Shankaracharya Leaves Magh Mela Without Holy Dip Amid Standoff with UP Govt
India
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News18•28-01-2026, 23:18
Shankaracharya Leaves Magh Mela Without Holy Dip Amid Standoff with UP Govt
- •Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati abruptly left the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, 18 days early, due to a standoff with the Uttar Pradesh government.
- •He refused to take a holy dip, stating his mind was disturbed by incidents at the mela and rejected an administration offer for a palanquin ride to the Sangam, demanding an apology for a prior incident.
- •The dispute began on January 18 when police allegedly stopped his palanquin and scuffled with his disciples during the Mauni Amavasya bath, leading to an 11-day sit-in protest.
- •The administration issued notices questioning his Shankaracharya status and conduct, while CM Yogi Adityanath's 'Kalnemi' remark further escalated tensions.
- •The controversy has led to resignations of government officials, split the saint community, and a letter petition has been filed in the Allahabad High Court seeking a CBI probe into alleged police high-handedness and violation of rights.
Why It Matters: Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand left Magh Mela early, refusing a holy dip, demanding an apology from the UP government.
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