Snan Se Inkaar Nahi — Shankaracharya Ne Bataya Asli Karan

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Explains Why He Did Not Take Holy Dip Despite Deputy CM’s Request

Varanasi — Addressing questions about why he did not take the holy dip at the Prayagraj Magh Mela despite a later request from the Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand clarified that he never refused the offer, but had placed a condition related to accountability and apology.

Speaking to Dalimss News, the Shankaracharya said his objection was not about the ritual bath itself, but about the alleged misbehavior of police personnel toward batuks (young religious students) accompanying him. He stated that he expected the local administration to acknowledge the incident and apologize to those affected.

According to him, he and his followers waited at the site for 11 days to give authorities sufficient time to review the matter and correct what he described as a mistake. He said that despite the long wait, no official representative came forward to apologize or formally address the complaint.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand said he never rejected the Deputy CM’s request for the snan (holy dip), but believed that an apology and corrective assurance toward the batuks was necessary first. Since that did not happen, he chose not to proceed with the ritual at that time.

He described the episode as an issue of dignity and respect toward religious students and said such matters should be handled with sensitivity by the administration.

No detailed official version of the incident has been issued publicly so far.