When Premanand Maharaj, spiritual leader of Kaili Kunj Ashram announced he wants his kidneys to fail in every rebirth, devotees in Vrindavan, Mathura district, were stunned.
Premanand Maharaj has been a fixture in the holy town of Vrindavan for more than a decade. Followers describe him as a charismatic figure who blends traditional bhakti with contemporary storytelling. His ashram, perched near the banks of the Yamuna, draws pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
While many saints in the region preach detachment from the body, Premanand has always been open about his own health struggles, especially his chronic kidney condition that has rendered both kidneys non‑functional for years.
According to a Live Hindustan report dated 13 October 2025, the saint’s condition worsened in early October. Video footage that went viral showed his face swollen, veins pronounced, a visual cue that alarmed regular visitors.
He now undergoes kidney failure‑related dialysis every day at the ashram’s modest medical corner. Republic Bharat’s YouTube coverage (timestamp 306) confirms the twins are “both damaged” and that the treatment is a daily routine.
During a gathering on 14 October 2025, the saint said, “मैं चाहता हूंं कि हर जन्म में मेरी किडनी फेल हो जाए” – I want my kidneys to fail in every birth. Navbharat Times quoted him verbatim, emphasizing the phrase “बार‑बार जन्म हो और हर बार मेरी किडनी फेल हो जाए.”
Why would a spiritual teacher wish such a fate on himself? Premanand answered, “जो उन्हें किडनी फेल होने से मिला वह साधना से नहीं,” meaning the insight he has gained from this illness cannot be achieved through ordinary sadhana. The statement sparked heated debate on social media, with some calling it profound, others labeling it shocking.
On the same day, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, known as Baba Bagheshwar, head of Bageshwar Dham in Uttarakhand, arrived at the ashram.
Shastri, who leads a major North Indian religious organization, declared, “वह बीमार नहीं हैं, बल्कि यह उनकी लीला है” – He is not sick; this is his divine play. The saint laughed heartily, a moment captured by Live Hindustan and replayed across news channels.
From 13 October onward, scores of followers gathered at Kaili Kunj Ashram, chanting, offering flowers, and praying for his quick recovery. Republic Bharat’s timestamp 347 notes a palpable surge in crowd size after the viral video spread.
News outlets in Hindi, including Live Hindustan and Navbharat Times, featured the story on their front pages, turning a private health crisis into a national conversation about faith, mortality, and the role of suffering in spiritual growth.
The episode raises questions about how modern media frames the health of spiritual leaders. In an age where a single video can ignite a frenzy, the line between reverence and sensationalism blurs.
Moreover, the saint’s paradoxical wish forces believers to reconsider the conventional equation of health = virtue. If suffering can be a source of unique insight, what does that mean for the broader bhakti tradition?
As of 15 October 2025, Premanand continues daily dialysis. No medical prognosis has been released, and the ashram has not announced any change in treatment.
Authorities from the local health department are reportedly monitoring the situation, though no official intervention has been announced. Meanwhile, Baba Bagheshwar’s visit suggests a growing network of religious figures rallying around one another during crises.
For devotees, the next step is simple: continue prayer, offer donations, and wait for the saint’s next public address, which could come at any moment.
He explained that the suffering from his condition gave him a spiritual insight he could not attain through regular meditation or sadhana. In his view, the illness became a form of divine instruction, not merely a medical problem.
"Leela" in Hindu philosophy refers to the divine play of the cosmos. By calling the ailment a leela, Shastri suggested that the saint’s suffering is part of a larger, purposeful divine drama rather than a misfortune.
Reports from Republic Bharat indicate that more than 5,000 devotees visited the ashram between 13 October and 15 October 2025, many staying for hours to chant and offer prayers.
No official medical plan has been disclosed. The ashram continues daily dialysis, and local health officials are monitoring the situation without publicizing any interventions.
The rapid spread of a short video turned a private health issue into a nationwide debate, highlighting how modern media can amplify spiritual narratives, sometimes blurring lines between reverence, sensationalism, and public scrutiny.
As a man with a passion for fashion and beauty, I have honed my expertise in the food industry and news reporting over the years. My love for Indian life and culture has led me to write extensively on various aspects of it, including the latest Indian news. With a keen eye for detail, I enjoy exploring the intricacies of Indian cuisine and the vibrant world of fashion. My work reflects my dedication to showcasing the rich diversity of Indian culture, while keeping my audience informed on current affairs.
India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav had a sports hernia operation in Munich and began rehab at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The article details his injury, the surgery, recovery milestones and how he is gearing up for the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE.
Read More
As a fan of Indian snacks, I've found that there are several online stores in the USA where we can easily purchase these delicious treats. Some of my top recommendations include iShopIndian, BazaarPrime, and SnakTime. These websites offer a wide variety of Indian snacks, such as samosas, bhujia, and namkeens, and even provide quick delivery options. Prices are reasonable, and they often have special deals and discounts. So, if you're craving some authentic Indian snacks, these online stores are the perfect solution.
Read More
England pulled off a five-wicket win over India at Headingley, chasing 371—the second-highest successful Test chase in England. Ben Duckett hit a superb 149 on Day 5. India made history with five centurions in the match, including twin hundreds from Rishabh Pant, but still lost. It was Shubman Gill’s first Test as captain and his first defeat. The second Test starts on July 2.
Read More
Write a comment