The Vidya Math located at Kedara Ghat in Varanasi is currently amidst controversies and allegations. Serious charges have been filed against Swami Avimukteshwaranand at the Jhunsi Police Station in Prayagraj. During an extensive interview with Neel Mani Shastri, a long-term affiliate of the monastery and a disciple of Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati, she addressed each allegation in detail.
Neel Mani Shastri revealed that she was initiated in 1986, while the monastery was established in 1996. This means she was acquainted with this place and its traditions even before its official foundation. According to her, she knew Swami Avimukteshwaranand long before he became a Shankaracharya. She asserted that the traditions of this monastery are very old and disciplined, and the activities here are completely transparent.
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'Young Women Do Not Study Here'
Neel Mani Shastri expressly stated that young women have never studied at this monastery. She informed that there is a separate ashram in Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh, explicitly for the education of young women, which she personally oversees. Children reside and study there. She clarified that the Varanasi monastery has no direct connection with that system.
'Structured System for Vedic Students'
Many questions arose about the students studying at the monastery in Kashi. She explained that only Vedic Brahmin boys are admitted here, and enrollments begin after the fifth grade, generally admitting children aged 10 to 15 years.
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She stated the six-year Vedic curriculum is strictly recorded for each student. Entry without registration and documentation is not feasible.
'No Record of the Mentioned Children'
Regarding the mentioned children in the allegations, Neel Mani Shastri stated she never saw such students at the monastery. She also mentioned that a record was kept of everyone who visited the monastery.
Source: aajtak
According to her, with a database of over 300 students, the absence of records for just two students indicates the weak foundation of these allegations.
Five-Story Monastery, Glass Palaces, and Swimming Pool?
Another major claim about the monastery is that it accommodates glass palaces and a swimming pool in a five-story building. She challenged that those making such accusations should come and inspect.
She mentioned that the structure of the monastery is being exaggerated. Furthermore, she questioned, even if there is a tall building, what's wrong with it as long as no inappropriate activities are conducted there?
Not a Swimming Pool, but a Necessitated Arrangement
On the swimming pool allegations, she clarified it wasn’t constructed for entertainment but was a water tank for health reasons for the former Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati to exercise. Now, the space is unused and stores regular items.
'First Encounter with POCSO'
Neel Mani Shastri also mentioned she hadn't heard of the POCSO law until this case surfaced. She emphasized the need for a fair investigation by the police to uncover the truth.
Allegations Are an Attack on Sanatan Dharma
She described the issue as an attack not just on individuals but the traditions of Sanatan Dharma. She said such accusations undermine the entire religious system.
Referring to Mahabharata, she remarked that ultimately, truth prevails, and she believes the investigation will reveal the truth.
Source: aajtak
Separate Operations for Each Ashram
Regarding similar queries about other locations like Jabalpur or Joshimath, she explained that each ashram operates independently with its distinct students, teachers, and systems.
She added that moving children from one ashram to another isn’t standard procedure, and education occurs systematically at each respective location.
Emphasis on Transparency
Neel Mani Shastri highlighted that the monastery operates openly, and anyone can inspect its operations here. She claimed no activities are concealed.
As serious accusations encircle the Varanasi monastery, voices from affiliated personnel have emerged. Based on Neel Mani Shastri’s experience and insights, she dismisses these accusations as groundless.
