In these days of Prayagraj's sacred Kumbh Mela, anchor and influencer Harsha Richhariya has become a hot topic. Controversy has ignited over Harsha's participation in the Mela's first holy bath and her seating on the royal chariot of the chief monk. Swami Anand Swaroop, head of the Kali Sena, voiced concerns about her conduct, emphasizing that the Kumbh is organized for spreading wisdom and spirituality and should not be used as a promotional platform by models.
Photos of Harsha Richhariya, adorned in saffron attire during the Mela, went viral on social media, though she later clarified that she is not an ascetic. However, Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the All India Akhada Council (ABAP), dismissed the issue, stating that wearing saffron clothing is not a crime and that the young woman has taken spiritual mentoring under the chief monk of the Niranjani Akhada.
Swami Anand Swaroop's Concerns
In a Facebook post written in Hindi on Wednesday, Swami Anand Swaroop said, "In a holy and divine event like the Maha Kumbh, it is our utmost duty to protect religion, culture, and tradition. The saffron attire, symbolizing renunciation, penance, and the supreme dignity of Sanatan Dharma, commands respect from every adherent. Adorning saffron is not just dressing up; it's a symbol of spiritual purity, restraint, and unwavering commitment to duty towards religion. When some attempt to tarnish these sacred traditions, it is our collective responsibility to unite in defending them."
"I'm not a saint, yet exploring Sanatan", Harsha Richhariya goes viral in Prayagraj's Kumbh and reveals her story
Source: aajtak
Sanatan is More than Faith, It's a Philosophy: Anand Swaroop
He further stated, "Sanatan Dharma is not just about faith; it is a life philosophy that paves the way towards truth, righteousness, and liberation. The Maha Kumbh is not merely an event but an opportunity to reestablish the dignity of religion. My message is clear – maintaining the dignity of religion, safeguarding the prestige of saffron, and restoring ancient traditions is our paramount duty."
Mahant Ravindra Puri's Statement
According to news agencies, Mahant Ravindra Puri mentioned that she came to take initiation from a chief monk of the Niranjani Akhada. He said, "She is a model, and she remains active on social media. She wore the sacred Ramnami cloth. In our tradition, whenever there are Sanatan celebrations, our youth don saffron. It is not a crime."
Source: aajtak
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Harsha Not an Ascetic: Mahant Ravindra Puri
Mahant Ravindra Puri said, "In our tradition, one can be an ascetic for a day, five days, or seven days. The young woman was initiated by the chief monk of the Niranjani Akhada but did not become an ascetic. She has stated that she is not an ascetic and only took spiritual initiation. She was seated on the chariot, and people began targeting her."
