Mumbai, January 14 (NationPress) - Social advocate Harsha Richhariya, who gained significant attention during Mahakumbh 2025, is currently in the spotlight for her decision to leave the religious path she had committed to during the sacred event.

Harsha, identifying herself as an influencer and model, shared with IANS that she considers herself an ordinary individual and not Goddess Sita, stating that the continuous challenges and accusations she faced led her to experience suicidal thoughts.

“I am neither Maha Sita nor do I possess the virtue to be compared to her. I am merely human, with a finite capacity to withstand pressure,” Harsha explained. “While I have strived to remain composed, I have been mentally disturbed repeatedly over the past year. I have endured severe mental anguish, falling ill and suffering from debilitating migraine attacks. There were times when I contemplated taking my own life,” she revealed to IANS.

She further reflected, “After enduring such turmoil, I questioned whether I should continue living or abandon this path. The one that feels authentic for me and my family is met with widespread opposition, and I struggle to comprehend the reasons behind it.”

Harsha expressed her belief that some individuals may find it difficult to accept women progressing in life, stating, “Perhaps it’s due to jealousy or competition that I am facing such immense challenges. However, when religious leaders continually oppose you, it can compel you to abandon that path altogether.”

Discussing her spiritual journey, Harsha noted that while there was nothing inherently wrong with it, she ultimately chose to withdraw.

“The path itself was never flawed; it was merely a clash of ideologies. On one hand, there was spiritual noise, while the other resonated with a more modern perspective. Nothing else mattered,” she commented.

Harsha elaborated on how her choices were persistently scrutinized, whether it was regarding her religious journey or her glamorous lifestyle.

“I was once an anchor and an actress, recognized for my talents. That was my true identity. When my name changed, I faced scrutiny, yet I never intended to take this path. I have publicly stated this multiple times,” she clarified.

“However, when an individual is battered repeatedly, they are compelled to seek an alternative route. So yes, I did move forward, but it was out of necessity. If you were to ask me about the challenges I encountered, I would say there is hardly a problem I didn’t face,” she added.

She emphasized that the relentless character assassination left her shattered.

“My dignity, self-worth, and character were subjected to judgment by various individuals in the name of religion and society. They dictated my actions, my positions, and even my character. It was profoundly disturbing,” she stated.

Highlighting societal hypocrisy, Harsha remarked, “In a culture that venerates women, daughters, and Adi Shakti, it is disheartening to witness that when women progress, the same society begins to resist it. Those who preach about honoring women often struggle to accept their advancement.”

For those unfamiliar, Harsha Richhariya stirred the internet when she announced her departure from the religious path and a return to her previous glamorous career via a social media video.

In the video shared on her social platform, she disclosed her struggles with debt and the ongoing opposition and character assassination she faced over the past year, which ultimately motivated her to disengage from the religious path, a choice she described as challenging.

–IANS