Shankaracharya Swami Abhimukteshwaranand’s ongoing controversy shows no signs of ending. The Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya reached Varanasi on January 28 after leaving the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, where a dispute occurred on Mauni Amavasya over ritual bathing. The administration is now trying to facilitate his bathing with respect, and senior officials are mediating. Swami Abhimukteshwaranand has set two conditions for participating in the Sangam bath: the officials who allegedly misbehaved with his disciples must publicly apologize, and a proper protocol should be established for the bathing of all four Shankaracharyas. Despite efforts by top officials from Lucknow, the Shankaracharya has not yet agreed, and a press conference is scheduled at 11:30 AM to clarify the situation. If the administration does not meet his demands by 5 PM, he may appeal to his followers to perform the Maghi Purnima bath in Varanasi instead of Prayagraj on February 1. The Swami has expressed discontent with how authorities handled the situation, claiming disrespect toward the Sanatan Dharma. The administration continues to negotiate, aiming to resolve the standoff and ensure that the religious ritual occurs without further conflict.


