Recently, Swami Avimukteshwaranand has been at the center of political and religious discussions. His statement demanding the resignation of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath following an unfortunate incident during the Mauni Amavasya gathering at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela has sparked widespread reactions from both the religious and political spheres.
Religious Background and Political Inclination
Swami Avimukteshwaranand is a disciple of the renowned saint Swami Swaroopanand Giri, who was known for his close ties with the Indian National Congress. Swaroopanand swami, often expressed his political views openly, aligning with Congress ideologies. His disciple, Avimukteshwaranand, has also been vocal against the BJP government on multiple occasions. Notably, he opposed the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, raising questions about his ideological stance.
Dispute Over the Shankaracharya Title
Swami Swaroopanand held the position of Shankaracharya of two mathas—Jyotirmath and Sharada Peeth—which traditionally is not permitted as per the original guidelines set by Adi Shankaracharya. After his demise, his two disciples, Avimukteshwaranand and Sadanand, were appointed as Shankaracharyas of Jyotirmath and Sharada Peeth, respectively. However, this appointment remains highly contested.
The Akhara Parishad does not recognize them as legitimate Shankaracharyas. Additionally, Bharati Tirth of Sringeri Peeth and Nischalanand of Govardhan Peeth also do not acknowledge their authority. Despite this, Avimukteshwaranand participated in the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj alongside several other saints, reigniting debates about his legitimacy in the religious hierarchy.
Statement Against Yogi Government and Reactions from the Sant Community
Following the tragic incident at Mauni Amavasya in the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, Swami Avimukteshwaranand directly blamed the Uttar Pradesh government and demanded Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s resignation. This statement did not sit well with a large section of the Sant community, many of whom publicly disagreed with his remarks.
The Akhara Parishad and several other religious leaders clarified that Avimukteshwaranand’s views were personal and did not represent the broader Sant community. His comments also drew sharp criticism on social media, with many questioning his political inclinations rather than his religious standing.
Kumbh Mela and the Role of the Sant Community
The Kumbh Mela is a sacred and grand religious gathering in India that brings together saints and devotees from across the country. Any political controversy surrounding such an event tends to create divisions within the religious community. Avimukteshwaranand’s recent remarks have once again triggered a debate on whether saints should maintain a clear boundary between religion and politics or if they should actively engage in socio-political affairs.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s recent statements have once again placed him at the center of controversy. While he has a strong religious lineage, his political affiliations continue to raise questions. The tragic incident at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela is indeed a matter of concern, and an investigation is underway. However, the larger discussion remains—should the Sant community strictly focus on spiritual guidance, or should it also intervene in political matters? This remains a topic of ongoing debate.