Key Points
- Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand rejects administration’s apology proposal as outdated
- Announces two-day march to Lucknow on March 10 and 11 with a delegation of saints
- Demands cow be declared the state animal within 40 days
- Protest originated from Mauni Amavasya Sangam bath dispute at Prayagraj
- Hunger strike lasted 11 days before returning to Varanasi
- Issue framed as mistreatment of saints and young Brahmins, not personal disrespect
The controversy surrounding the ritual bath at the Sangam in Prayagraj has taken a fresh turn, with Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand announcing a new phase of protest from Varanasi. Responding to the administration’s recent attempt to placate him with an apology and ceremonial assurances, the Shankaracharya said the matter has moved beyond apologies, and a future course of action has already been decided.
Addressing his supporters, Swami Avimukteshwaranand announced that he will travel to Lucknow along with a large group of saints on March 10 and 11 to formally present their demands before the Uttar Pradesh government. He stated that their primary demand is that the cow be declared the state animal, and set a 40-day deadline for the government to act on this issue.
How the Sangam Bath Controversy Began
The dispute dates back to Mauni Amavasya during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj. On that day, Swami Avimukteshwaranand was proceeding to the Sangam for the ritual bath in a palanquin accompanied by his disciples and supporters. However, the Magh Mela administration stopped the procession, citing protocol and security norms, and did not allow the palanquin to move forward.
This decision triggered a scuffle between the Shankaracharya’s supporters and security personnel, creating a tense situation at the site. The incident sparked widespread outrage among saints and religious groups, who accused the administration of disrespecting religious traditions and ascetics.
11-Day Hunger Strike and Return to Varanasi
In protest, Swami Avimukteshwaranand launched an 11-day hunger strike in Prayagraj to press his demands. Despite several rounds of talks and attempts at negotiation during this period, no consensus was reached. After ending his fast, the Shankaracharya returned to Varanasi, stating that he was leaving Prayagraj with a heavy heart without performing the sacred Sangam bath.
He clarified that his protest was not about personal honour or ceremonial welcome, but about the treatment meted out to young Brahmins, saints, and ascetics during the incident. According to him, this issue strikes at the dignity of the entire religious community.
Rejection of the Administration’s Proposal
According to official sources, the administration later submitted a proposal to resolve the dispute. It included assurances that whenever the Shankaracharya visited for a ritual bath in the future, he would be escorted to the Sangam in a palanquin with full honours. The proposal also stated that senior administrative officials would be present on the bathing day and would welcome him by showering flowers.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand rejected the proposal outright, stating that it lacked a clear and explicit apology. He reiterated that symbolic gestures and protocol-based respect cannot substitute for an acknowledgment of wrongdoing. The Shankaracharya maintained that the administration must openly admit its mistake and apologise for the mistreatment of saints, disciples, and ascetics.
Broader Anger Over Treatment of Saints
Apart from the Sangam bath issue, the Shankaracharya has also expressed strong opposition to the new UGC rules, linking them to what he described as a growing disregard for traditional religious institutions. He has repeatedly said that he does not seek grand welcomes, garlands, or official honours, but justice and respect for the religious community.
With the announcement of the Lucknow march and a clear timeline for his demands, the movement appears set to intensify in the coming weeks, potentially putting the state government under renewed pressure.
