Tragic Attack in Pahalgam: A Father's Grief and Spiritual Guidance

On April 22, 2025, a tragic attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the loss of 26 lives. Among the mourners was Sanjay Dwivedi, who had traveled from Kanpur to Vrindavan. During a heartfelt conversation with Maharaj Premanand, he expressed profound sorrow over the death of his son in this terrorist incident. Sanjay questioned the Maharaj, stating that his son was deeply spiritual, yet he faced such adversity. This situation brings me immense pain, he lamented. In response, Maharaj referenced the epic tale of Arjuna and Abhimanyu, explaining that it is natural for the mind to be troubled in such circumstances, just as Arjuna felt turmoil despite Krishna's teachings. He reminded Sanjay that what is destined to happen will occur, urging him to maintain patience, understanding that every being's lifespan is predetermined. 

Maharaj expressed his own sorrow upon hearing about the Pahalgam attack. He emphasized that those who witnessed this horror or lost loved ones must remain patient. He cautioned that excessive grief and weeping could lead to depression. To recover from this dark period, Maharaj recommended the continuous chanting of God's name (Naam Jap) as a vital practice to help overcome such painful situations. 

To gradually improve their mental state, Maharaj Premanand stressed the importance of regular Naam Jap and devotion to God. He noted that this spiritual practice helps to diminish troubling thoughts and stabilize the mind. Maharaj called for the daily recitation of God's name as a means to find solace and peace amidst sorrow. His compassionate guidance offers grieving families from the Pahalgam attack a pathway to gain strength through patience and spiritual practice during their most challenging times.