Key Points:
- Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati fell ill with fever after six days of open-air protest at Magh Mela
- Protest began after fair administration stopped his palanquin on Mauni Amavasya, allegedly manhandling him
- Shankaracharya demands public apology and permission for respectful bathing and camp entry
- 125,000 Shiva Lingams await consecration at his camp, meant for installation at Lakshmeshwar Dham in Chhattisgarh
- Police deployed drones, left Shankaracharya on Triveni Marg since January 18
- Saint community leaders appeal for resolution through respectful dialogue, not confrontation
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati’s health has deteriorated after six days of continuous open-air protest at the Magh Mela, with his national media in charge, Shailendra Yogiraj, confirming that the seer has developed a fever and is currently under medical consultation. The Shankaracharya has remained seated on his palanquin on Triveni Marg since January 18, when the fair administration stopped his procession on Mauni Amavasya and allegedly turned him back, triggering a standoff that has drawn attention from across the saint community.
The incident that sparked the protest occurred when administrative officials intercepted the Shankaracharya’s palanquin, reportedly manhandling him and pulling his hair, according to allegations by his disciples. The police subsequently left the spiritual leader and his palanquin in front of his camp, where he has maintained his position for six consecutive days despite harsh weather conditions. The prolonged exposure has now affected his health, prompting doctors to advise rest while he continues his protest.
Demands for Apology and Religious Rights
The Shankaracharya remains adamant in his demands, insisting that the administration must publicly apologize for the alleged mistreatment and grant him permission to bathe respectfully at the Sangam and enter his camp without obstruction. He has declared that only after these conditions are met will he consider ending his protest and returning to his spiritual duties. The administration has so far not responded to these demands, maintaining a standoff that has disrupted the religious atmosphere of one of Hinduism’s most sacred congregations.
The Shiva Lingams Controversy
At the heart of the dispute lies a massive religious project that has been jeopardized by the administrative action. Swami Avimukteshwaranand recently revealed that the confrontation prevented him from proceeding with the installation of 125,000 Shiva Lingams at Lakshmeshwar Dham in Chhattisgarh. According to reports, this ambitious installation was planned as a major spiritual event, and before the consecration, the Shankaracharya intended to bring these Shiva Lingams to Prayagraj for public viewing and worship.
Currently, the Shiva Lingams remain inside his camp, packed in cartons and awaiting consecration, while the Swami sits outside, unable to perform the sacred rituals. Some of the Shiva Lingams have already arrived at the site, while another consignment was expected, leaving devotees who see the religious articles in this state expressing anger and frustration. The delay has transformed a logistical dispute into a matter of religious sentiment, complicating efforts to resolve the conflict.
Community Appeals for Peaceful Resolution
Amidst the escalating tension, the saint community has stepped forward with appeals for restraint and dialogue. In Nashik, prominent saints Mahant Ramsnehi Das and Mahant Baijnath have called for sensitive issues to be resolved not through confrontation, but through respectful dialogue and mutual understanding. Their intervention reflects growing concern within the religious establishment that the standoff could tarnish the spiritual sanctity of the Magh Mela and create divisions within the Hindu community.
The administration has deployed drones to monitor the situation and prevent further escalation, while police personnel maintain a watchful presence around the protest site. However, the Shankaracharya’s supporters continue to gather, turning the protest into a focal point for broader grievances about administrative interference in religious affairs.
Latest Updates and Health Concerns
Medical professionals attending to the Shankaracharya have expressed concern about his condition after six days of exposure, particularly given his age and the winter conditions at the Sangam. While he is currently resting, his supporters insist that he will not abandon his protest until his demands are met. The district administration has remained silent on whether it will concede to the demands for a public apology, leaving the situation in a delicate stalemate that threatens to overshadow the remaining days of the Magh Mela.
