The Prayagraj Mela Authority has issued a notice to Swami Avimukteshwaranand, questioning his use of the title ‘Shankaracharya’—a designation reserved for the highest gurus of Sanatana Dharma. The notice, citing a Supreme Court order, seeks clarification on the legitimacy of his claim to the Jyotirmath Shankaracharya title and demands a response within 24 hours.

The notice refers to the Supreme Court case ‘3010/2020 Jagat Guru Shankaracharya Jyotishpeeth P.S.S.N. Saraswati versus Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati’, concerning a long-standing contest over the rightful Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math.

The case involves rival claims by P.S.S.N. Saraswati, also known as Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati, and Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati, a disciple of Swami Shantanand Saraswati. Both have asserted their eligibility for the spiritual headship of Jyotir Math, located at Badrinath, leading to scrutiny from trial courts, High Courts, and the Supreme Court, particularly on matters related to injunctions and eligibility.

In October 2022, the Supreme Court stayed the coronation of Swami Avimukteshwaranand as the new Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math in Uttarakhand.

Hindu scholars emphasise that a peeth is traditionally not expected to remain without a Shankaracharya. The title itself is reserved for heads of monasteries, or mutts, that follow the Advaita Vedanta tradition, established by Adi Shankaracharya, who founded four principal mutts across India: Jyotish Peeth (Badrikashram), Sharada Peeth (Dwarka), Govardhan Peetha (Puri), and Sringeri Sharada Peetham (Karnataka).

Mauni Amavasya clash escalates tensions

The issuance of the notice follows a confrontation during the Mauni Amavasya bathing festival, where Swami Avimukteshwaranand alleged that police personnel prevented him and his followers from taking a holy dip in the Ganga.

Sitting in protest outside his camp, abstaining from food and water, the Swami demanded an apology from senior officials of the Mela administration and the police.

Mela Officer Rishiraj, however, claimed that supporters of the seer had breached barricades on a pontoon bridge reserved for emergency services. District Magistrate Manish Verma added that similar questions regarding the status of the Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya had arisen during the 2022 Magh Mela, prompting the then Mela officer to seek legal opinion.

Notice cites Supreme Court order

The notice, issued on Monday by Vice Chairman Dayanand Prasad, references a civil appeal pending before the Supreme Court. It stated that until the appeal is resolved, no religious leader may be consecrated as the Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth.

The notice said: "This act/display of yours shows disregard for the order of the Honourable Supreme Court. Within 24 hours of receiving this letter, please clarify how you are using the word Shankaracharya before your name."

Reacting, Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s media in-charge, Shailendra Yogiraj, claimed the Swami had already been consecrated before the Supreme Court order. He said: "On the Mauni Amavasya bathing festival, Saraswati was peacefully going to take a bath at the Sangam on his palanquin with his followers when the police asked him to get down from the palanquin and go to the bathing ghat."

He added that when the Swami refused, police allegedly assaulted his supporters, injuring around 15. "All the injured have undergone medical examinations, and Swami Ji will file a case against the police and administration officials," Yogiraj said. He further stated that Swami Ji would not enter his camp until the administration apologises and arranges for him to bathe according to protocol.

Administration defends actions

Mela Officer Rishiraj countered that Saraswati and his followers had broken through barricades and reached the Sangam Nose, prompting intervention to prevent a stampede. He said: "Several sadhus and seers, including those camping near Swami Ji, took the holy dip. No saint was disrespected. The arrangements made for devotees and Kalpvasis were strictly implemented because their safety is our top priority."

Political response

The Congress party launched a sharp attack on the BJP over the alleged "mistreatment" of Swami Avimukteshwaranand, demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi intervene in what it called a "shameful incident."