Prayagraj: A confrontation between the Prayagraj Mela Authority and religious leader Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has escalated into a major controversy, involving legal threats and political recriminations. On Wednesday, January 21, the seer threatened legal action against the administration if they did not withdraw a notice questioning his use of the prestigious title 'Shankaracharya'.
The dispute originated during the ongoing Magh Mela, an annual month-long religious fair where devotees gather at the Triveni Sangam. On January 18, observed as Mauni Amavasya, the administration restricted VIP movement due to immense crowds. When Swami Avimukteshwaranand attempted to reach the Sangam in his chariot for a holy dip, police blocked his path. This led to heated arguments, with the seer alleging that police mistreated him and thrashed his followers. He subsequently staged a protest, terming the police action an "insult to the Shankaracharya."
In a swift counter-move, the Mela administration issued a notice to the seer, questioning his use of the title 'Shankaracharya'—a designation for the heads of the four monasteries established by Adi Sankara—citing that the matter regarding his claim to the Jyotish Peeth of Badrinath is currently sub judice in the Supreme Court.
In an eight-page reply submitted on Wednesday, the seer’s lawyer, Anjani Kumar Mishra, asserted that the Supreme Court has not barred his client from holding the title. Citing previous court orders, Mishra maintained that Swami Avimukteshwaranand is the legitimate Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth. The reply warned that the administration's notice had caused "serious financial, social, and reputational damages" affecting the seer's dignity and religious observances. The legal team has demanded an immediate withdrawal of the notice.
The incident has triggered a political war of words. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav attacked the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government, calling the administration's demand for a "certificate of title" the "greatest insult to Sanatana Dharma." He demanded an apology from the Chief Minister, stating that the ruling party's "love for Hinduism was fake." Congress leader Pawan Khera also condemned the administration for disrupting centuries-old traditions by denying the seer a customary royal bath.
The religious community remains divided on the issue. Swami Sadanand Saraswati, Shankaracharya of the Sharada Peeth, supported the victim, calling the alleged police violence unfortunate. However, Swami Rambhadracharya defended the administration, noting that on peak bathing days like Mauni Amavasya, even high-ranking seers usually walk to avoid inconveniencing devotees. "No injustice has been done to him; rather, he himself has violated the rules," Rambhadracharya stated.
Notably, Swami Avimukteshwaranand has been a vocal critic of the BJP government at both the state and central levels, having previously criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the inauguration of the Ram Temple while it was still under construction.