The connection between Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, actress Anushka Sharma, and the saint Premanand Maharaj of Vrindavan has frequently made headlines over the past few years. The couple first visited Premanand Maharaj's ashram with their daughter, Vamika, in January 2023. This pattern of visits continued, and between January 2023 and July 2024, they were seen visiting Vrindavan multiple times to seek the saint's blessings and attend *satsang* (spiritual discourses). To date, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have visited Premanand Maharaj eight times. During these visits, they were sometimes seen with their children, at other times engaged in private conversations, or sitting among fellow devotees to listen to the spiritual discourses.

Recently, a claim surfaced alleging that a sum of five crore rupees was involved in Virat Kohli's visits to Premanand Maharaj's ashram; however, a spokesperson for Virat has refuted this. The spokesperson dismissed the claims as false and baseless, stating that Virat visits the saint out of deep faith and reverence. Let us take a look at the timeline of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's meetings with Saint Premanand...

First Meeting: January 4, 2023
The first publicly known meeting between Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, and Premanand Maharaj took place on January 4, 2023. The couple arrived in Vrindavan with their daughter, Vamika. During their two-day spiritual trip, Virat and Anushka first visited Baba Neem Karoli's ashram. The following day, they visited the ashram of Saint Premanand Govind Sharan Maharaj, located at Varahghat.

At the ashram, the couple sought Premanand Maharaj's blessings. Disciples presented Virat and Anushka with a *prasadi* garland (sanctified garland) and an *angavastra* (ceremonial stole), while their daughter Vamika was also adorned with a *prasadi* garland. During the visit, Anushka draped a *chunari* (sacred scarf) that had been offered as *prasad* to Radha Rani. Virat and Anushka listened to the *satsang* (spiritual discourse) at the ashram for about an hour. Afterward, they returned to their hotel and departed for Delhi by helicopter in the evening. At the time, their spiritual visit was kept highly confidential; videos and photos of the visit surfaced on social media later.

Second Meeting: January 10, 2025
After returning from the Australia tour, Virat and Anushka visited Premanand Maharaj's ashram on January 10, 2025, accompanied by their two children, Vamika and Akaay. At that time, Virat was struggling with poor form, and his bat had failed to fire during the Australia tour. At the ashram, Premanand Maharaj asked Virat, "Is your mind at peace?" Virat smiled and nodded in agreement.

During this meeting, Anushka told Maharaj that she had wanted to ask him certain questions during their previous visit, but others had already asked them. She then said, "Please, just grant me *Prem Bhakti* (devotion born of love)." Premanand Maharaj remarked that it is not easy to turn towards devotion after achieving worldly respect and success. He spoke about placing one's faith in God, chanting the Divine Name, and living life with love and bliss.

Third Meeting: May 13, 2025
On May 13, 2025, Virat and Anushka visited Vrindavan once again. They engaged in a private conversation with Premanand Maharaj. This meeting garnered significant attention because Virat had announced his retirement from Test cricket just prior to it. The couple met Maharaj and sought spiritual guidance before returning to Mumbai.

Fourth Meeting: December 16, 2025
Towards the end of 2025, on December 16, Virat and Anushka visited Premanand Maharaj's ashram again. They were seen dressed in winter clothing, with *tilak* applied to their foreheads. They sat on the ground and listened to Maharaj's *satsang*. During the meeting, Premanand Maharaj advised her to view her work as service, remain serious and humble, and chant the holy name. Moved by Maharaj's words, Anushka became emotional, and tears welled up in her eyes. Overcome with emotion, Anushka said, "We belong to you, Maharaj-ji." To this, Premanand Maharaj replied that we all belong to Shreeji.

On February 17, 2026, Virat and Anushka visited Vrindavan again. This time, instead of following any special protocol, they sat among ordinary devotees to listen to the *satsang* (spiritual discourse). This visit was significant because the couple was seen listening to Saint Premanand Maharaj's discourse just like regular devotees. While their previous meetings had involved private conversations, this time they participated in a public *satsang*.

Sixth Meeting: April 20, 2026
About two months later, on April 20, 2026, Virat and Anushka visited Vrindavan again. They met Premanand Maharaj at the Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram and sought spiritual guidance. During this visit, they also engaged in a private conversation. Photos and videos released by the ashram showed Virat and Anushka sitting calmly among the devotees, listening to Maharaj's discourse.

Seventh Meeting: June 2, 2026
On June 2, 2026, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visited Vrindavan after winning the IPL 2026 title. Virat's team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, had secured the championship. Instead of a grand celebration, the couple chose to visit Vrindavan to seek blessings from Premanand Maharaj. They attended a *satsang* (spiritual gathering) at the ashram and participated in spiritual discussions. Photos and videos captured them sitting on the floor, listening attentively to Maharaj's words.

Eighth Meeting: July 22, 2026
On July 22, 2026, Virat and Anushka had their eighth publicly reported meeting with Premanand Maharaj. They visited the Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram, where they were seen walking barefoot within the premises. As they left the ashram, they were carrying *prasad* (sanctified offering). Despite the muddy paths caused by rain, they walked out barefoot. They also greeted the people present with "Radhe-Radhe." During this visit, Virat and Anushka wore face masks and arrived at the ashram amidst security arrangements.

Controversy Over the Five-Crore Rupee Claim
A controversy has arisen regarding Virat and Anushka's meetings with Premanand Maharaj. Dinesh Falahari Maharaj, President of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, had claimed that Virat Kohli was allegedly paid ₹5 crore to visit Premanand Maharaj's *darbar* (spiritual gathering). He also raised several allegations regarding Premanand Maharaj's security and other matters related to the ashram, demanding an investigation. However, Virat Kohli's spokesperson has categorically denied these claims.

What did Virat's spokesperson say?
A statement issued by Virat Kohli's spokesperson described the claims made regarding him as completely false and baseless. The spokesperson clarified that Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj out of deep faith and reverence; it is a personal spiritual connection. The spokesperson also urged the media to thoroughly investigate and fact-check such claims concerning Virat before publishing or broadcasting them.

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