In India, there has long been discussion over homosexuality on a sociological, legal, and cultural level. The history of LGBTQ+ rights in the nation is a complicated mix of advancement and opposition, with roots in centuries-old customs, legislation, and social mores. Notwithstanding obstacles, opinions regarding homosexuality have gradually but significantly changed. It ushered in a period of more understanding and support for equality.
On 6th September 2018, the Supreme Court of India decriminalized homosexuality in India. Thus, opening doors legally for same-sex relationships. Now, the different parts of our society largely accept the landmark judgment. That’s why, in recent years, many religious organizations and people have also shared their perspectives in favor of LGBTQ+ rights.
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Putting this mindset forward in the religious arena, renowned spiritual guru Premanand Maharaj promoted this way of thinking in the religious sphere by sharing his progressive views on same-sex marriages. Since his video went viral, internet users have been applauding his liberal mindset.
Premanand Maharaj shares his views on same-sex relationships
A video of a young man asking renowned spiritual leader Pemanand Maharaj for advice recently went viral. The man claimed that his parents were pressuring him to marry. But since he was more attracted to guys than women, he did not feel inclined to do so. Premanand Maharaj answered the question by truly urging all guys in a similar situation to never destroy a girl’s life. The guru addressed the young man in question specifically, saying:
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Aap apni mummy papa se apni baat puri share karo. Aap byaah bilkul mat karo. Usko ghar mein baitha kar, uski zindagi narak mat banao.
Premanand Maharaj also highlighted the delusion of young males claiming they were too embarrassed to talk about such matters with their parents. He pressed them to tell him if they did not have the same guilt when they destroyed someone else’s life. Furthermore, Premanand Maharaj stated that it was never a source of shame to reveal what God has ordained in oneself.
Watch the video here:
So much respect for Maharaj ji. This is our samaveshi hindu dharm not the intolerant version made popular by the self declared gatekeepers of our religion. pic.twitter.com/24eexsVBXx
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) January 19, 2025
Premanand Maharaj advocates counseling for parents
Additionally, Premanand Maharaj begged parents to understand their children’s emotions. The spiritual guru believed that a person’s inherent qualities could not be criticized or beaten away. In light of this, Premanand Maharaj said that it was preferable to live life in helping each other.
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The spiritual guru concluded by restating the fact that women were interested in women and men were interested in men in the modern period. However, he added it was the duty of these people to tell their families about the same, as if a woman who disliked males married one, she would wind up detesting him and making things worse, and vice versa.
How did netizens react to Premanand Maharaj’s views on same-sex marriages?
Since the video of Premanand Maharaj giving sermons on same-sex marriages was uploaded on social media, it went viral. Netizens can’t stop themselves from praising the spiritual leader for his liberal and open-minded views. Here are some of the reactions:
He practices what he preaches which is a rarity- by not falling prey to sermonising religious behaviors but practising a sound karmyogi life to cleanse the soul which resides in the body with a clean calm mind.
His popularity hasn’t forced him down a path of seeking more fame or…
— Monica Jasuja (@jasuja) January 19, 2025
As far as I know most of the preachers from Hindu cmnty nvr spoke agnst ths issue
Bcz Hindus und that soul has no gender
But this happens in rarest of rare cases
The sm gendr rlws we see these days are forced & ppl think it’s cool so flw it’s not bcz of soul cnctn kind of love— Samyukta (@romitasingh47) January 20, 2025
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Amazed with the clarity with which he speaks even on matters which perhaps is considered Taboo.
Respect ❤️
— SHAILESH DEVADIGA 🇮🇳 (@shailrupz1) January 19, 2025
Dharmiks were always in sync with same sex relations. It was the abrahamic invaders who corrupted it on this land and ruined the fabric of the Dharmik civilization.
Decolonize Bharat from evil abrahamics.
— Roy (@DharmSatyaKarma) January 19, 2025
Other Hindu spiritual leaders also endorsed same-sex marriages
Meanwhile, several Indian Hindu spiritual leaders have argued for inclusivity in recent years by endorsing same-sex marriages and relationships. According to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a spiritual teacher, “homosexuality has never been considered a crime in Hindu culture.” He also praised the Supreme Court’s ruling to repeal Section 377, which decriminalized same-sex marriages in India.
In addition, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev frequently reiterated in conversations regarding homosexuality that sexual preferences are a personal choice and should not cause prejudice or social rejection. Regarding homosexuality and its connection to religion, he has responded by arguing that personal preferences ought to be honored.
These viewpoints from Hindu spiritual gurus help people to understand and accept same-sex relationships more broadly. What do you think about Premanand Maharaj’s advice? Do share your thoughts with us in the comment section of this article.
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