Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's Spiritual Journey with Premanand Maharaj

The Spiritual Bond of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma

The relationship between Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, actress Anushka Sharma, and the revered saint Premanand Maharaj from Vrindavan has been a topic of interest in recent years. Their first visit to the saint's ashram occurred in January 2023, accompanied by their daughter, Vamika. This marked the beginning of a series of visits, with the couple returning to Vrindavan multiple times between January 2023 and July 2024 to seek blessings and participate in spiritual discourses. To date, they have made eight visits to Premanand Maharaj. During these occasions, they were often seen with their children, engaged in private discussions, or sitting among other devotees to absorb the teachings shared during the *satsang*.

Recently, allegations surfaced claiming that Virat Kohli's visits to the ashram involved a payment of five crore rupees. However, a representative for Virat has firmly denied these assertions, labeling them as unfounded and emphasizing that his visits stem from genuine faith and respect. Let's explore the timeline of their encounters with Saint Premanand.

First Encounter: January 4, 2023
The initial public meeting between Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, and Premanand Maharaj took place on January 4, 2023. The couple, along with their daughter, Vamika, traveled to Vrindavan for a two-day spiritual retreat. Their first stop was Baba Neem Karoli's ashram, followed by a visit to Premanand Maharaj's ashram at Varahghat the next day. During this visit, they sought blessings from the saint, receiving a *prasadi* garland and an *angavastra*, while Vamika was also adorned with a garland. Anushka wore a *chunari* offered as *prasad* to Radha Rani. They spent about an hour listening to the *satsang* before returning to their hotel and departing for Delhi by helicopter. Initially, their visit was kept private, with photos and videos emerging on social media later.

Second Encounter: January 10, 2025
Following their Australia tour, Virat and Anushka returned to the ashram on January 10, 2025, this time with their two children, Vamika and Akaay. At that moment, Virat was facing challenges in his performance, and during their visit, Premanand Maharaj inquired about his peace of mind, to which Virat responded with a smile. Anushka expressed her desire to ask questions during their previous visit but noted that others had already posed them. She requested Maharaj to grant her *Prem Bhakti* (devotion born of love). The saint advised her on the challenges of maintaining devotion amidst worldly success and emphasized the importance of faith and love.

Third Encounter: May 13, 2025
On May 13, 2025, the couple visited Vrindavan again, engaging in a private discussion with Premanand Maharaj. This meeting drew attention as it occurred shortly after Virat announced his retirement from Test cricket. They sought spiritual guidance before heading back to Mumbai.

Fourth Encounter: December 16, 2025
On December 16, 2025, Virat and Anushka returned to the ashram, dressed warmly and adorned with *tilak* on their foreheads. They participated in the *satsang*, where Maharaj advised Anushka to view her work as a form of service and to remain humble. An emotional Anushka expressed her connection to Maharaj, to which he responded that everyone belongs to Shreeji.

On February 17, 2026, they visited Vrindavan again, this time sitting among ordinary devotees for the *satsang*, marking a shift from their previous private meetings.

Sixth Encounter: April 20, 2026
On April 20, 2026, they returned to the ashram for spiritual guidance, engaging in a private conversation while also participating in the discourse among other devotees.

Seventh Encounter: June 2, 2026
After winning the IPL 2026 title, Virat and Anushka chose to visit Vrindavan instead of celebrating extravagantly. They attended a *satsang* and engaged in spiritual discussions, captured in photos and videos.

Eighth Encounter: July 22, 2026
Their eighth visit occurred on July 22, 2026, where they were seen walking barefoot within the ashram premises, carrying *prasad* as they greeted others with "Radhe-Radhe." Despite the muddy conditions, they remained grounded in their spiritual practice.

Controversy Surrounding the Five-Crore Claim
A controversy emerged when Dinesh Falahari Maharaj, President of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, alleged that Virat Kohli was compensated ₹5 crore for his visits. He raised concerns about the security at the ashram and called for an investigation. However, Virat's spokesperson has categorically denied these claims.

Statement from Virat's Spokesperson
A statement from Virat Kohli's spokesperson dismissed the allegations as completely false, emphasizing that his visits to Premanand Maharaj are rooted in deep faith and personal connection. The spokesperson urged the media to verify such claims before reporting.