Swami Avimukteshwaranand Rejects Ram Temple Invitation, Challenges PM Modi, Known for Outspoken Stances

Prayagraj: Controversy surrounded Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati during the Magh Mela 2026, when a scuffle broke out between his followers and police at the Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual. The Shankaracharya was reportedly denied participation in the sacred bath, prompting him to stage a sit-in protest against the authorities. This is not the first time Swami Avimukteshwaranand has been involved in public disputes.

Earlier, the Shankaracharya declined an invitation to attend the Ram Temple Prana Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya. He currently serves as the 46th Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand, succeeding Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati after his demise.

Early Life and Education
Born as Umashankar Upadhyay in Brahmanpur village, Patti Tehsil, Pratapgarh, Swami Avimukteshwaranand received diksha from Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati in 2006. He holds Shastri and Acharya degrees from Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi. Swami Avimukteshwaranand was also active in student politics, winning the student union elections in 1994.

Known for Outspoken Statements
The Shankaracharya has frequently made headlines for his bold statements. He once alleged that 228 kilograms of gold went missing from Kedarnath, raising questions about accountability, though no formal investigation has been conducted.

Political Involvement
Swami Avimukteshwaranand is known for his political engagement. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he fielded a candidate against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi, though the candidate did not achieve significant success. In 2008, he also fasted to demand the declaration of the Ganga as a national river, highlighting his activism in religious and environmental causes.

At Magh Mela 2026, Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s visible dissatisfaction with police and administrative actions underscores his continuing role as a vigorous and outspoken religious leader, unafraid to challenge authorities and raise controversial issues.