The holy atmosphere of the Prayagraj Magh Mela has been stirred by a heated legal and religious dispute. The Mela administration recently issued a notice to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, questioning his use of the title 'Shankaracharya' of Jyotish Peeth. Citing a Supreme Court order, the administration demanded a response within 24 hours. However, the Swami has responded with a fierce rebuttal, challenging the very jurisdiction of the administration in religious matters, while he emphasized that the sanctity of a religious title is governed by tradition and peer recognition, not by bureaucratic mandates.
Support from Other Religious Heads
Swami Avimukteshwaranand was vocal about his displeasure, asking if the administration now intends to dictate religious hierarchy. He pointedly asked whether the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh or the President of India holds the power to decide who becomes a Shankaracharya. According to him, even the highest constitutional office in the country doesn't have the right to interfere in the internal appointments of the Hindu Dharma's supreme seats. He asserted that only the Shankaracharyas of the other three Peeths have the authority to validate his position.
To bolster his claim, the Swami stated that he enjoys the full support of the Dwarka and Shringeri Peeths. He recalled the previous Magh Mela where the Shankaracharyas of these Peeths performed the holy dip alongside him, signifying their acceptance of his title. Regarding the Puri Peeth, he mentioned that their silence should be interpreted as a lack of objection. He challenged anyone claiming to be the rightful Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth to come forward for a discussion, asserting that his position is undisputed among the religious community.
Legal Stand and Contempt Warning
Advocate PN Mishra, representing Swami Avimukteshwaranand, has termed the administration's notice as an interference in judicial proceedings. The legal team argues that the Supreme Court has never prohibited the Swami from using the title. In fact, they claim that the court itself has referred to him as Shankaracharya in various documents. The lawyer warned that the officials responsible for issuing such a notice could. Face contempt of court charges for misinterpreting judicial orders and overstepping their administrative boundaries.
The Late Night Notice Drama
The tension escalated when the notice was pasted outside the Swami's camp late at night. Swami Avimukteshwaranand criticized the 'guerrilla' tactics of the administration, stating that they refused to wait until morning to serve the notice properly. He viewed this act as a sign of malice and an attempt to harass a religious leader. As the 24-hour deadline looms, the standoff between the spiritual leader and the Prayagraj authorities. Continues to draw national attention, highlighting the delicate balance between state administration and religious autonomy.