Swami Saraswati leaves Prayagraj Magh Mela without Sangam dip, vows continued protests

Prayagraj: The standoff between Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the self-proclaimed “Shankaracharya” of Jyotirmath, and Prayagraj Mela Authority has reached a deadlock. After a 10-day sit-in protest, the seer left the Magh Mela on Wednesday without performing the sacred Mauni Amavasya ritual bath, citing the administration's failure to address his grievances or provide written assurances.

Saraswati, who began his dharna on January 18 after alleging UP Police prevented his holy dip and misbehaved with him, departed for Varanasi with supporters. His national media in-charge, Yogi Raj Sarkar, stated, “We will come to Prayagraj for the next Magh Mela and sit on dharna… we will not enter the shivir as no one came to escort us with due respect this time.”

The Mela Authority had issued two notices to the Swami, accusing him and his followers of attempting to “force their way” to Sangam on January 18, risking a stampede. One notice questioned barring him from future events, while another cited a 2022 Supreme Court order challenging his use of the “Shankaracharya” title. Sarkar confirmed responses have been submitted to both.

The controversy has gained political traction, with Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party and Congress accusing the BJP of disrespecting Sanatan Dharma. The ruling BJP remains divided, with most leaders silent and others attempting reconciliation.