Premanand Ji Maharaj: The Revered Hindu Seer Battling Kidney Failure and Inspiring Interfaith Solidarity

Devotees across the country are offering prayers and kidney donations for revered Hindu seer Premanand Ji Maharaj, who has numerous high-profile followers.

The spiritual leader has recently garnered attention due to his declining health. Recent videos showing his swollen face and trembling voice have raised concerns among his devoted followers.

Premanand Ji Maharaj personally disclosed his condition, stating, "Both kidneys have failed; there is nothing left to fix about my health anymore. I have to go now, if not today, then tomorrow," during an interaction with Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner Elvish Yadav and other devotees.

As news of his deteriorating health circulated, several followers including businessman Raj Kundra and actor Ajaz Khan have stepped forward offering to donate their kidneys to the spiritual guru.

During his visit to the seer's ashram in Vrindavan, Kundra expressed his willingness to donate one of his kidneys. However, Premanand Ji Maharaj declined the offer, explaining that his life span would remain the same regardless of the donation.

Raj Kundra visited Shri Keli Kunj Ashram with his wife, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, in August.

A Muslim man from Madhya Pradesh, Arif Khan Chishti, also offered to donate his kidney, describing the seer as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity.

In his letter to Premanand Maharaj, Chishti wrote, "The presence of saints like you is necessary in the country's current atmosphere of hatred," adding, "It doesn't matter if I am alive or not, your life is very precious for this world. I voluntarily offer one of my kidneys to you. Please accept this small gift from me."

Actor Ajaz Khan stated, "Premananda ji never said anything against any religion, never instigated anyone. I wish to meet him, and if my kidney gets matched, I wish to donate one of my kidneys to him. Please, pray for him that he lives for 100 more years," in a Facebook video.

The video's comment section overflows with similar offers and prayers for the spiritual leader, with one user saying, "I am also ready to donate my kidney," while another commented, "May Allah help him recover soon."

Social media platforms, particularly X, are filled with well-wishes and prayers for the seer's recovery.

Premanand Maharaj has been battling kidney disease for an extended period. He requires regular dialysis, and his health has been worsening over the past several months. The ashram has announced that his regular morning walks have been indefinitely postponed due to health reasons, and devotees have been requested not to wait for Maharaj on the road for darshan.

In Indian society, saints and seers are deeply revered, with followers numbering in the millions. People from all walks of life queue to receive blessings from them. Premanand Maharaj is one such spiritual figure whose devotees wait for hours just to catch a glimpse of him.

Before becoming a spiritual leader, he was known as Aniruddha Kumar Pandey. He adopted the name Premanand after dedicating his life to the devotion of Krishna and Radha.

Aniruddha Kumar Pandey showed an interest in worship and prayer from his early years. He would recite the Gita and immerse himself in devotion to God. This spiritual path led him to renounce worldly attachments, and he left home without informing anyone.

His journey took him to Varanasi, where he engaged in worship and meditation with various saints. Eventually, the thought of visiting Vrindavan came to him. For the first time, he experienced a profound devotion for Radha and Krishna, which led him to the holy city.

In Vrindavan, he connected with the Radha Vallabh sect and began singing devotional songs. After receiving initiation from saint Mohit Goswami, he became a seer.

He subsequently embarked on his preaching journey. His teachings have influenced not only ordinary individuals but also prominent personalities like cricketer Virat Kohli and actor Anushka Sharma.