Key Points
- Padyatra Halted: The iconic 3:00 AM foot march from Keli Kunj Ashram has been cancelled indefinitely due to the saint’s deteriorating health.
- Darshans Paused: All private audiences, known as Ekantik Darshan, have been temporarily suspended to allow the spiritual leader to rest.
- Chronic Condition: Premanand Maharaj has been battling a severe kidney ailment for over 21 years, requiring regular medical dialysis.
- Disciples Appeal: Ashram authorities announced the medical update via loudspeakers, requesting devotees to maintain decorum and avoid overcrowding the area.
The spiritual community in Vrindavan is in deep distress following the sudden deterioration of the health of the highly revered saint, Pujya Shri Hit Premanand Govind Sharan Maharaj. Early on Monday, May 18, 2026, the administration at the Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram officially announced the indefinite suspension of his daily padyatra, a nightly walking pilgrimage that draws tens of thousands of devotees to the holy town. Along with the foot march, his intimate spiritual interactions, or Ekantik Darshan, have also been placed on a temporary hold.
Disciples Address Devotees at Keli Kunj Ashram
The news unfolded in the early hours of Monday, around 3:00 AM, the typical time when Premanand Maharaj commences his 1.5-kilometre walk from Keli Kunj Ashram to Saubhari Van. As thousands of emotional followers lined up along the roadsides expecting a glimpse of the spiritual leader, senior disciples stepped forward with loudspeakers. They informed the gathered crowd that Maharaj Ji was severely unwell and unable to step out.
The administration made an urgent appeal to the public to remain calm, avoid forming large crowds on the streets, and cooperate with security personnel. Consequently, thousands of heartbroken devotees had to return without his audience.
A Longstanding Battle with Kidney Illness
For over two decades, Premanand Maharaj has quietly battled a chronic kidney condition, an illness that has resulted in non-functioning kidneys and necessitates daily medical dialysis. Despite these intense physical limitations, the saint has maintained an incredibly demanding spiritual routine, delivering daily discourses, engaging with high-profile visitors, and undertaking his nightly foot marches. Medical professionals monitoring his vitals at the ashram have strictly advised total isolation and absolute bed rest until his condition stabilises.
Devotees Unite in Prayer
The sudden cancellation of the padyatra has caused immense emotional distress among his massive global following. On normal days, up to 20,000 people visit Vrindavan specifically for his early morning darshan, a number that easily swells to over a hundred thousand during weekends and festivals. Following the midnight announcement, emotional scenes were witnessed across the town as devotees from various states broke down into tears, immediately organising community chants and prayers dedicated to Radha Rani for the swift and complete recovery of their beloved spiritual guide.
