Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav took a spiritual plunge at the Prayagraj Mahakumbh on Sunday. After his sacred Ganga bath, he visited the camps of sages and spiritual leaders. As part of this spiritual journey, he also sought blessings from Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand. The images of his reverence, sitting cross-legged on the ground before the spiritual leaders, are going viral on social media. During this visit, Akhilesh partook in holy offerings and contributed labor at the spiritual camps. His son Arjun accompanied him throughout this soul-enriching event.
Later in the afternoon,
paid homage to his father Mulayam Singh Yadav by garlanding his statue. He met with the leaders of the Kinnar Akhara, the esteemed Maha Mandaleshwars, and other revered sages. He even visited the ISKCON temple, offering labor in the langar service before leaving the Mahakumbh after receiving prasad with his son.
Source: aajtak
A particular photo of Akhilesh seated humbly on the ground, hands joined in respect, talking gleefully with Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand at his ashram has been much discussed. This photograph captured the essence of reverence, with Shankaracharya appearing overjoyed as he offered sweet laddoos as prasad to Akhilesh.
Source: aajtak
Speaking about the visit, Mukundanand Brahmachari, caretaker at the Jyotirmath Badrikashram camp, mentioned that Akhilesh paid his respects and sought blessings from Maharaj Shri, circled the sacred Yagyashala, and received admonitions on the conservation of indigenous cows from Maharaj Shri.
Source: aajtak
In a conversation with 'Aaj Tak' post the sacred bath at the confluence, Akhilesh spoke of his unique ritual of taking 11 dips in the Ganga, offering water to the Sun during the bath. When queried about the significance of the 11 dips, Akhilesh explained that revered saints believe 11 dips bring immense spiritual merit, a practice held in high regard.
