Swami Avimukteshwaranand announces exit from Magh Mela; says returning with a heavy heart without holy dip

Prayagraj (The Uttam Hindu): Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand has announced that he is leaving the Magh Mela in Prayagraj and has departed for Kashi. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday morning, he said that his heart was deeply distressed, forcing him to leave without taking the sacred bath.

He said Prayagraj has always been a land of faith and peace, and he had arrived with devotion. However, an incident occurred that he had never expected, which deeply shook him. According to him, the episode weakened his faith in justice and humanity.

The Shankaracharya said that he has already expressed everything he wanted to say. He also revealed that on Tuesday, the Magh Mela administration had sent him a letter and proposal offering to take him to the Sangam in a palanquin, arrange a ceremonial bath, and shower flowers as a mark of respect. He said he declined the offer.

“When there is pain and anger in the heart, even holy water cannot bring peace,” he stated.

The Magh Mela will continue until February 15. Only two major bathing dates remain—Maghi Purnima on February 1 and Maha Shivratri on February 15. Due to the ongoing controversy, Swami Avimukteshwaranand is leaving the Magh Mela 18 days before its conclusion.

Earlier, following a dispute with the administration on Mauni Amavasya, he returned without taking a holy dip. He also did not bathe on Basant Panchami. He has now confirmed that he will not participate in the remaining bathing rituals either.