Swami Avimukteshwarananda SaraswatiImage Credit source: PTI
Magh Mela Controversy: Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati is once again in the headlines. The reason became the Magh Mela of Prayagraj, where on the day of Mauni Amavasya, he and the administration came face to face regarding Sangam Snan. The matter escalated so much that sages, saints, politics and administration came face to face. However, this is not the first time that Swami Avimukteshwarananda has come at the center of controversies. Due to his outspoken opinions, outspoken statements and open advocacy of Sanatan traditions, he has been in the news many times before. Let us know, after all, who is Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, one of whose decisions made Magh Mela an arena of controversies.
When and where was he born?
The original name of Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati is Umashankar Upadhyay. He was born on 15 August 1969 in Brahmanpur village of Patti tehsil of Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh. He belongs to a Brahmin family. His primary education took place in Pratapgarh itself, but since childhood he was inclined towards religious and intellectual subjects.
Journey from Gujarat to Varanasi
He reached Gujarat for higher education and religious studies. There he came in contact with Brahmachari Ram Chaitanya, a disciple of Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj. From here the direction of his life changed. Under the guidance of celibate Ram Chaitanya, he took the path of Sanskrit and classical studies. After this he came to Varanasi and obtained the degrees of Shastri and Acharya from Sampurnanand Sanskrit University. During this period, he was not limited to studies only, but also played an active role in student politics. Winning the student union elections in 1994 is considered a proof of his leadership skills.
How did Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati become?
He retired in the 1990s after extensive education in Sanskrit grammar, Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Vedanta, Ayurveda and Shastras. When Swami Karpatri ji became unwell, he started serving him and stayed with him till his last moments. During this time, he came in contact with Peetadhishwar Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati of Jyotirmath. On 15 April 2003, he was initiated into Danda Sannyasa and then he got the name Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati.
Also read: Question raised on Avimukteshwarananda being Shankaracharya, know how the election is done and how he gets the title.
Vocal voice from Ganga to cow and religion
Swami Avimukteshwaranand has not only been a religious leader but also the voice of movements. In 2008, he went on a fast demanding declaration of Ganga as the national river, which became a topic of discussion across the country. He speaks openly on Sanatan traditions, scriptures and religious norms. Be it the issue of cow slaughter, self-reliance of temples or government interference in religion, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda has been expressing his views openly.
Raised voice on environment and Joshimath also
Along with religious issues, he has also been conscious about the environment. In the matter of land subsidence in Joshimath, he filed a PIL in the Supreme Court and openly expressed concern over the dangers of climate change. It is clear from this that his viewpoint is not limited to religion only.
How did Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath become?
After the demise of Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati in September 2022, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati was appointed the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath (Joshimath). However, since then some controversies and legal complications have been arising regarding this post.
What was the whole controversy in Magh Mela?
Controversy erupted on the day of Mauni Amavasya in the Magh Mela of Prayagraj, when Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati along with about 200 disciples set out for the Sangam bath in a chariot and palanquin. Citing huge crowd, the administration stopped them from moving forward and asked them to take bath on foot. The disciples objected to this, the situation became tense and a minor clash also took place. After this, Swami Avimukteshwaranand said that when the saints will be treated like this, I will not take bath. He refused to take Sangam bath and sat on strike.
Question on the validity of the post of Shankaracharya
The controversy did not stop here. The fair administration issued a notice raising questions on the validity of the post of Shankaracharya of Swami Avimukteshwarananda. The administration argues that this matter is pending in the Supreme Court. At the same time, Swami Avimukteshwaranand clearly says that the decision on the post of Shankaracharya is not taken by the court or politics, but by the religious bench and traditions. Now it remains to be seen how long the controversy will subside but at present politics is heated in the Magh Mela of Dharmanagari.
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