

Entry into Radha Vallabh Sampradaya : Swami Premananda ji

On arriving in Vrindavan, his routine involved daily parikrama, darshan at Banke Bihari temple, and contemplation at the Radha Vallabh temple.

He accepted the ‘Sharanagat Mantra’ from the tradition and subsequently met his Guru, Shri Hit Mohit Maral Goswami Ji, who initiated him into the Radha Vallabh Sampradaya—a sect centrally devoted to Radha as Supreme.

His Senior Guru, Shri Hit Gaurangi Sharanji Maharaj (Bade Guruji), then bestowed upon him the ‘Niz Mantra’, inducting him into the Rasik Saints lineage—sages famed for their exclusive love for Shri Radha Krishna.​

Dedication, Disciples & Social Impact

Serving Guru and Teaching Bhakti

Swami Premananda Ji served his Sadguru for over ten years, faithfully accepting every task, and gradually absorbed the deep Sahachari Bhava (exclusive devotion) of his lineage.

Steeped in Radha’s divine love, he evolved into a revered spiritual leader and embraced Vrindavan as his eternal home. His teachings focus on the glory of the divine name and continuous chanting as the path to spiritual realization.​

Disciples and Followers

Today, Swami Premananda ji Maharaj resides in the ashram ‘Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj’ in Ramanreti, Vrindavan.

His organization—Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Trust—caters to saints and the destitute, offering food, shelter, clothing, and medical care while working for social upliftment.

His fame has attracted global devotees and celebrities, including Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Hema Malini, B Praak, Mohan Bhagwat, and The Great Khali, all drawn to his transformative teachings.​

Swami Hit Premananda Ji Maharaj’s Lasting Legacy

Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Trust

Established in 2016 in Vrindavan, Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to the social and spiritual welfare of the community.

The Trust operates with the mission of promoting human upliftment and holistic well-being. It actively supports pilgrims visiting the sacred town of Vrindavan by providing essential services such as accommodation, meals, clothing, medical assistance, and other necessities, ensuring a comfortable and spiritually enriching experience for devotees.

Teachings and Influence in Modern Times

Maharaj Ji’s powerful words and loving disposition inspire even the most spiritually lost to take up the path of dharma, repeatedly emphasizing the importance of chanting and loving surrender to Radha.

His legacy is characterized by an unwavering commitment to selfless service, renunciation, and the propagation of Bhakti Raas. Despite personal health challenges, such as kidney issues, Swami Premananda Ji always declined any donor proposals, prioritizing others’ well-being above his own.​

Recognitions and Ongoing Work

With his foundation and ashram in Vrindavan, spreading the glory of Naam and Radha’s love, Swami Premananda Maharaj Ji continues to be a beacon of spiritual enlightenment for countless seekers, preserving India’s rich heritage of Rasik saints and Bhakti tradition for generations to come.​

Major Disciples of Swami Hit Premanand Ji Maharaj

The Inspiring Journeys of His Key Followers

Navnagari Baba

Navnagari Baba, originally an Indian army officer from Pathankot, Punjab, left his military career in 2017 after being deeply moved by Premanand Maharaj’s teachings. He now lives in Vrindavan, devoting himself entirely to bhakti and spiritual service under the guidance of Premanand Ji Maharaj.

Mahamadhuri Baba

Mahamadhuri Baba was formerly an assistant professor from Pilibhit. Inspired by spiritual discourses of Premanand Maharaj, he renounced his academic position and now resides at the Ashram, passionately dedicated to devotional practices and daily spiritual activities alongside his Guru.

Albeli Sharan Baba

A chartered accountant from Delhi, Albeli Sharan Baba set aside his promising corporate career to embrace the path of devotion. Today, he actively supports community initiatives, manages finances for the ashram, and leads new aspirants towards spiritual growth.

Anand Prasad Baba

Anand Prasad Baba is a businessman who gave up his successful enterprise and now serves Premanand Maharaj by managing the Ashram’s arrangements. His organizational skills and dedication have helped expand the trust’s humanitarian initiatives.

Shyama Sharan Baba

Shyama Sharan Baba, the nephew of Premanand Maharaj, was deeply inspired by his uncle’s spiritual journey and stories from a young age. He now plays an active role in the day-to-day spiritual and organizational life of Radha Keli Kunj, ensuring the smooth functioning of key ashram events.

Their Role in the Sampradaya

These disciples represent the transformative power of bhakti, each pursuing a path of renunciation and service after successful professional or family lives. Together they:

• Organize and lead daily worship, kirtans, and celebrations
• Guide new devotees and offer spiritual counseling
• Support charitable works, food distribution, and social welfare through the Ashram’s trust
• Uphold the Radha Vallabh Sampradaya’s traditions in Vrindavan

These prominent disciples continue to strengthen the spiritual legacy and mission of  Hit Swami Premananda Ji Maharaj, making invaluable contributions to society and spiritual seekers in Vrindavan

Conclusion

Let Swami Premananda Ji Maharaj’s life serve as an inspiration to all in the pursuit of divine love, selfless service, and true devotion found in the heart of Vrindavan’s spiritual legacy.​

Love and Light,
Nirav Hingu