Bihar Elections: Shankaracharya Addresses ‘I Love Mahadev’ Controversy, Calls it a Distraction

Amidst the upcoming Bihar elections, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj has voiced his opinion on the ‘I Love Mahadev’ and ‘I Love Muhammad’ controversy. The Shankaracharya, during his tour of Bihar, specifically in Bihta, stated that the controversy is a tactic to divert the public from the real issues at hand. He questioned whether Mahadev is a deity to be worshipped or an object of romantic affection, asserting that the latter is disrespectful. He also mentioned that he is unfamiliar with Muhammad and refrained from commenting on him, as it was not within his domain. The Shankaracharya stated that those who follow Muhammad might be familiar with him, but expressing love for Mahadev in this manner is an insult and goes against established religious norms. The controversy is a reaction to the ‘I Love Muhammad’ slogans that have surfaced on social media, prompting Hindu organizations to respond with ‘I Love Mahadev,’ which has generated both support and criticism.