Premanand ji Maharaj, a revered spiritual figure and saint from Vrindavan, is widely known for his profound devotion to Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. His teachings, rooted in the Radha Vallabh Sampradaya, emphasize Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) and the immense power of chanting the divine names of God. While his philosophy is deeply centered on Radha as the ultimate deity and source of divine love, he also provides clear guidance on the chanting of Krishna mantras.
The Most Powerful Mantra According to Maharaj
Premanand Maharaj’s teachings often stress that the true power of a mantra lies not in its complexity, but in the sincerity and devotion with which it is chanted. In his discourses, he has highlighted several powerful mantras for Krishna devotees. One of the most significant mantras he recommends is:
“ॐ कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने। प्रणत क्लेशनाशाय गोविंदाय नमो नमः।।”
This mantra, which translates to “Om, I bow to Lord Krishna, the son of Vasudeva, Hari, the Supreme Soul. The one who removes all troubles of his devotees, to that Govinda, I bow again and again,” is considered a powerful tool for removing obstacles, attaining happiness, and preventing untimely death. He advises devotees to chant this mantra 108 times daily and 11 times before leaving home to ensure safety and well-being.
The Importance of ‘Naam Jaap’
While he has specified this particular mantra, Maharaj has also repeatedly emphasized that all names of God hold equal power. He teaches that the most effective mantra is the one that a person feels a personal connection to, or the one given by a guru. The key, he says, is not the mantra itself but the act of Naam Jaap (chanting the divine name) with complete faith and a pure heart.
Premanand Maharaj explains that chanting the divine name purifies the mind, removes negative energies, and helps an individual transcend worldly attachments. He teaches that through consistent and heartfelt chanting, a devotee establishes a direct, personal connection with the divine, which is the ultimate goal of spiritual life. He often says, “Just chant the name of God and see for yourself the immense power that awakens within you.”
In addition to Krishna mantras, Premanand Maharaj also places immense importance on chanting the name of Radha. In the Radha Vallabh Sampradaya, Radha is revered as the Supreme Goddess, and chanting her name is considered the most direct path to attaining divine love and spiritual liberation. Maharaj’s teachings bridge the worship of both Radha and Krishna, seeing them as two inseparable aspects of the ultimate divine reality.
The Path of a Devotee
According to Premanand Maharaj, chanting a mantra is not a mechanical process; it must be accompanied by a disciplined and moral life. He stresses the importance of living a life free from falsehood, arrogance, and worldly vices. He teaches that devotion (Bhakti) is the highest path to self-realization and that true happiness lies in selfless service (seva) to God and humanity.
His philosophy, therefore, is a holistic guide for spiritual seekers, advocating that the chanting of a mantra, particularly the Krishna mantra, is a powerful practice that, when combined with a life of devotion and discipline, can lead to profound spiritual transformation and the ultimate realization of one’s divine purpose.
