Batuk Brahmins Controversy: An incident that took place during the Magh Mela in Sangam city has created a stir in the politics of Uttar Pradesh. The alleged misbehavior of the police with the Batuk Brahmins accompanying Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand has now become a big political issue. Recently, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Brajesh Pathak met Batuk Brahmins at his residence. Let us know what is this whole controversy and what is called Batuk in Hindu religion.
What is the whole controversy?
The incident is said to have happened on January 18. When on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand was going for Sangam bath in Saraswati palanquin in Magh Mela. He alleges that the local police stopped him on the way and refused to take the dip. It was also alleged on their part that the Batuk Brahmins accompanying them were pulled even to the top of their head. After this allegation, there was a sharp reaction in religious and political circles. Describing this incident as serious, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that pulling someone’s hair is a great sin. And those who do this feel guilty. Let us know who Batuk is, whose crest pulling issue is causing political heat again.
Who are Batuk Brahmins?
Narrator Avadhesh Mishra, It is said that in religious tradition, a celibate child is called Batuk, who has taken initiation in Gurukul for Vedic education. They are unmarried and lead a disciplined life. According to the storytellers, a Batuk is one who observes the vow of celibacy till the age of about 25 years. After this he can enter the Grihastha Ashram. The process of making Batuk is related to the Yagyopavit (Upanayan) ritual, one of the important rites of the 16 rites of Hindu religion. It is a symbol of taking the child forward on the path of education, restraint and religious discipline. Whereas those who are associated with Batuk Shankaracharya tradition, they wear Danda. This punishment is considered a symbol of celibacy and self-control.
Avadhesh Mishra, Storyteller
Major rites and rituals of Batuk
The process of becoming Batuk involves many important rituals and rules.
- Mundan Sanskar (Chudakarma): Start of a new life by shaving the hair of the head.
- Wearing Yagyopavit (Janeu): Wearing a sacred thread with three threads, which is a symbol of duty and discipline.
- Initiation of Gayatri Mantra: To move forward on the path of knowledge by giving mantras by the Guru.
- Wearing Mekhala: Tying the Moonj girdle around the waist.
- Holding the bar: Holding a stick in hand as a symbol of celibacy and restraint.
- Begging: Begging for alms from parents or society, which teaches renunciation of ego.
- Brahmacharya fast: Resolve to live a restrained, disciplined and religious life.
Also read: UP: DyCM Brajesh Pathak met Batuk Brahmins at his residence amid peak controversy, welcomed them with tilak