Maha Kumbh: Three Shankaracharyas Unite, Issue Joint Religious Decree

Prayagraj: For the first time in the history of the Maha Kumbh, the Shankaracharyas of three prominent Hindu monasteries shared a common stage and issued a joint religious decree (Dharmaadesh) aimed at preserving Sanatan Dharma, promoting national unity, and safeguarding India’s cultural heritage.

The event took place at the camp of the ongoing Param Dharma Sansad (Supreme Religious Parliament) in Prayagraj. The gathering witnessed the participation of:

  • Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Vidhu Shekhar Bharati of Shringeri Sharada Peeth
  • Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Sadanand Saraswati of Dwarka Sharada Peeth
  • Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotirmath

Key Highlights of the Joint Dharmaadesh

The Dharmaadesh emphasized the following:

  1. National Unity and Integrity: The decree called for the protection of India’s unity, harmony, and the Sanatan cultural ethos.
  2. Sanatan Dharma Preservation: Stress was laid on safeguarding religious traditions, symbols, and education.
  3. Expansion of Sanskrit Language: Special emphasis was placed on promoting Sanskrit, with demands for government funding for its revival.
  4. Protecting Cows: Declaring cows as “Rashtramata” (Mother of the Nation) and enforcing strict anti-cow slaughter laws was a central resolution.

The Shankaracharyas also urged every follower of Sanatan Dharma to visit Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh, describing it as a spiritual obligation.

Shankaracharyas’ Perspectives

  • Swami Vidhu Shekhar Bharati (Shringeri): Advocated for declaring the cow as the Mother of the Nation and eliminating the stigma of cow slaughter from Indian soil.
  • Swami Sadanand Saraswati (Dwarka): Highlighted the importance of Sanskrit as the foundation of Indian culture and encouraged efforts to integrate it into modern education.
  • Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati (Jyotirmath): Called for a dedicated government budget to promote Sanskrit and stressed its relevance in preserving cultural values.

A Call to Action for Sanatanis

The Dharmaadesh consisted of 27 key resolutions, focusing on:

  • Strengthening family values and preserving rivers.
  • Recognizing religious symbols and building temples in all schools.
  • Establishing the fundamental right to religious education for Hindus.

The Cow as Mother of the Nation

A significant part of the decree revolved around banning cow slaughter. The Shankaracharyas proposed that India officially declare the cow as the Mother of the Nation and make cow slaughter a punishable offense. They argued that any individual associated with cow slaughter should not be recognized as Hindu and should be excommunicated from the religion.

Blessings for the Yogi Government

The Shankaracharyas praised the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for organizing the grand Maha Kumbh and ensuring seamless arrangements for pilgrims. They extended their blessings to the state administration for its efforts in preserving Sanatan traditions.

This historic gathering and the issuance of the Dharmaadesh underscore the collective effort to protect and promote Sanatan Dharma and India’s cultural heritage. The Maha Kumbh continues to serve as a spiritual and cultural beacon, uniting people across the nation under the shared values of unity, tradition, and faith.

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