Virender Dev Dixit was born in India in 1942 inro a Brahmin household and spent much of his childhood studying religious texts. While working toward a doctorate in 1969, Dixit became associated with the Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual movement founded by Lekhraj Kirpalani. After Kirpalani’s death, Dixit stated that the founder’s soul, along with the Hindu deity Shiva, had entered his body. He declared himself a medium for the “Godhead” and identified as the incarnation of Ram and Shankar.
These claims led to disputes with the Brahma Kumaris leadership, and he was expelled from their centers in Ahmedabad and Mount Abu. The organization later issued statements distancing itself from him, stating that his interpretations of their “Muralis,” or teachings, were unauthorized and not endorsed.
In the mid-1970s, Dixit moved between Ahmedabad and Delhi and began gathering followers under the name “Advance Party.” During this period, the first allegations of sexual misconduct were reported. Former associates and alleged victims stated that he used his spiritual claims to justify sexual relations with women and minors. He reportedly told followers that he required 16,108 “gopis,” or consorts, to fulfill what he described as a divine role associated with Krishna. One early allegation involved the rape of a nine-year-old girl in 1973, whom he reportedly claimed he would elevate spiritually.
In 1983, Dixit established his first formal ashram in Kampil under the name Spiritual Heavenly University. Over the following decades, the organization expanded, reportedly operating more than 160 centers in India and abroad. The facilities were described as secluded, with high boundary walls, barbed wire, and metal gates. Residents were told that the outside world was sinful and that they would not survive away from the ashram. Internal activities were monitored.
In 1998, several rape cases were registered against Dixit in Farrukhabad following allegations by a resident of Kolkata. He was arrested and spent approximately six months in jail. During this period, authorities also conducted income tax raids on his properties. He was later acquitted in these cases after witnesses reportedly turned hostile. Opposition from local activists and families of residents continued.
In December 2017, following a petition filed by the Foundation for Social Empowerment, the Delhi High Court ordered raids on Dixit’s ashram in Rohini, Delhi. Investigators reported finding more than 100 women and minors living in confined conditions with limited privacy and restricted access to sunlight. Several rescued individuals alleged sexual assault, and authorities reported the recovery of narcotic substances. Additional raids in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh led to the discovery of dozens more women in similar circumstances.
In early 2018, as the number of investigations grew, Dixit went into hiding. His followers have stated that the allegations are a conspiracy against him.
Key Sources:
Dhawan, H. (2018, January 14). Inside the ‘spiritual’ university where sex is seva. The Times of India.
Mohan, A. (2017, December 21). Behind metal doors of Rohini ashram, syringes, over 100 women. Indian Express.
Mohan, A. (2018, January 8). Hardlook: The cult of self-styled godman Virender Dev Dikshit. Indian Express.
New Indian Express. (2018, January 7). 72 girls found staying in Raj ashram run by self-styled godman.
Wadhawan, D. A. (2018, January 7). Police investigation of “Godman” Virendra Dev Dixit expands to Rajasthan. India Today.
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