Varanasi Seers Rally Against Swami Avimuktesharanand's Divisive Campaign
In a significant religious gathering, seers under the banner of the Patalpuri Sanatan Dharm Raksha Parishad assembled at the Patalpuri Mutt in Varanasi on Wednesday. They voiced strong opposition to Swami Avimuktesharanand Saraswati, who has been advocating for a complete ban on beef exports from Uttar Pradesh and seeking Rajyamata status for cows from the BJP-led state government.
Protest Led by Balak Devacharya Ji Maharaj
The meeting of saints from the Ramanandi Sampradaya was spearheaded by Balak Devacharya Ji Maharaj at the Patalpuri Math in Narharipura. He accused Avimukteshwaranand of leading a campaign that aims to divide the Hindu community, undermining unity and religious harmony.
The seers gathered specifically to protest an old statement by Avimukteshwaranand that sparked controversy in early 2024. In that statement, the seer argued that since the management of the Ayodhya Ram Temple belongs to the Ramanandi sect, it should not be controlled by any other group. The saints condemned this view, asserting that Avimukteshwaranand should not consider himself a 'Dharmasamrat' or religious monarch.
Accusations of Political Alignment and Conspiracy
They highlighted that the very individuals who once opposed him are now his allies, suggesting he is involved in a conspiracy to fragment Hindu solidarity. The seers emphasized that political parties have their own agendas, and saints should not behave in accordance with these political motives, but rather uphold religious integrity.
Balak Devacharya Ji Maharaj challenged Avimukteshwaranand, stating that if he calls himself a Shankaracharya, he should travel the country on foot to truly understand the soul of India. He declared, "Ram is the soul of India, and the Ramanandi Sampradaya has preserved India's great culture and Hindutva through Ram Bhakti. Without Ramanand Ji Maharaj, neither Hindus nor India's culture would have survived."
Criticism of Political Behavior and Historical Context
He criticized Avimukteshwaranand for speaking like a politician and aligning with those who have historically divided the country, opposed the Ram Temple, and attempted to demean Hindu Dharma in the name of secularism. Balak Devacharya questioned the swami's commitment, comparing his efforts to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's service in gaushalas (cow shelters).
He issued a stern warning: Avimukteshwaranand should not utter a single word against Lord Ram, Ramanand, or the Ramanandi Sampradaya. Otherwise, 80 Mathas of Kashi would stand against him, and crores of disciples across the country would launch protests. He reminded that during the Mughal era, when Hindus fought to save their religion, it was Ramanand Ji who protected common people from forced conversions.
Notable Attendees and Historical Background
The meeting was attended by prominent figures including Mahant Ramlochan Das, Mahant Shravan Das, Mahant Siyaram Das, Mahant Avadh Bihari Das, Mahant Shivkumar Das, Mahant Avadh Kishor Das, Mahant Dhanushdhari Das, Mahant Lal Baba, Mahant Raghav Das, and Mahant Ram Das.
This protest adds to a long-standing rivalry between Balak Devacharya and Avimukteshwaranand. Both were injured in police action in September 2015 during a dispute over the immersion of a Ganesh idol in the Ganga, when the administration directed immersion in Lakshmikund pond instead. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav later met Swami Avimukteshwaranand and expressed regret over the 2015 incident, admitting it was a mistake.
