Swami Avimukteshwaranand Quits Prayagraj Magh Mela

Prayagraj: Amid the ongoing controversy at the Prayagraj Magh Mela, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has taken a significant decision to leave the religious congregation and return to Kashi. The move comes in the aftermath of the Mauni Amavasya incident, which the seer described as deeply hurtful and insulting, holding the administration responsible for the events.

Addressing the media at his camp before departure, Swami Avimukteshwaranand levelled serious allegations against the local administration, accusing it of attempting to placate saints by offering facilities while failing to address the alleged assault and humiliation that took place on Mauni Amavasya. He said the incident caused a deep wound to his conscience and amounted to an attack on his dignity.

The Shankaracharya alleged that instead of acknowledging the wrongdoing, the administration was trying to lure saints with benefits to compromise their principles. “The administration’s intent is still not right. They want to trap us by distributing government favours, but they have not spoken a single word about the violence and insult that occurred,” he said, adding that continuing at the Magh Mela under such circumstances was against his inner conscience.

Taking a sharp dig at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Swami Avimukteshwaranand said the Mauni Amavasya episode had caused the greatest pain to followers of Sanatan Dharma. “This is the biggest sorrow that Sanatan Dharmis have suffered under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Who will compensate for this pain — which leader or which party — remains to be seen,” he remarked.

Describing the Mauni Amavasya incident as the most painful moment of his life, the seer said the administration appeared unwilling to discuss the alleged crime, while public opinion would ultimately decide the issue. He asserted that the question of victory or defeat would be determined by time and by the judgment of devotees and the general public.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s departure has added a new dimension to the controversy surrounding the Magh Mela, intensifying political and religious debate and raising questions over administrative handling of sensitive religious events.