Prayagraj/Dehradun: Tensions rose during the Magh Mela at Prayagraj on the sacred occasion of Mauni Amavasya when the chariot of Jyotish Peethadheeshwar Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati Maharaj was stopped by police near the Sangam Nose.
A scuffle broke out between supporters and police, and the Shankaracharya returned without taking the traditional Sangam bath.
Mahapanchayat strongly condemned the behavior of the police and administration
The incident has sparked outrage among religious leaders in Uttarakhand. The Chardham Tirtha Purohit Mahapanchayat strongly condemned the behavior of the police and administration, calling it disrespectful to a high-ranking saint of Sanatan Dharma. The Mahapanchayat has demanded a high-level inquiry into the matter and strict action against those responsible.
Suresh Semwal, president of the Char dham Tirth Purohit Mahapanchayat, said the incident was deeply insulting. “Such behavior with Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati Maharaj and other saints is condemnable. This is not just an insult to one person but to Sanatan Dharma itself,” he stated.
Incident an attack on Sanatan Dharma
Purushottam Uniyal, spokesperson of the Yamunotri Temple Committee, echoed the sentiment, calling the incident an attack on Sanatan Dharma. He emphasized that saints and religious leaders deserve respect, especially during sacred gatherings like the Magh Mela.
Umesh Sati, central president of the Brahma Kapal Tirtha Purohit Panchayat Committee, also condemned the incident. He said, “This indecent behavior is an insult to Sanatan Dharma. A high-level investigation should be conducted, and the culprits must be prosecuted.”
Santosh Trivedi, vice-president of the Char Dham Mahapanchayat and member of the Kedar Sabha, described the incident as shameful. He said it was a direct attack on the dignity of Sanatan Dharma and demanded strict action against those responsible.
Hurt the sentiments of religious leaders
The Magh Mela, especially on Mauni Amavasya, is considered one of the most sacred occasions, drawing millions of devotees and saints to the Sangam for ritual bathing. Religious leaders argue that stopping the Shankaracharya’s chariot and preventing him from performing the holy bath has hurt the sentiments of devotees across the country. They insist that the administration must ensure respect and smooth participation of saints in future events.