Seer Departs Prayagraj Without Sacred Dip Following Magh Mela Controversy
In a significant development at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, Swami Avimukteshwaranand left for Kashi on Wednesday without performing the traditional holy dip at the Sangam. This departure marks the conclusion of a tense 10-day standoff between the seer and the mela administration, stemming from an alleged incident of mistreatment during Mauni Amavasya celebrations.
Emotional Farewell and Expressions of Disappointment
Before exiting the mela campus, Swami Avimukteshwaranand addressed his followers with heartfelt words. "I have no words to describe the unfortunate incident," he stated. "We come to the sacred land of Teerthraj Prayag seeking spiritual peace, but today we are leaving with a void and a heavy heart as we had never imagined."
He elaborated on the emotional toll, saying, "What happened in Magh Mela not only shook our souls but also cast a shadow of doubt on our collective faith in justice and humanity." The seer emphasized that taking a dip at Sangam is more than a ritual—it is a path to inner peace. However, he noted, "Our hearts are so troubled that we are leaving without taking a holy dip, leaving this sacred vow unfulfilled."
Historical Precedent and Administration's Response
Shailendra Yogiraj, the national spokesperson for Swami Avimukteshwaranand, highlighted the unprecedented nature of this event. "This was the first time in the history of Magh Mela a seer of his stature left the mela without taking the traditional holy dip on Mauni Amavasya," he reported.
The standoff began on Mauni Amavasya when mela police intervened due to safety concerns. With a massive surge of devotees and pilgrims, authorities stopped the seer's palanquin en route to the Sangam and requested he proceed on foot to prevent untoward incidents. This decision sparked protests from approximately 200 followers, leading to heated arguments and scuffles with mela policemen.
Ten-Day Sit-In and Administrative Notices
Following the initial confrontation, Swami Avimukteshwaranand staged a sit-in outside his camp, refusing to enter the campus for ten days. During this period, the administration issued two notices. One notice specifically asked the seer to provide proof of his status as a Shankaracharya, to which his lawyer responded via email, addressing the administrative queries.
Before his departure, the Swami conducted rituals outside the camp, maintaining his spiritual practices despite the ongoing dispute. In his farewell address, he expressed gratitude, saying, "Our heartfelt gratitude to all those from the country as well as abroad who shared our pain and stood by us."
Broader Implications and Call for Justice
The seer's departure raises questions about the handling of religious events and the treatment of spiritual leaders during large gatherings. Swami Avimukteshwaranand left a poignant message, stating, "We are leaving behind only echoes of truth and unanswered questions that will forever linger in the air of Prayag."
He concluded with a reflection on the need for peace and justice, adding, "Now, all we need is a few moments of peace and solitude to absorb this pain. We, however, want to convey to society and mela administration that pursuit of justice never ends." This incident underscores the delicate balance between administrative protocols and spiritual sentiments during India's revered religious melas.
