Shankaracharya Swami Nishchalanand Clarifies: Swami Avimukteshwaranand Was Not Prevented from Bathing at Magh Mela

Durg, Jan 28, 2026: Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Govardhan Math, Puri, has clarified the controversy surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj. He stated that Avimukteshwaranand was not stopped from taking the ritual Ganga bath and that the incident was misrepresented in the media.

Swami Nishchalanand explained that the administration had restricted the procession only to prevent potential chaos due to large crowds, not to stop the Shankaracharya from bathing. He emphasized that the situation was incorrectly portrayed, leading to unnecessary controversy.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand, who had left the Magh Mela following the incident, reportedly expressed disappointment at having to depart without completing the ritual bath.

Swami Nishchalanand in Durg
Swami Nishchalanand is currently on a Chhattisgarh tour as part of the third phase of the Hindu Rashtra Mission. In Durg district, he was warmly welcomed at the railway station by a large gathering of devotees. During his visit, he will interact with followers, deliver spiritual discourses, and share information about the Hindu Rashtra Mission.

Background of the Controversy
On January 18, Swami Avimukteshwaranand was en route to the Magh Mela for the ritual bath when his palanquin was stopped by the authorities, leading to a minor scuffle between his disciples and police personnel. Allegations of rough handling, including pulling of hair, were raised by the followers. The Shankaracharya later staged a sit-in protest outside the camp.

Following the incident, the administration issued notices to Swami Avimukteshwaranand, seeking proof of his Shankaracharya status. The controversy deepened after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath referred indirectly to him as “Kalnemi,” which prompted Avimukteshwaranand to draw comparisons between the Chief Minister, Kalnemi, and historical figures like Aurangzeb.

Swami Nishchalanand has called for calm and stressed that the episode was blown out of proportion.