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Premanand Ji Maharaj, a revered spiritual leader from Vrindavan, has been living with complete kidney failure for nearly two decades. Despite being offered kidney transplants by devoted followers, he has chosen to continue his spiritual work while relying on long-term dialysis, demonstrating extraordinary discipline, resilience, and faith.

Medical Background: The Challenge of ADPKD

New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) A day after retiring from Test cricket, India's batting stalwart Virat Kohli on Tuesday visited Vrindavan with his wife Anushka Sharma and had a special spiritual conversation (Ekantik Vartalaap) with Premanand Ji Maharaj in his Ashram Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj, Varah Ghat.

Maharaj suffers from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a genetic disorder that causes cysts to form within the kidneys, leading to gradual enlargement and loss of function. This condition affects about 1 in 400–1,000 people worldwide, often resulting in kidney failure by middle age if untreated.

Both of Premanand Ji Maharaj’s kidneys eventually ceased functioning, requiring him to undergo regular dialysis for survival. Hemodialysis, which he follows diligently, acts as a substitute for kidney function by filtering waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood. For nearly 20 years, this has been his lifeline.

The Dialysis Routine: Life on the MachineMaharaj’s dialysis sessions last approximately five hours per day, multiple times a week, a physically taxing process that can leave patients feeling fatigued, lightheaded, or weak. Despite these challenges, he continues to attend to his spiritual duties, interact with devotees, and deliver sermons, often displaying visible signs of discomfort such as swelling or paleness, which are common among long-term dialysis patients.

Medical experts note that living this long on dialysis requires extraordinary discipline, strict diet, and lifestyle management, including controlling fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and managing fatigue—all of which Maharaj meticulously follows.

Spirituality as Strength Beyond medical treatment, Maharaj’s faith and spiritual discipline play a crucial role in his endurance. Devotees describe him as calm, compassionate, and resilient, often inspiring those around him with his positive outlook despite chronic illness.

He refuses kidney transplants, emphasizing that he does not want others to sacrifice for him, a choice rooted in humility and spiritual principle. This decision has further deepened the devotional admiration of his followers, who see his perseverance as a living example of faith over physical limitations.

Daily Life and Human StrugglesMaharaj’s day begins early, with prayers, meditation, and light physical activity, followed by dialysis as scheduled. While he has scaled back strenuous activities like long walks, he continues to engage with devotees and maintain ashram routines.

Observers note his gentle demeanor and tireless patience, even while navigating the physical limitations of kidney failure, making him a deeply human and relatable figure. He experiences moments of fatigue and mild weakness, yet approaches his condition with acceptance and grace, teaching a quiet but powerful lesson in resilience, patience, and surrender.

Community Support and InfluenceMaharaj enjoys strong community support, both morally and spiritually. Many followers offer prayers and assistance, yet he continues to prioritize discipline, dialysis, and spiritual focus over medical interventions like transplantation. His balance of faith and medicine illustrates how chronic illness can coexist with meaningful spiritual life, even in severe conditions.

His journey is often cited by medical professionals and devotees alike as a testament to mental fortitude, structured care, and spiritual devotion, highlighting that longevity and quality of life are possible even in challenging medical circumstances.

A Life of Faith, Discipline, and ResiliencePremanand Ji Maharaj’s story is not just about surviving kidney failure; it is about living fully within limitations, integrating faith, medicine, and human determination. His life inspires devotees, patients, and medical observers alike, showing that the human spirit—guided by discipline and devotion—can endure even extreme physical challenges.

He exemplifies that strength is not just physical, and that spiritual conviction can empower humans to transcend biological boundaries, offering hope and lessons for millions worldwide.

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