“The world-famous Rasik saint Shri Preman and Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj have brought a revolution tothe spiritual world. Today, everyone wants to know about his spiritual journey. Maharaj Ji, blessed by LordShiva in Varanasi, pursued spirituality, and one day he was attracted to Vrindavan’s glory while meditating under a vast peepal tree at the bank of the Ganga in Varanasi.”
The Vedas have explained the transcendental element from the words Brahma-Paramatma,
Bhagavan, etc. as Nirgun-Nirakara-Saguna-Sakara Brahman, and after elaborating, they (the Srutis) have said ‘Neti-Neti’ instead of saying ‘Iti’. This Neti-Neti statement of the srutis itself proves that some form of the Supreme Being is indistinguishable from the srutis. After the elation of the srutis, that form of Paramatattva was experienced in the same way as the antelope is experienced by the musk in its navel, when he said, referring to that form, that it is the ‘rasa’ form which the recipient is sure to be delighted to receive. The glory of Vrindavan Rasopasana attracted Maharaj ji towards itself.
How will Vrindavan be?
With the blessings of Lord Shiva, Maharaj Ji continued to pursue the path of spirituality for ahigher purpose. One day, while meditating under a vast ‘peepal tree’ in Benares (Kashi) on the bank of Assi Ghat, he was attracted to the glory of Vrindavan by the grace of Shri Shyamashyam.
Suddenly, the question came to his mind: ‘How will Vrindavan be? But he had never heard of this before. Then, the next day, a saint asked him to see ‘Ras Leela’. Despite the many refusals of Maharaj Ji, Vasant (a local man of Kashi) continued to insist, and finally, Maharaj Ji agreed to consider it as the Lord’s wish.
The Raas Leela troupe of Swami Shriram Sharma of Vrindavan directed this Raas Leela program. Maharaj ji liked Raas Leela so much that he watched it for a month. He was so mesmerized after seeing Shri Radha Krishna’s Raas that he could no longer live without seeing it. In the morning, he used to see the pastimes of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and at night, he used to see the pastimes of Sri Shyama Shyama. Within a month, he was so fascinated by these pastimes that he could not imagine life without them and planned to go to Vrindavan. This month proved to be the turning point of his life. Later, on the advice of Swamiji and with the help of a disciple of Shri Narayan Das Bhaktamali (Buxar Wale Mamaji), Maharajji boarded the train to Mathura, not knowing that Vrindavan would steal his heart forever!
In 2000, Maharajji reached Vrindavan without any acquaintance. His early routine included
Vrindavan Parikrama and the darshan of Shri Banke Bihari Ji. In the temple of Banke Bihari Ji, a person told him that he must also visit the temple of Shri Radhavallabh Ji once. Before this, Maharaj ji had not even heard the name of the Radhavallabh temple. From there, he went for the darshan of Radhavallabh Ji. Maharaj Ji used to stand for hours admiring Radhavallabh Ji and watching him.
All the Goswami ji of the temple recognized his divine love, and everyone developed a natural affection for Maharaj ji. One day, Shri Hit Mohit Maral Goswami recited a verse from the Shri
Radha Sudhanidhi Granth. Still, Maharajji, despite being well-versed in Sanskrit, was unable to understand the deep meaning of the verse. Then Goswami ji encouraged him to chant ‘Shri Harivansh”. Maharaj Ji was initially reluctant to do so. However, as soon as he started the Vrindavan Parikrama the next day, the chanting of his holy name, by the grace of Sri Hita Harivansh Mahaprabhu, automatically began in his mind. He was thus convinced of the power of this holy name, ‘Sri Harivansh.”
One morning, while performing the Parikrama, Maharaj Ji was completely mesmerized to hear a
sakhi (a female) singing a ‘pada’. The words were…
“Sripriya – Badan Chhabi – Chandra Mano, Pritam – Nain – Chakor, Prem – Sudha – Ras – Madhuri, Paan Kart Nisi – Bhor”
He spoke to the Sakhi and requested her to explain the verse she was singing. She smiled and said to him, “Baba, if you want to understand this verse, first become Radhavallabhi; otherwise, you will not understand the meaning of this love interest in this Sannyasi costume”. Showing curiosity, Maharaj ji immediately asked, “How does one become Radhavallabhi? As instructed by the Sakhi, Maharajji immediately enthusiastically approached Radhavallabh ji’s Goswami for initiation and thus proved what Goswami Parrikar had already predicted.
Maharaj Ji was given the ‘Sharanagati Mantra’ initiation in the Radhavallabhi sect by Shri Hit Mohit Maral Goswami ji. A few days later, on the insistence of Pujya Shri Goswami Ji, Maharaj Ji met his present Sadgurudev ‘Pujya Shri Hit Gaurangi Sharanji Maharaj’ popularly known as Bade Guruji, one of the most revered and prominent Saints of Sahachari Bhava and Pujya Shri Hit Gaurangi Sharanji Maharaj, who gave him the ‘Niz Mantra’ initiation of ‘Sahachari Bhava’ and ‘Nitya Vihar Rasa’, i.e. In this way, the entry of Pujya Maharaj ji has taken place among the Rasik Saints.
Maharaj Ji remained in the service of his Sadgurudev (Pujya Shri Hit Gaurangi Sharanji Maharaj) for more than ten years and used to complete whatever work was given to him with total devotion. Soon, by the grace of his Sadgurudev and Sri Vrindavan Dham, he was fully absorbed in the Sahachari Bhava, developing unwavering devotion at the lotus feet of Sri Radharani.
Maharaj Ji has immense respect and love for the people of Brij. They believe that no one can experience “divine love” without having the Madhukari (food) of the loving Brijwasi (VrindavanPeople). Pujya Shri Hit Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj, a famous Spiritual Discourser, has gained worldwide fame due to SriRadharani’s grace. His teachings align with Vedic scriptures, dispelling doubts and promoting pious conduct. Maharaj emphasizes staying at home, serving family and society, chanting the holy name, abstaining from forbidden food and adultery, and staying awake in worship, leading to a bright future and happy life.
Maharaj Ji is a role model for the younger generation, urging them to live according to scriptures and gurus rather than focusing on material goals and sensual exploitation. He believes everyone deserves God’s love and has an equal right to attain the Lord. Maharaj Ji believes that external behavior is only for public accomplishment, not pure altruism (Atmabodha or Bhagavadananda). Maharaj Ji, deeply in love with his countrymen, aims to encourage its citizens to abandon evil practices like gambling, violence, and adultery and dedicate themselves to the Lord for a peaceful life.
