Dhirendra Shastri meets Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan:Bageshwar Dham chief draped with a stole and embraced; saint hails him as ‘servant of divine’

Bageshwar Dham’s head, Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, visited Vrindavan and met saint Premanand Maharaj on Tuesday morning. During their spiritual meeting at Shri Radha Kelikunj, Shastri sought blessings, discussed the upcoming ‘Sanatan Hindu Ekta’ foot march, and expressed deep respect for the revered saint. Premanand Maharaj, in turn, praised Shastri, calling him an associate of the Lord who dispels illusion wherever he goes. Meeting in Vrindavan At around 7:30 AM, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri arrived at Shri Radha Kelikunj in Vrindavan. He inquired about Premanand Maharaj’s health, took his blessings, and invited him to participate in the ‘Sanatan Hindu Ekta’ padyatra (foot march).Premanand Maharaj welcomed him warmly, draped a stole over his shoulders, and embraced him. Shastri also offered prostrations and received a chunari (sacred cloth) as prasad from Radha Rani. Several volunteers from Bageshwar Dham accompanied him during the visit. See 8 pictures of the meeting of the 2 saints – Exchange of spiritual thoughts During the conversation, Shastri shared that he had come to Vrindavan after feeling trapped in ‘Maya’ (illusion) while in Mumbai.Premanand Maharaj replied that divine associates often enter the web of illusion only to free others from it. He said that Dhirendra Shastri was one such divine soul, and wherever he chants the Lord’s name, illusion disappears. Maharaj emphasised that the power of the Lord’s name is beyond measure. Talk about the ‘Sanatan Hindu Ekta’ foot march Premanand Ji asked about the duration of Shastri’s stay in Vrindavan. Shastri explained that he was on a short pilgrimage and informed him about the ‘Sanatan Hindu Ekta’ foot march from Delhi to Vrindavan.Premanand Maharaj said the entire creation — sky, earth, sun, air, and space — is rooted in Sanatan Dharma. Without it, nothing can exist. He added that selfless action always connects one to the eternal truth, no matter where they are. Showed the idol of Lord Balaji In the meeting, Shastri also showed Maharaj the idol of Lord Balaji given to him by his grandfather-guru. Referring to Maharaj’s illness, he said that even his frail health is part of divine leela (divine play). Details of the 170 km foot march Dhirendra Krishna Shastri will lead the 170-kilometre ‘Sanatan Hindu Ekta’ padyatra from Delhi to Vrindavan between 7 and 16 November. Preparations and outreach efforts for the march are already underway.Shastri has sought blessings and support from saints across the country. Spiritual leaders have pledged to support the initiative through their efforts, prayers, and contributions to make it a success. Shastri’s support for Premanand Maharaj Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has often publicly supported Premanand Maharaj. A few months ago, he defended him when there was opposition to Premanand Ji’s views on the “boyfriend-girlfriend” culture.He said, “Those who oppose a preacher like Premanand Baba must be suffering from a mental ailment. It has become difficult to speak the truth in this country.” Defence of Rambhadracharya’s statement Shastri also defended Premanand Maharaj during the controversy surrounding Jagadguru Rambhadracharya’s statement. He said some people were deliberately trying to create divisions among saints, harming the image of Sanatan Dharma.Rambhadracharya had previously criticised modern preachers, saying that earlier only learned people told religious stories, whereas now “foolish people” do so. He had challenged Premanand Ji to recite a single Sanskrit verse.The debate later grew into a larger discussion about the knowledge of Sanskrit and the role of storytellers in preserving India’s spiritual culture.