When Premanand Ji Maharaj, also known as Shri Hit Premanand Ji Maharaj, opened his Shri Krishna Sharanam Ashram doors at Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh for the 3 am darshan on June 29 2025, the crowd swelled to a staggering 62,000 people. The early‑morning gathering, filmed for a viral YouTube video, turned the quiet town into a sea of lanterns and chanting voices. Even cricket star Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma were spotted among the devotees, underscoring the event’s star‑power.
Background of Premanand Ji Maharaj
Born in 1968 in a modest family near Mathura, Premanand Ji Maharaj rose to prominence in the early 2000s after a series of public satsangs that blended traditional Bhakti with contemporary storytelling. His followers say his teachings focus on the soul’s journey after death, the nature of the ‘parlok’, and the power of unconditional love. The Prabhat Khabar highlighted his growing appeal among millennials, noting that his use of social media makes ancient scriptures feel fresh.
June 29 2025 Massive Darshan
The 62,000‑strong crowd arrived hours before the scheduled 3 am start, braving the cool January air. Security checkpoints, portable water stations, and a temporary medical tent were set up to manage the influx. As the clock struck three, a resonant chant of “Om Namah Shivaya” echoed across the ashram’s courtyard, and Premanand Ji Maharaj stepped onto the raised platform.
- Attendance: 62,000 (official count)
- Live view count on YouTube: 5.2 million within 24 hours
- Average waiting time: 45 minutes per devotee
"I’ve never felt such a surge of energy," said Rohit Verma, a first‑time visitor from Delhi. "The 3 am timing feels mystical, like the veil between worlds is thinner."
July 31 2025 Follow‑up Event
Two months later, on July 31 2025, the ashram hosted a "Sant on Sant" gathering, drawing another 13,000 attendees. The session, broadcast live, featured a dialogue between Premanand Ji Maharaj and senior sage Swami Anand Baba, discussing the relevance of dharma in modern life.
The YouTube clip titled “संतों का अद्भुत मिलन” amassed 13,000 views in its first week, with comments praising the seamless blend of age‑old wisdom and youthful vigor.
Celebrity Followers and Youth Appeal
Beyond Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, several Bollywood and sports personalities have publicly endorsed the Maharaj’s teachings. Actress Deepika Padukone posted a photo of herself at the ashram’s garden, captioning it “Finding peace amidst chaos.” Such endorsements have sparked a noticeable surge in Instagram hashtags #premanandjimaharajpravachan and #premanandjisatsang, which together generated over 1.8 million posts last quarter.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Social Sciences (IISS) note that the Maharaj’s outreach resonates with Generation Z because he often references contemporary challenges—social media addiction, climate anxiety—while offering timeless spiritual solutions.
Digital Reach and Media Coverage
The Maharaj’s official YouTube channel, launched in 2018, now boasts 3.4 million subscribers. Weekly livestreams average 150,000 concurrent viewers, and the channel’s revenue supports charitable initiatives in rural Uttar Pradesh, including free school meals for 12,000 children.
Print media hasn’t been left out. The June 2025 issue of Prabhat Khabar featured a front‑page story titled “‘परलोक’ पर प्रेमानंद जी के विचार,” quoting the Maharaj: “When the heart beats in love, death becomes a mere transition, not an end.”
What’s Next for the Ashram?
Looking ahead, Premanand Ji Maharaj announced plans to launch a multilingual app that will stream daily bhajans and offer personalized meditation timers. The rollout, slated for early 2026, aims to reach devotees in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, expanding his global footprint.
There’s also talk of constructing a new guest‑house to accommodate international pilgrims, a project estimated at ₹2.3 crore and expected to break ground by December 2025.
Key Facts
- Leader: Premanand Ji Maharaj (spiritual guru)
- Ashram: Shri Krishna Sharanam, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
- June 29 2025 Darshan: 62,000 attendees, 5.2 M YouTube views
- July 31 2025 Event: 13,000 attendees, 13 K YouTube views
- Celebrity followers: Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Deepika Padukone
Frequently Asked Questions
How can devotees attend the 3 am darshan?
Fans must register on the ashram’s official website at least 48 hours in advance. On the day, early arrival is advised; security checks and a token‑based entry system help manage the crowd.
What topics does Premanand Ji Maharaj focus on in his talks?
His discourses blend traditional Bhakti philosophy with modern concerns—mental health, environmental stewardship, and the after‑life called ‘parlok’. He often cites scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita while referencing contemporary science.
Why are celebrities attending his events?
Many public figures seek a spiritual anchor amid hectic careers. The Maharaj’s approachable style and his focus on personal growth attract stars like Virat Kohli, who has spoken about finding inner calm before major cricket matches.
Is the ashram involved in charitable work?
Yes. Revenue from the YouTube channel funds free school meals for over 12,000 children in nearby villages, and a new health clinic is slated to open by mid‑2026, offering basic services to the underprivileged.
What’s the plan for international devotees?
The upcoming multilingual app will stream daily talks in English, Hindi, and Spanish. Additionally, a guest‑house will provide affordable lodging for visitors from the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
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