A major religious and political controversy has erupted at the Prayagraj Magh Mela after authorities questioned Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati’s claim to be the Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth, triggering protests, hunger strikes, and sharp political reactions across Uttar Pradesh.
The Magh Mela administration issued a formal notice on Monday asking Swami Avimukteshwaranand to explain why he is presenting himself as Shankaracharya when a Supreme Court order from October 2022 prohibits the appointment or recognition of any Shankaracharya for Jyotishpeeth until a related appeal is finally decided. According to officials, the use of the title at the religious gathering could create confusion among devotees and violate the court’s directive.
The controversy intensified after the 46-year-old religious leader was allegedly stopped by police from taking the traditional royal bath at Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya on January 18, one of the most auspicious days for holy dips during the Magh Mela. Swami Avimukteshwaranand was reportedly accompanied by 200-300 followers when prevented from proceeding in his palanquin, leading to clashes between his disciples and police personnel.
In a strong rebuttal, Swami Avimukteshwaranand sent an eight-page detailed legal response through senior Supreme Court advocate AK Mishra, categorically asserting “Yes, I am the Shankaracharya.” His response states that late Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati appointed him as successor during his lifetime, and following Swaroopanand’s death on September 11, 2022, his formal coronation was conducted on September 12, 2022, according to Vedic rituals.
The legal reply cites the Supreme Court’s order dated October 14, 2022, which records the fact of his anointment, and clarifies that no court has issued any stay order restraining him from functioning as Shankaracharya. He claims support from Shankaracharyas of Sringeri, Dwarka, and Puri Peeths, along with recognition from the Bharat Dharma Mahamandal. The response also refers to the Gujarat High Court’s dismissal of a petition challenging the will of Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati.
Terming the Mela Authority’s notice as beyond its jurisdiction and unconstitutional, Swami Avimukteshwaranand warned that if authorities fail to withdraw the notice within 24 hours, he would initiate legal proceedings including contempt of court charges. He has since gone on an indefinite hunger strike at his camp, though no government functionary has yet engaged with him.
The religious leader also questioned the mela administration’s consistency, pointing out that two Shankaracharyas from Puri were allowed to set up camps at the fair without objection. He highlighted that near the camp of one Puri Shankaracharya, there was a board announcing the presence of another individual claiming to be Adhokshajanand Dev Tirth Maharaj, Govardhan Peeth Shankaracharya, asking why authorities did not question that arrangement.
The incident has quickly become politically charged, with Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera strongly criticizing the BJP and Uttar Pradesh government, calling the treatment of the religious leader a violation of age-old religious tradition. Khera showed video clips of clashes, demanding a public apology from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and accusing the government of fostering administrative anarchy while claiming to protect Hindu traditions.
Samajwadi Party chief and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav also extended his support to Swami Avimukteshwaranand, speaking with him over phone and rebuking the state government’s actions. Protests have erupted in various cities, with members of the Brahmin community in Haridwar shaving their heads at Chandracharya Chowk in protest against what they term an insult to the Shankaracharya.
The controversy highlights the complex and often contentious issue of succession in major Hindu religious institutions. The Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya position has been disputed since 1953, making it a 69-year-old controversy that remains pending before the Supreme Court. Critics argue that succession disputes at various Shankaracharya seats have increasingly become entangled with political patronage, electoral calculations, and personal ambitions rather than purely religious considerations.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand, born as Umashankar Upadhyay in Pratapgarh district in 1969, has been a controversial figure known for outspoken views on religious and political matters. He previously criticized the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, declined to attend the Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration ceremony stating the temple was incomplete, and filed a PIL regarding Joshimath land subsidence. Ironically, he had announced earlier that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was “excommunicated from Hinduism,” though Congress has now come to his defense in this controversy.
