Vikrant Singh Shekhawat
- India,
- 17-Jan-2025,
Harsha Richhariya: One name that will be in the headlines in Maha Kumbh 2025 is Harsha Richhariya. This 30-year-old young woman caught the attention of not only religious people but also on social media due to her special personality and appearance. She got the tag of "the most beautiful sadhvi", which reflects the inquisitive and curious attitude of the society towards her. However, her journey was also surrounded by controversies, due to which she had to decide to leave Maha Kumbh.Beginning of joining religionHarsha Richhariya, who has been an actress and anchor, turned to spirituality and joined Niranjani Akhara. At Maha Kumbh, she was seen sitting on the royal chariot during the cantonment entry of Niranjani Akhara. Her presence became a topic of discussion on social media and in religious communities. However, this discussion soon turned into a controversy, and many saints and mahatmas expressed their disagreement on this.Controversies beginProminent religious leaders like Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati called the tradition of Harsha sitting on the chariot inappropriate. He said that in a spiritual event like Maha Kumbh, not the beauty of the face, but purity of heart should be important. Other saints accused it of being presented like a "modeling show" and called it against the traditions of Sanatan Dharma.Harsha's response and the pain of trollingAmidst the controversies, Harsha posted a video on Instagram and expressed her grief and anger. In the video, she openly opposed trolling and personal attacks. Crying bitterly, Harsha said, "I had come to know the religion and connect with Sanatan culture, but I was made to feel as if I had committed a big crime. You took away the experience of Maha Kumbh from me."Opinion of supportersWhile Harsha faced criticism, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri supported her. He said that wearing saffron and participating in spiritual events is not a crime. Harsha had taken initiation from Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara and it was as per tradition.Guru's consecration and departure from Maha KumbhHarsha said that the controversy has reached her guru, and she cannot tolerate the insult of her guru. She said, "It is wrong to show me as a model. I cannot stay in Maha Kumbh anymore. I will leave from here in the next three days."Society's reflection on Harsha's storyHarsha Richaria's story is not just a controversy but highlights the challenges of coordination between modern society and traditional religion. This incident also shows how a woman's attempt to connect with religion, no matter what background she is from, can be a victim of controversies and trolling.In conclusionHarsha's decision to leave Maha Kumbh underlines the need for dialogue between society and religion. It is time that we learn to strike a balance between individual expression and allegiance to religion. Harsha's journey is an inspiration that no matter what challenges you face, it's most important to stay true to your purpose and values.