Meet Pandit Pradeep Mishra, who claimed Radharani is not Lord Krishna's wife

New Delhi: Pandit Pradeep Mishra is a celebrated storyteller, singer, and spiritual mentor who has profoundly impacted many lives through his enlightening narratives, especially those centered around the Shiva Purana. His reach extends beyond live audiences, with his sermons broadcasted on the Aastha channel and shared on his popular YouTube channel. 

Why is Pradeep Mishra making headlines?

Recently, Pandit Pradeep Mishra has been in the spotlight for a controversial statement regarding Lord Radha. He asserted that Radha was not Lord Krishna's wife but was married to Anay Ghosh from Chhata and that Barsana is not her village. This comment sparked big outrage in Braj, a region deeply connected with the lore of Radha and Krishna. The backlash was immediate, with Sadhus and saints demanding an apology from Mishra, threatening a large-scale protest if he failed to comply.

Understanding the controversy

Mishra's assertion that Radharani's father, Brishabhanu, only visited Barsana once a year for court sessions led to further discontent among the followers. This statement contradicted the traditional belief and reverence associated with Barsana as Radharani's village, leading to widespread anger and calls for retraction. After that, he visited the Radharani temple in Barsana to offer his apology to Lord Radha.

Watch the video here: 

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: After making indecent comments regarding Radha Rani and Barsana, Katha Vachak Pandit Pradeep Mishra came to Barsana and apologised in front of Shri Radha Rani Temple. pic.twitter.com/rsel5boWqn

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 29, 2024

Pandit Pradeep Mishra's background

For those curious about Pandit Pradeep Mishra's life and teachings, it's worth delving into his background and family. His storytelling began with the Shiva Purana, which continues to be a central theme in his discourses. Despite the recent controversy, his spiritual influence remains significant, with a substantial following across various platforms.

Family and early life

Pandit Pradeep Mishra's father, the late Rameshwar Dayal Mishra, was not formally educated and initially ran a gram cart before opening a tea shop. Pradeep often helped his father with his work. Despite financial hardships, Rameshwar managed to marry off his daughter. Pradeep's passion for devotional songs began in his school days, where he frequently participated in bhajan kirtans. He has two brothers, Deepak and Vinay Mishra.

Inspiration and Guru Diksha

A pivotal moment in Pradeep Mishra’s life came when Geeta Bai Parashar, a woman from a Brahmin family in Sehore, encouraged him to become a storyteller. She sent him to Indore for Guru Diksha, where he received initiation from Shri Vithalesh Rai Kaka Ji and gained profound knowledge of the Puranas.

Beginning of his journey

Mishra’s journey as a storyteller began at a local Shiv temple, where he started by cleaning the premises. His first public narration took place in Sehore, where his impactful saying, 'One Lota is the solution to the water problem,' resonated deeply with listeners. His dedication and unique storytelling style soon earned him the title 'Sehore Wale Baba.'