Ayodhya, Jan 19 (NationPress) Hindu saints and seers, including the Jagadguru from Ayodhya Dham, have collectively endorsed the initiative to prohibit the entry of non-Hindus at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, a renowned destination for pilgrims.

They also expressed their opinions regarding the unrest and conflict that reportedly erupted between Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand and law enforcement during the Mauni Amavasya Snan at the ongoing Magh Mela.

Mahant Sitaram Das from the Saket Bhawan temple remarked, "It was entirely inappropriate to halt the Shankaracharya’s palanquin on Mauni Amavasya; however, some individuals aimed to tarnish the reputation of this significant occasion, as well as the organizers and the government.

“I urge Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand to recognize that certain anti-social elements are attempting to undermine our nation, culture, and the government. This is a moment for restraint,” he added, while advocating for the administration to take action against the offenders.

On the decision to limit non-Hindu access at Har Ki Pauri, he stated, “This decision is highly praiseworthy because Maa Ganga is our revered goddess, and non-Hindus lack a spiritual connection to this location. Though the government’s decision came a bit late, it is commendable.”

Karan Das Maharaj expressed, “The treatment of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand on Mauni Amavasya was completely wrong. The Akhara Parishad will certainly address this issue seriously. Such conduct towards sadhus on the sacred grounds of Prayagraj is intolerable. I urge the UP government to initiate a thorough investigation and take decisive action against the perpetrators.”

Regarding the restriction on non-Hindu entry in Haridwar, he commented, “Members of certain communities are propagating jihad in various directions, and it is every Hindu's duty to protect Maa Ganga. We all endorse this decision.”

Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das noted, “The day of Mauni Amavasya is particularly significant for bathing rituals, attracting millions of devotees for the sacred dip. The administration did not obstruct Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand from bathing; rather, his chariot was halted. During the bathing period, there is extensive congestion, and had an incident occurred, who would have been accountable? Thus, he was stopped. But now, he is wrongfully accusing the Yogi government of retaliation. Such statements from Sadhus and saints are inappropriate.”

Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya Maharaj asserted, “At every Hindu religious site, entry for non-Hindus should be restricted. Recently, some Jihadis from Kashmir were spotted entering the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and performing Namaz. Additionally, they attempt to taint food and vegetables. These places symbolize our faith. The decision to bar non-Hindus is entirely justified.”