Premanand Maharaj on Wishes –In Sanatana Dharma, countless traditions have been followed for centuries, and daily worship is considered an essential part of life. It is believed that if one prays with a sincere heart, God fulfils their wishes. That is why many devotees make vows, and when those vows are fulfilled, they offer something to God in gratitude.
However, a question often arises in many minds — Is it really right to ask God for a wish or make a vow in the first place?
This very question was recently asked of Vrindavan’s renowned saint, Premanand Maharaj, and his response offered profound spiritual clarity.
What Did Premanand Maharaj Say?
During a recent discourse, a devotee asked Maharaj ji whether it is correct to say to God, “If you fulfil this desire of mine, I will offer this to you.”
Responding to this, Premanand Maharaj said that ideally, one should avoid speaking to God in this transactional manner.
He explained that God is the supreme father, the ultimate caretaker of all beings. And just as a child does not bargain with their father, a devotee should not deal with God.
He added, “How do we ask our father for something? Not by saying, ‘I’ll give you ten sweets, so please give me ten rupees.’ A child says, ‘Father, I need a hundred rupees. Who else can I go to except you?’ This is exactly how one should speak to God.”
How Should Devotees Offer Bhog?
Maharaj ji further explained that when someone needs help or wishes for something, they should directly express their problem to God without any conditions attached.
He said, “Tell God — this is my problem, and You alone can resolve it. Do whatever you feel is right.”
According to him, promising offerings like “If this work gets done, I will offer ₹100 worth of sweets” is not the right approach. Instead, surrender should be unconditional.
Premanand Maharaj emphasised that God is the master of the entire universe and that devotees should pray to Him with complete trust, not with deals or bargains.
Once a prayer is made, offering bhog is a personal choice — it should come from devotion, not from negotiation.
The Essence of His Message
Premanand Maharaj’s message is simple yet profound:
Ask God openly and lovingly, the way a child asks their father. Share your problem with honesty, surrender fully, and let God decide what is best. Devotion should come from the heart, not from conditions or promises.