The holy city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh is about to witness the commencement of Maha Kumbh 2025. Before this convergence of faith, Aaj Tak hosted a Dharm Sansad in Prayagraj featuring the 'Satyavachan' session, with the participation of Jyotirmath Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand. During this session, he shared his insights on the discovery of temples, the organization of the Kumbh Mela, the caste census, and the Wakf Board's land claims.
'RSS is Not a Hindu Organization'
During the 'Satyavachan' session of Dharm Sansad, when Sanjay Sharma (Editor, National Bureau Aaj Tak) inquired about the ongoing excavations across the country, Swami Avimukteshwaranand expressed his views stating. He highlighted the need to understand the purpose behind the discoveries and questioned the idea of halting these efforts. He emphasized that RSS has often stated it is not a Hindu organization but a social organization, and thus, it shouldn't dictate terms to Hindus.
Why Should We Listen to Mohan Bhagwat?
'They have no authority,' he said. Unauthorized actions have no meaning. Therefore, we will only heed someone who truly understands Hindu sentiments. If a person claims not to be a Hindu organization, why should we listen to them? Hence, he suggested why should Hindus take Mohan Bhagwat’s words at face value.
Learning History Requires Investigation
When asked about the ongoing excavations, Swami Avimukteshwaranand said, 'Archaeological departments should not be shut down. They perform excavations to help us uncover our history. As Hindus, when we seek to uncover our past through excavations, why are we denied? If government works can be justified, why not our demands? To reveal the truth, every inquiry should be permissible.'
He addressed the progression from Ayodhya incidents to the recent discoveries in Kashi and Mathura, suggesting that historical truths should be explored until clarity is achieved, asserting the need for peace in the nation.
Temple Remnants Found in Syria Too
Swami Avimukteshwaranand commented on reports of temple remnants in locations like Syria and Kazakhstan, stating that there is a significant difference between temples being naturally buried due to disasters and them being destroyed deliberately to undermine Hindu heritage.
Regarding the caste system in Sanatan Dharma, he noted that the Varna system is divinely created. Citing scriptures, he explained the classification based on inherent qualities and the resulting four varnas.
Caste Census Should Avoid Politics
On the subject of the ongoing caste census, Swami Ji conveyed that there is no harm in the government wanting to understand the social structure but emphasized that the data should be used for welfare, not political gains.
Swami Ji explained that while the debate on caste being determined by birth or karma continues politically, the administration presently respects the birth-based conception.
An Encounter That Made Him Rethink
Swami Avimukteshwaranand conveyed a personal anecdote where he humorously addressed a visitor's concern about hierarchy based on body part origin, offering a perspective of understanding equality.
He asserted that since everyone is a child of the divine, symbolically represented through the uniformity in the value of gold material, events like the Kumbh offer a practical demonstration of this belief.
Wakf Must Prove Kumbh Land Ownership
On land claims during the Kumbh Mela, Swami Ji stated, 'If Wakf claims the land was taken, then they should demonstrate evidence. Our Dharma suggests that if any penance performed on a piece of land benefits the owner of that land, then dialogues should be approached appropriately.'
He emphasized a need for a Sanatan board managed by religious leaders, distancing from government-administered boards.
Those Who Harm Cows are Not Hindus
In further discussions, Swami Avimukteshwaranand highlighted that the revered parliament resolved the deprivation of Gau-Mata (mother cow) in India, arguing that those harming cows cannot be considered Hindus.
Swami Ji also remarked on the arrangement of the Kumbh, spotlighting that any claims against the sanctity of the river waters should undergo scientific scrutiny to ensure the traditions observed are in proper alignment.
