Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Hits Back at CM Yogi Adityanath, Questions Political Authority Over Religious Titles
Digital Desk
Speaking from his monastery in Varanasi, the Shankaracharya said that the identity of a Shankaracharya cannot be determined by political power or government certificates. “A Shankaracharya is one who speaks the truth, protects cows, and upholds dharma. This tradition is centuries old and spiritual in nature, not political,” he asserted.
His remarks were a response to CM Yogi Adityanath’s statements in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, where the Chief Minister said, “Not everyone can write Shankaracharya. No person is above the law,” in reference to Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s earlier dispute with authorities.
Avimukteshwaranand questioned Yogi’s dual role as a yogi and a political leader, citing Nath tradition teachings that a yogi should remain detached from state power. He also criticised the police action during the Magh Mela, when his palanquin was stopped at Sangam, and several disciples were detained and beaten. “High-ranking officers were acting on government orders. They cannot stop a sanyasi without authority,” he said.
The Shankaracharya also criticised the issuance of recognition to another religious leader, Swami Vasudevanand, noting that courts have restrained him from being called Shankaracharya. He warned against political arrogance and accused both the current and previous governments of disrespecting religious leaders.
The CM had defended his stance, citing the need to maintain law and order during large gatherings like the Magh Mela, which saw 4.5 crore participants. He emphasised that the Shankaracharya tradition has established procedures, and public disruption of these protocols is unacceptable.
The controversy has drawn reactions from political leaders as well. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised Yogi Adityanath, claiming that wearing saffron robes or performing rituals does not automatically make one a yogi, and questioned the CM’s religious credibility.
The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between political authority and traditional religious recognition in India, raising questions about the intersection of governance, dharma, and public accountability.
