From Stardom to Spirituality: Anushka Sharma’s Call for "Prem Bhakti"

Nidhi | Jan 15, 2025, 12:09 IST

On January 5, 2025, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli visited the Vrindavan ashram of Shri Premanand Maharaj Ji, accompanied by their children. During the visit, Anushka’s heartfelt plea, "Mujhe prem bhakti dedo," drew attention to the profound concept of prem bhakti. Rooted in Vaishnavism, prem bhakti is the ultimate form of selfless love and devotion to the Supreme. This article delves into the meaning, practices, and transformative journey of prem bhakti, exploring how it transcends material desires and leads to spiritual fulfillment. Learn how you, too, can embrace this divine love in your life.

On January 5, 2025, renowned actress Anushka Sharma and her husband, cricket icon Virat Kohli, visited the Vrindavan ashram of Shri Premanand Maharaj Ji, accompanied by their children, Vamika and Akaay. During this spiritual sojourn, Anushka expressed a heartfelt desire, saying, "Mujhe prem bhakti dedo," which translates to "Grant me pure devotional love." This profound statement has sparked widespread interest, prompting many to delve deeper into the essence of "prem bhakti" and its significance in spiritual practice.

Understanding Prem Bhakti

In Vaishnavism, particularly within the Gaudiya tradition, "prem bhakti" refers to the highest form of devotion characterized by pure, selfless love towards the Supreme Being, Lord Krishna. It transcends ritualistic practices and material desires, aiming for an intimate, loving relationship with the divine. This stage of devotion is marked by an overwhelming longing to serve and please the Lord, devoid of any ulterior motives or expectations.

The progression towards prem bhakti involves several stages, beginning with initial faith (śraddhā), association with devotees (sādhu-saṅga), and the practice of devotional service (bhajana-kriyā). As one advances, impurities are cleansed (anartha-nivṛtti), leading to steadiness (niṣṭhā), taste (ruci), attachment (āsakti), and eventually culminating in pure love (prema). This journey is beautifully outlined in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, a seminal text in Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

The Path to Achieving Prem Bhakti

Attaining prem bhakti is a transformative journey that requires sincere effort, guidance, and divine grace. Key practices include:

Śravaṇa (Hearing): Regularly listening to the pastimes and teachings of Lord Krishna as described in sacred texts like the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam.
Kīrtana (Chanting): Engaging in the congregational chanting of the holy names, such as the Hare Krishna mahā-mantra, which purifies the heart and mind.
Smaraṇa (Remembrance): Constantly meditating upon the Lord's form, qualities, and pastimes to deepen one's connection.
Pāda-sevana (Service): Offering direct service to the deity and engaging in activities that please the Lord.
Arcana (Worship): Performing deity worship with devotion and adherence to prescribed rituals.
Vandana (Prayers): Offering heartfelt prayers and glorifications to express one's love and surrender.
Dāsya (Servitude): Cultivating the mood of a humble servant, recognizing the Lord as the supreme master.
Sākhyā (Friendship): Developing a friendly relationship with the Lord, sharing one's thoughts and feelings openly.
Ātma-nivedana (Complete Surrender): Unconditionally surrendering oneself, accepting the Lord's will in all circumstances.

These practices, when performed with sincerity and without ulterior motives, gradually purify the heart, allowing the devotee to experience the bliss of prem bhakti.

The Transcendental Nature of Prem Bhakti

Prem bhakti is beyond the confines of material existence. It is a state where the devotee's love for the Lord surpasses all worldly attachments and desires. In this elevated consciousness, the devotee experiences:

Ananda (Bliss): An unending, transcendental joy derived from the loving relationship with the divine.
Moksha (Liberation): Freedom from the cycle of birth and death, as the soul is fully absorbed in loving service to the Lord.
Sāyujya (Union): A profound sense of unity with the divine, while maintaining individual identity to relish the dynamics of the relationship.

This state is considered the ultimate goal of human life in Vaishnavism, offering fulfillment that far exceeds any material pleasure or achievement.

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli's Spiritual Pursuit

The visit of Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli to Shri Premanand Maharaj Ji's ashram underscores their commitment to spiritual growth amidst their high-profile lives. Their participation in the satsang (spiritual discourse) and Anushka's earnest plea for prem bhakti reflect a deep yearning for divine love and connection.

Such actions serve as an inspiration, demonstrating that the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment is universal, transcending societal roles and professions. Their example encourages others to explore the depths of devotional practice, seeking inner peace and purpose beyond material success.

Embracing Prem Bhakti in Daily Life

For those inspired to cultivate prem bhakti, integrating devotional practices into daily life is essential. Practical steps include:

Daily Chanting: Setting aside time each day to chant the holy names, fostering a personal connection with the divine.
Scriptural Study: Reading and reflecting upon sacred texts to gain deeper insights into the nature of devotion and the qualities of the Lord.
Association with Devotees: Spending time with fellow practitioners to share experiences, receive guidance, and strengthen one's resolve.
Selfless Service: Engaging in acts of kindness and service, recognizing the presence of the divine in all beings.
Mindfulness of the Divine: Maintaining an awareness of the Lord's presence throughout daily activities, offering one's work and actions as a form of worship.

By adopting these practices with dedication and humility, individuals can gradually awaken the dormant love for the divine within their hearts, progressing towards the exalted state of prem bhakti.