Virat-Anushka-Premanand Maharaj Controversy: Indian cricket team batsman Virat Kohli and his wife, Anushka, are immensely popular among fans, who are always eager to catch a glimpse of them. These stars make headlines for their ties to cricket and Bollywood, as well as their keen interest in spirituality.
They have visited Premanand Maharaj’s ashram on several occasions, and photos of these visits have frequently gone viral on social media. However, a controversy arose regarding Kohli’s visit to the Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan when allegations surfaced that he had arrived carrying a sum of ₹5 crore.
These allegations were levelled by Phalahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma following the suspicious death of Rasik Dulari, a disciple of Premanand Maharaj. It is worth noting that Virat and Anushka have visited the ashram multiple times to seek Premanand Maharaj’s blessings. Viral photos and videos show them visiting the Maharaj not as celebrities, but as humble devotees.
When did Virat and Anushka first meet Premanand Maharaj?
According to reports, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s first meeting with Premanand Maharaj took place on January 4, 2023. Their interactions with him continued thereafter. In January 2025, the couple visited the ashram again with their child; Anushka Sharma mentioned that during their previous meeting, she had been grappling with numerous questions and felt that she was finding the answers within the Maharaj’s discourses. She had also prayed to Premanand Maharaj for the gift of love and devotion.
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Why do Virat and Anushka Sharma visit Vrindavan?
According to reports, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have visited Vrindavan on several occasions. These visits are viewed through the lens of faith and spiritual peace; they go to seek blessings from Premanand Maharaj and also visit various religious sites. Media reports indicate that the couple has visited the Banke Bihari Temple and had previously visited Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram at Kainchi Dham.
During a meeting with Premanand Maharaj in January 2025, the way Anushka Sharma expressed the questions on her mind and her devotion suggested that these meetings are not merely about seeking a glimpse of a spiritual figure but also reflect her deep sense of devotion.
How did Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s spiritual journey begin?
There is no official report detailing exactly how it started; however, Anushka Sharma had already shown an inclination towards spirituality. Virat Kohli was subsequently influenced by her journey as well. Both embraced this path amidst the ups and downs of life. Their interest in spirituality became a topic of public discussion after they met Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan. They have since undertaken numerous religious journeys and participated in satsangs (spiritual gatherings).
Was a ‘Radha Naam Jap’ (Radha-chanting) ring seen on Anushka Sharma’s hand?
The sight of a ring on Anushka Sharma’s hand—often referred to in media reports as a ‘Radha Naam Jap’ ring—has become a topic of discussion on various social media platforms. In reality, the device is an electronic finger-clicker ring, functioning as a digital tally counter. During their meeting with Premanand Maharaj in May 2025, both Virat and Anushka Sharma wore such rings on their hands.
These devices are used to keep count while chanting mantras or the names of the Divine. Subsequently, in 2026, reports emerged of Anushka Sharma wearing a similar digital jaap (chanting) counter ring. However, the actress has not issued any official statement regarding this; therefore, it cannot be definitively claimed that it is a ‘Radha-naam’ (Radha-chanting) ring.
How many times have Virat and Anushka visited Premanand Maharaj’s ashram?
According to media reports, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have visited the Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan five times to seek blessings from Premanand Maharaj. Their first widely discussed meeting took place on January 4, 2023. Later, they visited the ashram with their child on January 10, 2025.
On May 13, 2025—the day after Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket—they visited Premanand Maharaj again. They returned to the Keli Kunj Ashram on December 16, 2025. Finally, on February 16, 2026, they visited Vrindavan to meet Premanand Maharaj and attended a *satsang* (spiritual discourse) for about an hour.
Are celebrity visits to religious sites often mired in controversy?
When celebrities visit temples or religious sites, large numbers of fans gather, leading to issues regarding crowd control, safety, and inconvenience for the general public. Such situations often spark controversies regarding the celebrity’s faith. Managing the crowds that assemble specifically to see the celebrity becomes difficult for the administration, and it can also turn into a serious security concern.
In the case of Virat Kohli and Anushka, a claim has been made—by an individual associated with a religious organisation—that they offered ₹5 crore during their first meeting with Premanand Maharaj. This claim has drawn the two celebrities into a controversy. However, this claim is completely false; there is no truth to it.