Vrindavan: Renowned spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj has broken his silence for the first time following the tragic and mysterious death of his disciple, Rasik Dulari Sharan. In a recent 23-minute spiritual discourse (pravachan), the revered saint addressed the ongoing controversies surrounding his ashram, asserting that the path of true devotion often attracts severe tests, drawing poignant parallels to the legendary trials faced by mythological figures like Mira Bai and Bhakta Prahlad.
The spiritual community in Vrindavan has been in a state of shock since September 25, when Rasik Dulari allegedly died by suicide after falling from the fourth floor of the Guru Kripa Kunj ashram. The incident, compounded by disturbing CCTV footage and ongoing police investigations exploring various angles, has cast a heavy shadow of scrutiny over the ashram’s internal affairs.
Addressing his anxious devotees, Premanand Maharaj indirectly responded to the barrage of allegations while maintaining his characteristic spiritual composure. “Even Mira and Prahlad had to face severe trials and tribulations,” he remarked, indicating that true seekers are frequently subjected to harsh societal tests.
Without delving into the specifics of the police probe or the recent intervention by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Maharaj strongly condemned the widespread public trial and character assassination occurring in the wake of the tragedy. “Condemning the innocent is a grave misdeed,” he stated, suggesting that much of the ongoing media narrative is a painful but necessary spiritual test for the ashram and its genuine followers.
Following the tragic event, reports had surfaced about internal rifts and mafia interference within Vrindavan’s ashrams, prompting Premanand Maharaj to temporarily relocate his spiritual base. However, his latest address appears to be a calculated effort to calm the mounting anxieties of his vast global following.
While the Mathura police and forensic teams continue to analyse the evidence to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the young disciple’s death, Premanand Maharaj urged his followers to remain steadfast in their faith and not be swayed by worldly controversies.