Religious Row Intensifies After Kinnar Shankaracharya Announcement
The Kinnar Shankaracharya controversy has escalated in Madhya Pradesh after the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti issued an 11-day ultimatum against the recent declaration of a new Shankaracharya seat during a religious conference in Bhopal.
The controversy began on Mahashivratri when Himangi Sakhi was declared “Kinnar Shankaracharya” at a Kinnar Religious Conference held in the city. The announcement also included plans to establish a new peeth in Pushkar, Rajasthan, along with the declaration of four Jagadgurus and five Mahamandaleshwaras.
However, several religious leaders have objected, calling the move unauthorized and against established Sanatan traditions.
Sant Samiti Warns of Legal Action
Swami Anilanand, State Executive President of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti (MP unit), has strongly opposed the declaration. Speaking to local media, he termed the move a “tampering with Sanatan tradition” and questioned the authority behind appointing religious heads.
“We ask—who are you to appoint Shankaracharyas and Mahamandaleshwaras? This is not a stage event where positions can be distributed,” he said.
The Sant Samiti has warned that if the declarations are not revoked within 11 days, they will file an FIR under Section 420 (cheating) and other criminal provisions. A formal complaint has already been submitted to the Bhopal Police Commissioner on February 15.
The Kinnar Shankaracharya controversy has now taken a legal turn, raising larger questions about religious authority and procedure.
Only Four Shankaracharya Peeths Recognized
Religious scholars argue that traditionally, only four main Shankaracharya seats exist, established by Adi Shankaracharya. These include:
Jyotirmath
Sringeri Sharada Peetham
Govardhan Math
Dwarka Sharada Peeth
Pandit Vinod Gautam, associated with Jyotish Math Institution, stated that the Shankaracharya position requires deep knowledge of Vedas, adherence to the Dandi Sanyasi tradition, and recognition by religious bodies such as the Akhada Parishad.
“When there are only four recognized seats, how can a fifth Shankaracharya be declared?” he questioned.
Division Within the Kinnar Community?
Swami Anilanand also claimed that the Kinnar community itself is divided on the issue. He said that the faction associated with Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi is reportedly not involved in the announcement.
It is important to note that Himangi Sakhi, head of Maa Vaishnav Kinnar Akhada, has earlier held titles of Mahamandaleshwar and Jagadguru. With the new declaration, she announced that the first Kinnar Shankaracharya peeth will be set up in Pushkar, and similar seats may follow across India.
She also stated that, as Shankaracharya, she plans to form a dedicated team to address issues related to the transgender community.
Why This Matters Now
The Kinnar Shankaracharya controversy comes at a time when debates around inclusion, tradition, and religious authority are intensifying across India. The move has sparked discussions on:
The role of marginalized communities in mainstream religious leadership
The process and legitimacy of spiritual appointments
Legal accountability in religious declarations
Experts say the issue reflects a larger cultural shift where identity, faith, and institutional traditions are intersecting in new ways.
What Happens Next?
With an 11-day deadline set, all eyes are now on whether the declared positions will be withdrawn or whether the matter will escalate legally.
As the Kinnar Shankaracharya controversy unfolds, it is likely to spark further debate within religious circles and beyond, potentially reshaping conversations around tradition and reform in Sanatan Dharma.
