Prayagraj, January 23, 2026 – The ongoing controversy at the Prayagraj Magh Mela has taken a concerning turn as Jyotirpeeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati’s health has worsened significantly. After sitting on a dharna for five days in protest against alleged mistreatment by authorities, the revered seer is now battling a severe fever and has not emerged from his vanity van since morning.
The dispute traces back to January 18, 2026, on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya. Swami Avimukteshwaranand attempted to proceed to the Sangam for a holy dip in a traditional palanquin, a customary privilege for senior religious leaders. However, mela administration officials and police stopped the procession, insisting he proceed on foot due to crowd management and security protocols. This led to a scuffle in which his disciples, including elderly followers and sannyasis, were allegedly manhandled, pushed, and subjected to force. The palanquin’s canopy was damaged, and the group was unable to complete the sacred bath, which the Swami described as a deep insult to his position and tradition.
Outraged by the incident, which he termed an attack on Sanatan Dharma’s honor and protocol, Swami Avimukteshwaranand began an indefinite dharna outside his camp, vowing not to enter his tent or take any further baths—including the Vasant Panchami snan on January 23—until the administration issued a formal apology and assured proper respect. He stated, “If I couldn’t take the Mauni Amavasya bath, how can I take the Vasant Panchami one? First, apologize, then we talk.” He has also linked the protest to broader concerns, including the protection of Mother Cow and alleged bias in treatment compared to other saints and akharas.
Over the past days, the mela authorities escalated the matter by issuing two notices. The first questioned his use of the “Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth” title on his camp board, citing a pending Supreme Court case (civil appeals from 2020) that restrains any consecration or appointment to the peeth until resolved. A second notice accused him of violating rules by using an unauthorized route, breaking barriers, and risking crowd chaos, threatening a permanent ban from the mela, revocation of allocated land, and facilities.
In an eight-page response, Swami Avimukteshwaranand rejected the claims as baseless and unconstitutional, providing details of his appointment via a 2017 will by the previous Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand (who passed in 2022), recognitions by other peeths, and court notations. He denied using any motorized or horse-drawn vehicle (describing the palanquin as traditional with steel supports), accused officials of misrepresentation, and warned of legal action, including defamation suits and contempt proceedings. His team also filed a complaint with the State Human Rights Commission alleging police assault and rights violations.
The political fallout has been intense. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked on conspiracies to weaken Sanatan Dharma, urging vigilance without naming individuals directly. Opposition parties, including Congress, criticized the government’s notice as interference in religious matters. Baba Ramdev appealed for restraint, humility, and ending the dispute, calling it an insult to dharma and advising saints to prioritize service over arrogance.
Amid heavy devotee crowds taking the Vasant Panchami holy dip at the Sangam since early morning, Swami Avimukteshwaranand remains steadfast in his protest but at a cost to his well-being. Disciples report that high fever has set in since morning, forcing him to rest inside the vanity van without stepping out. Followers and well-wishers express growing concern for his health, even as he refuses medical concessions that might compromise his stand for justice and dignity.
This episode has transformed a routine sacred bathing event into a flashpoint blending religious tradition, administrative protocol, and political tensions, leaving devotees worried about the seer’s condition while the dharna continues unresolved.