VRINDAVAN — Putting an end to days of intense online debates, spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj arrived at the Radha Kelikunj Ashram in Vrindavan early Thursday morning, October 8, granting darshan to hundreds of waiting devotees.
The spiritual guru reached the premises around 6:00 AM and spent approximately two hours interacting with followers, bringing widespread relief to pilgrims who had been camping outside the ashram and tracking social media for updates.
Viral Rumours and Devotee Anxiety
Over the preceding week, social media was flooded with unverified claims suggesting that Premanand Maharaj had permanently abandoned Kelikunj Ashram, cut ties with administrative procedures, or entered indefinite ekantvas.
The rumors gained traction after public viewings were abruptly avoided, leaving devotees waiting for hours without clear information. His sudden appearance on Thursday morning effectively dismissed claims of total withdrawal, reassuring followers who had grown concerns about his whereabouts and health.
Ashram Issues Official Clarification
Addressing the viral claims, the ashram administration released an official press note through the Sant Mahima Facebook page associated with Radha Kelikunj.
The statement explicitly clarified that Radha Kelikunj Ashram and its other associated facilities operate as separate entities. The note also firmly pushed back against creators and commentators circulating misleading narratives, urging devotees to rely strictly on official communications rather than unverified digital speculation.
Strict Operational Changes Follow Disciple’s Death
The heightened scrutiny and schedule changes followed the tragic death of Maharaj’s close disciple, Deepak Lodhi (also known as Rasik Dulari Sharan), on September 25.
- The Incident: According to police reports, Lodhi, a resident of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, died around 10:36 AM after falling from the terrace of a fourth-floor apartment. CCTV footage captured the fall, and local police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
- Administrative Suspension: Following the tragedy, the ashram administration announced several major operational restrictions:
- Indefinite suspension of the spiritual initiation (diksha) process.
- Immediate stoppage of token-based darshan queues.
- Closure of devotee visits at the Yamuna Vihar Kunj Belvan facility.
- Revised dress codes and duty guidelines for volunteers (sevadaars).
While the ashram has not specified when standard public entry and token distributions will fully resume, Maharaj’s direct appearance on Thursday marked a step toward normalcy for the Vrindavan community.
