“Why Doesn’t Akashvani Happen Today?” Premanand Maharaj Reveals the Hard Truth

Mathura: Renowned saint Premanand Maharaj, famous for sharing spiritual insights on social media, recently addressed a devotee’s intriguing question at his ashram. The devotee asked why, unlike in ancient times, divine proclamations (Akashvani) are no longer heard, even by devoted saints—or even by demons like Kansa.

A Stark Reality of Kali Yuga
Premanand Maharaj agreed with the devotee, saying that the phenomenon is deeply influenced by the era we live in. “Yes, this is the effect of the age. In Kali Yuga, corruption is rampant. You just have to look at the character of demons,” he said. He elaborated that in ancient times, ascetics would undertake severe penance for tens of thousands of years, sometimes shaking the very world with their austerities. He cited Hiranyakashipu, whose penance left only his skeleton behind, and the divine intervention of Lord Narasimha to restore cosmic balance.

The Decline of Sanctity
“Earlier, even demons practiced austerity in a sacred environment,” Maharaj explained. “Today, people neglect rituals and prayers. Social evils like alcohol consumption and meat-eating have become widespread. Kali Yuga has such an impact that even those born into ascetic lineages sometimes exhibit unrighteous behavior. The times influence the individual, and the spiritual climate has shifted drastically.”

Kali Yuga’s Simple Path to Salvation
Addressing the devotee’s search for guidance, Premanand Maharaj emphasized that in Kali Yuga, chanting the Lord’s name is the essence of spiritual practice. “There is no need for extreme penance or rigorous meditation today. Simply repeating God’s name is the most accessible and effective path to liberation,” he said, quoting scriptures: “Kaliyug only relies on the name, repeat and repeat; man cannot achieve otherwise.”

Maharaj’s teaching underscores a timeless principle: in an age of moral and spiritual decline, devotion through remembrance and chanting of God’s name remains the simplest, most powerful means to spiritual progress.