In the midst of escalating tensions over the Shankaracharya position in Prayagraj, prominent saints from Nashik have stepped forward with a strong call for peace and restraint. The controversy, which boiled over into a public confrontation between Swami Avimukteshwaranand and officials at the Sangam Ghat, has drawn widespread attention ahead of the Magh Mela.
Mahant Ramsnehi Das and Mahant Baijnath, respected figures in the saint community, emphasized that such delicate matters demand respectful dialogue rather than confrontation. Speaking from Nashik, they urged all parties to prioritize humility and mutual understanding.
Mahant Baijnath, a disciple of Guru Nityanand Gopal Das, highlighted the revered status of Shankaracharyas as spiritual leaders. ‘These are figures of immense respect,’ he said. ‘Disputes linked to their name do not serve the greater good. Spiritual guides should lead through thoughtful discussion and introspection.’
He condemned the mistreatment of Brahmin children during the incident, calling it unacceptable, and advised the senior Shankaracharya to use wisdom to guide the situation positively.
Echoing these sentiments, Mahant Ramsnehi Das stressed maintaining calm during the sacred Magh Mela. ‘This is not just about daily baths in the Ganga,’ he explained. ‘It’s a time for saints to meet, serve in temples, and select devotees for holy dips.’
Both leaders appealed for saints to embody humility, avoid personal agendas, and uphold the dignity of spiritual traditions. Their words carry weight as society looks to them for direction, especially when actions resonate far and wide.
As discussions intensify across the nation following the Sangam Ghat episode, this plea for peace arrives at a critical juncture, with devotees yearning for clarity and harmony.