AYODHYA: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has called for unity among Hindus amid a recent controversy involving Swami Avimukteshwaranand. Speaking after visiting Ayodhya following a dip at the Prayagraj Magh Mela, Ramdev emphasized that internal squabbles weaken the community when external threats loom large.
“Hindus must stay united because there are already plenty of enemies of Sanatan Dharma,” Ramdev stated firmly. He pointed to forces pushing Islamization and the ominous Ghazwa-e-Hind narrative. “We should fight these enemies, not each other,” he added, urging saints to rise above petty disputes.
The remarks come in the wake of a clash at the Magh Mela on January 17, during Mauni Amavasya. Swami Avimukteshwaranand arrived at the Sangam ghat in a grand palanquin with a large entourage. Police instructed him to proceed without the palanquin, sparking a heated argument with festival officials. The Shankaracharya later accused authorities of deliberate discrimination and even staged a sit-in protest.
Ramdev, who reveres Shankaracharyas as embodiments of divinity, expressed disappointment. “How can a saint create controversy? Especially at sacred sites meant for pilgrimage and purification, not division,” he said. He stressed that true sadhus transcend ego and personal slights, embodying humility.
During his Ayodhya visit, Ramdev reaffirmed his commitment to Sanatan values. “Sanatan Dharma isn’t just chants or sermons; it must permeate our lives. We come here resolved to follow Lord Ram’s path of maryada,” he declared.
Earlier, at the Magh Mela, Ramdev performed rituals and described the experience as divine. “Prayagraj is the king of pilgrimages. Millions undertake penance here during the mela, filling the soul with peace,” he told reporters.
Ramdev’s message underscores a broader call for Hindu solidarity in turbulent times, prioritizing collective strength over isolated conflicts.