Varanasi: Government Has No Authority Over Shankaracharya

Varanasi/Delhi: Jyotishpeethadhishwar Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Monday made a strong assertion on the autonomy of religious institutions, stating that the authority to appoint or recognize a Shankaracharya lies solely within the traditional religious order and not with the government or constitutional authorities.

Addressing followers and the media, the Shankaracharya emphasized that Sanatan Dharma institutions function independently of the state, strictly following age-old traditions and spiritual lineage.

‘Decision Lies With the Shankaracharyas’

Highlighting the importance of Parampara (tradition), Swami Avimukteshwaranand said that the selection of a Shankaracharya is an internal matter of the religious order.

“Even the President of India does not have the right to decide who is a Shankaracharya. The decision regarding a Shankaracharya is taken by Shankaracharyas,” he stated.

Emphasis on Religious Tradition

The statement underscores the belief that spiritual positions such as Shankaracharyas are determined through established religious customs, guru–shishya tradition, and consensus within the Mathas, rather than through political or administrative processes.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s remarks come amid ongoing debates and discussions surrounding religious authority, legitimacy, and the role of the state in matters of faith.

Broader Implications

The assertion reinforces the long-held position of several Hindu religious institutions that spiritual governance must remain separate from political influence, preserving the sanctity and independence of religious traditions.

The statement has sparked discussions within religious and political circles, especially at a time when issues related to faith, tradition, and governance continue to draw public attention.