Shankaracharya Concludes Sit-In Protest at Magh Mela, Expresses Profound Disappointment
In a significant development from Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has officially ended his ten-day-long sit-in protest at the Magh Mela grounds. The spiritual leader departed the sacred site on Wednesday, having been unable to perform the ritual holy bath at the Sangam—the revered confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
"Sense of Emptiness" and "Heavy Heart" Mark Departure
Before leaving the Magh Mela, Swami Avimukteshwaranand conveyed his deep emotional turmoil to gathered reporters. "Today, words are not supporting me, and my voice feels heavy," he stated, as reported by PTI. "We come to this sacred land of Prayagraj seeking spiritual peace, but today we are returning with a sense of emptiness and a heavy heart that we had never imagined."
The seer further elaborated on his distress, noting that "taking a dip in the Sangam is a path to the satisfaction of the inner soul, but my mind is so distressed today that I am leaving without taking a bath." He emphasized that the recent events at Prayagraj had profoundly affected him, shaking his inner self and raising fundamental questions about collective faith in justice and humanity.
Background of the Controversial Incident
The dispute originated on January 18, during the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya. Swami Avimukteshwaranand was traveling in a palanquin toward the Sangam for the ritual bath when administrative and police officials intervened. Citing heavy crowds and safety concerns, they requested that he dismount and proceed on foot to the ghats.
According to the Mela administration, the seer and his supporters allegedly broke through a barricade on a pontoon bridge, advancing toward the bathing area. This action reportedly created serious challenges for police personnel tasked with crowd management. Following this confrontation, allegations were exchanged between Avimukteshwaranand and the police administration, prompting the spiritual leader to initiate his sit-in protest, which lasted for ten days before his departure.
Political Reactions and Criticism from Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav swiftly responded to the seer's announcement, launching a sharp critique against the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government. In a post on social media platform X, Yadav described the Shankaracharya's departure without bathing as an "extremely ominous" incident.
"The BJP's arrogance broke a tradition that has continued since time immemorial," Yadav asserted. "Jagadguru Shankaracharya ji leaving the Magh Mela on the sacred land of Prayagraj without taking a holy bath is an extremely ominous incident."
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister claimed that the entire Sanatan community was not only hurt but also gripped by fear. "The global Sanatan society is deeply pained and filled with an uncertain sense of apprehension," he posted.
Allegations of Power Intoxication and Warnings
Yadav accused the ruling party of being "blinded by power" and suggested alternative actions could have been taken. "If the BJP and its associates wanted, they could have shed the arrogance of power, carried him on their shoulders and ensured his sacred bath at the Triveni Sangam, thereby upholding his honour," he stated. "The BJP is intoxicated with the pride of power acquired through corrupt means, which is stopping it from doing so."
Invoking religious texts, Yadav warned of consequences, stating that "no wrongdoer ever escapes the punishment of arrogance." He emphasized that "no political post can be greater than the honour of saints" and concluded with the stark message: "Hurt saints mean the end of power."
The incident has sparked significant discussion around religious freedoms, administrative protocols during large gatherings, and the intersection of spirituality with political dynamics in Uttar Pradesh.
