VARANASI: In a poignant expression of worry, Jagadguru Balak Devacharya of Patalpuri Math has voiced deep concern over the serious allegations leveled against a prominent Shankaracharya. Speaking exclusively to reporters on February 25, the revered spiritual leader stated that such accusations, if proven true, could shatter public faith in saints and ascetics.
‘I feel this is deeply wrong,’ Devacharya remarked. ‘If these claims turn out to be accurate by any chance, the trust people have in all of us saints will evaporate. It took years for the community to recover from the Asaram Bapu scandal. Back then, we clarified that he operated his own independent sect. I pray to God that these allegations against the Shankaracharya prove false.’
Devacharya emphasized the ease of making accusations versus the hardship of enduring them. Drawing from the wisdom of Goswami Krishnadevray, he noted, ‘Desire is a powerful force. How do saints protect themselves? They dedicate their lives to devotion and prayer, seeking divine protection from lust, anger, and attachment.’
While acknowledging the matter is now sub-judice, Devacharya refrained from further commentary on the legal proceedings. Shifting focus to recent unrest, he condemned the lathi-charge in Prayagraj, calling for the suspension of involved officers. ‘What happened there was unacceptable,’ he said. ‘Yet, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remains worthy of our respect for his contributions to Uttar Pradesh, including renovations of temples and maths. Still, such actions must not be tolerated.’
Underlining India’s sanctity as the land of Sanatanis, Brahmins, saints, and the holy cow, Devacharya asserted that no true devotee could abide such excesses. His words resonate amid growing debates on faith, law, and governance in the heartland.