Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Goes on Hunger Strike After Palanquin Blocked During Muni Amavasya Bath

Prayagraj: In a dramatic turn of events at the Magh Mela, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati staged a sit-in protest after being prevented from taking the holy Sangam bath in his palanquin during the Muni Amavasya festival. Reports indicate that the revered saint has abstained from food and water since the incident and will reveal his next course of action at a press briefing scheduled for Monday at 12 PM.

Palanquin Block Leads to Chaos
On Sunday morning, the Shankaracharya, seated in his palanquin, arrived at Sangam Noj accompanied by his followers. As the crowd swelled for Muni Amavasya, police erected barricades, and officials stopped the Shankaracharya from proceeding on the palanquin, requesting him to disembark and walk the remaining 50 meters. This led to a confrontation between his supporters and the authorities, resulting in three hours of scuffles, pushing, and shouting at the Sangam banks. Ultimately, the Shankaracharya returned without taking the sacred bath.

Shankaracharya Speaks Out
Addressing the media from his Shankaracharya camp at Triveni Marg, Swami Avimukteshwaranand expressed his outrage. “For nearly 40 years, we have come to the Sangam for the holy bath. For the past three years, I have been arriving in a palanquin to allow devotees a better view and avoid crowding. The police and administration wanted to demean us by forcing us to walk,” he said.

He further alleged, “The authorities tried to create a stampede to harm us. I will only take the sacred bath when the officials who mistreated us ensure our dignity is respected.” He warned that he might abandon the fair if the insult continues.

Police Response
Prayagraj Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar clarified that the Shankaracharya intended to proceed with 200 followers, but officials requested that he and 20 devotees disembark and continue on foot due to the large crowds. The Commissioner said some of the followers were restrained, but no physical action was taken against the saint, considering his status.

Commissioner Kumar emphasized that no new traditions would be allowed during the Magh Mela, and a video review of the incident is underway to determine further action.

Tensions at Sangam Escalate
The confrontation began when District Magistrate Soumya Agarwal instructed the Commissioner to stop the palanquin for safety reasons. Attempts to reason with the Shankaracharya led to heated discussions, with several scuffles breaking out between police and followers. Despite efforts by senior officials, the Shankaracharya refused to disembark, prompting his decision to undertake a hunger and water strike at the camp.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion among devotees and authorities alike, with all eyes now on the Swami’s upcoming announcement of his next steps.