Born Anirudh Ram Tiwari on September 27, 1989, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Aniruddhacharya Maharaj grew up immersed in spirituality, largely inspired by his father a local Hindu priest and daily rituals at the family temple. His early life in village Revjha shaped his devotion, and in Vrindavan, he deepened his study of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, stepping into the role of a religious storyteller whose charm lies in sincerity and wit.
Early Life & Spiritual Roots
- Born: September 27, 1989, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
- Parents: Ram Naresh Tiwari and Chhaya Bai
- Spiritual grounding began in childhood; later moved to Vrindavan for deeper learning
- Inspired by and possibly guided by Guru Sant Giraj Maharaj in spiritual path
Family & Personal Life of Aniruddhacharya
Aniruddhacharya is married to Arti Tiwari affectionately known to followers as “Guru Mata” who holds a Ph.D. in psychology and continued her education even after marriage. The couple enjoys a grounded family life and has two sons, Om and Shivu.
Spiritual Approach & Rise to Fame
What sets him apart is his blend of humor and devotion. He became an internet phenomenon by turning everyday observations into memorable spiritual analogies calling biscuits “vis-ka-kit” (poison packet) or comparing pizza cheese to glue. These light-hearted takes struck a chord with younger audiences, earning him the name “Pookie Baba” and meme superstardom.
His YouTube channel, focused on narrating Bhagavata Purana and devotional discourses, has gathered more than 25 million followers. In 2023, he was recognized by the World Book of Records London for the most-subscribed spiritual channel, and in 2024, he received a doctorate from an American university.
Ashram & Social Work
He’s the founder of the Gauri Gopal Ashram in Vrindavan, where spirituality meets service. The ashram manages:
- Annapurna Rasoi feeding 3,000 to 5,000 people daily.
- Cow shelters (gaushalas), old-age homes, free meals for visitors.
- Programs for underprivileged girls, children education, and wildlife care including monkeys.
Aniruddhacharya enjoys massive popularity, not only for his teachings but for how he defuses criticism turning insults into wry punchlines.
However, he’s also courted controversy. In 2024, he faced backlash and filed FIRs after insensitive remarks about women and religious figures. Recently, he was criticized for derogatory comments about women in live in relationships. Bollywood figures like Khushboo Patani condemned him, and the public debate continues. Reports also surfaced of his luxurious lifestyle luxury cars like a Volvo XC90 and Tesla Model Y, coupled with an estimated net worth of ₹25 crore, and daily speaking fees between ₹1–3 lakh.
