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Premanand Ji Maharaj on Radha Naam: Why He Asks Everyone to Chant Radha
If you have watched even a few satsang clips of Pujya Premanand Ji Maharaj of Vrindavan, you will have noticed one theme again and again: chant the name of Radha. Lakhs of people, from students to busy professionals, have started Radha naam jap after listening to him. In this post we explain, in our own words, why Premanand Ji Maharaj places Radha naam at the centre of his teaching, and how you can begin the practice simply at home.
A note before we begin: this is our own summary of themes from his public satsangs, written with respect. Ethorva has no connection with Pujya Maharaj Ji or his ashram, and nothing here suggests that he endorses any product.
Who is Premanand Ji Maharaj?
Premanand Ji Maharaj is a saint of Vrindavan in the Radhavallabh tradition, widely known for his satsangs on naam jap, a pure life and devotion to Shri Radha. His conversations with devotees, in which he answers personal questions with great simplicity, are watched and shared across India.
Why Radha naam?
In the Radhavallabh tradition, Shri Radha is worshipped as the supreme Ishta, the very heart of Krishna's love. Her name is seen as the sweetest and most merciful form of the Lord's presence. In his satsangs Maharaj Ji often explains a few connected ideas, which we summarise below.
1. The name and the named are not different
He often explains that the Holy Name is not just a word that points to God; it carries God's own presence. When we chant "Radha", devotees believe we are directly in contact with Shri Radha herself.
2. Radha naam is for everyone
A recurring point in his answers is that no special qualification is needed. Rich or poor, young or old, learned or simple, anyone can chant the name. There are no strict rules about place or time for chanting the name itself.
3. The name is merciful
He often explains that Shri Radha is the embodiment of compassion, and that chanting her name is a way of taking shelter in that compassion, especially for those who feel they have made many mistakes in life.
4. Chanting must go with clean living
Maharaj Ji is equally clear that naam jap is not a shortcut that allows wrong behaviour. In many satsangs he advises listeners to avoid harmful habits, speak truthfully, respect parents and stay away from what disturbs the mind, so that the chanting can bear fruit.
5. Chant while you work
Many of his listeners are students and working people. He often encourages them to keep chanting quietly while studying, commuting, cooking or working, so the name becomes a steady companion through the day rather than a separate ritual.
How to start Radha naam jap: a simple plan
Here is a beginner-friendly routine inspired by these teachings. Adapt it to your own life and your guru's guidance.
- Fix a small daily count. Begin with one mala (108 names) in the morning. Many people use a Radha naam tulsi japa mala, where each bead carries her name.
- Add "silent" chanting through the day. Whenever you wait, travel or walk, chant softly in your mind.
- Track your progress without stress. If you chant while travelling or working, a digital naam jaap counter helps you keep count without holding a mala.
- Increase slowly. After two or three weeks, add another mala or a few minutes.
- Keep a simple altar. A small picture of your Ishta or guru can help focus the mind. Some devotees keep a small photo of Premanand Ji Maharaj on their study table as a reminder of the teaching.
If you are completely new to naam jap, our naam jap beginner guide explains the basics step by step.
Ways to chant: mala, counter or writing
- Japa mala: the traditional method. Moving the fingers over the beads keeps the mind engaged.
- Counter: convenient for long counts and for chanting on the move. Browse our japa bags and counters.
- Naam lekhan or naam seva: writing or offering the name, which some devotees find calming. See our naam seva collection.
All three are valid. Choose the one that helps you chant more, with more attention.
Common mistakes when starting Radha naam jap
- Setting huge targets on day one: lakhs of names can wait. Steady daily chanting matters more.
- Chanting only for wishes: it is natural to pray for help, but the tradition encourages chanting out of love, not as a transaction.
- Comparing counts with others: naam jap is a personal relationship, not a competition.
- Stopping after a bad day: missed a day? Simply start again the next morning.
A gentle 21-day start
Habits form slowly, so give yourself three weeks before judging how the practice feels. Here is one simple way to structure them.
- Days 1 to 7: one mala every morning, at the same time and place. Do not worry if the mind wanders; gently bring it back to the sound of the name.
- Days 8 to 14: keep the morning mala and add a few minutes of silent chanting during your commute or before sleep.
- Days 15 to 21: add a second mala, or spend a little time listening to a satsang or reading about Shri Radha so that your understanding grows along with the chanting.
Write down how you feel at the end of each week. Many devotees notice that the name slowly starts to arise on its own during the day, which is the real sign that the habit has taken root.
Frequently asked questions
Can I chant Radha naam without initiation?
Yes. In his satsangs Maharaj Ji often explains that anyone can chant the Holy Name. For formal initiation and personal guidance, approach a guru of your tradition.
How many times should I chant Radha naam daily?
There is no fixed number for everyone. Start with a count you can keep every day, such as one mala, and increase gradually.
Can I chant silently in my mind?
Yes. Many devotees chant softly or mentally, especially at work or while travelling.
Is Ethorva connected with Premanand Ji Maharaj?
No. We are a devotional store that admires his teachings. We have no connection with him or his ashram.
Whatever your path, may Radha naam bring sweetness and peace into your day. If you would like a mala or counter to support your practice, explore our Radha Krishna collection; we deliver across India. Radhe Radhe.
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