‘Leaving Without Holy Dip’: Shankaracharya Leaves Magh Mela Amid Stand-off With UP Govt

Last Updated:January 28, 2026, 16:40 IST

The row began earlier this month when Shankaracharya said he and his supporters were stopped from taking a holy dip at the Sangam.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati outside his camp during the ongoing Magh Mela 2026, at Sangam in Prayagraj on January 19, 2026. (Image: PTI)

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati left the Magh Mela grounds in Prayagraj on Wednesday, saying he was departing “with a heavy heart".

The seer had been sitting in protest outside the Shankaracharya camp since January 18. His protest was over allegations that he was prevented from taking a holy dip at the Sangam during the Magh Mela.

‘Leaving without a holy dip’

Before leaving the fairground, Swami Avimukteshwaranand said his pain was difficult to express. He said taking a dip at the Sangam brings inner peace, but his mind was deeply distressed as he was leaving without bathing.

He said words failed him and his voice felt heavy. The seer added that people come to the sacred land of Prayagraj seeking spiritual peace, but he was returning with a feeling of emptiness and a heavy heart that he had never imagined.

The row began earlier this month when Shankaracharya said he and his supporters were stopped from taking a holy dip at the Sangam. However, Uttar Pradesh government officials said his chariot was halted to avoid a stampede. 

Calling it an insult, Shankaracharya protested, sparring with Yogi Adityanath, who warned against ‘Kalanemi’, prompting a sharp rebuttal response.

News india ‘Leaving Without Holy Dip’: Shankaracharya Leaves Magh Mela Amid Stand-off With UP Govt

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