Prayagraj, Jan 18 (NationPress) Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand asserted on Sunday that he was obstructed by state officials from reaching the Sangam Nose during the Prayagraj Magh Mela in observance of Mauni Amavasya. He claimed that police personnel intercepted him midway to the Sangam ghat, compelling him and his followers to retreat without performing the sacred dip.

The Shankaracharya stated that his palanquin was stopped midway, with senior police officials allegedly pushing and manhandling his disciples.

Due to the situation, he resolved not to proceed further, mentioning that saints were being “assaulted” in the process.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand remarked that he would not partake in the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya considering the circumstances.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the state administration's handling of the situation, he indicated that the authorities' actions forced him to withdraw.

In a statement to reporters, Swami Avimukteshwaranand said, “Now the situation is that we are being stopped from taking the holy bath. Let us see what happens next. The administration can do whatever it wants. We have told our people to return, as the administration is stopping the process. There is no reason for us to move forward. We are supporting the administration.”

He added, “We do not have any problem, but now it is up to the administration to tell us what is wrong.”

Notably, Mauni Amavasya is recognized as the third and most significant bathing day during the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj, traditionally witnessing extensive participation from saints and devotees.

From early Sunday, numerous pilgrims arrived at the Sangam Ghat despite the dense fog and chilly weather to perform the holy dip, marking it as a crucial day of the religious gathering.

To maintain safety and facilitate the movement of pilgrims, stringent security and traffic measures were implemented at the Sangam Ghat.

NDRF and SDRF teams were deployed, and CCTV cameras along with drones were utilized for constant surveillance.

Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agarwal reported that approximately fifty lakh devotees had taken the holy dip at various ghats since 6 p.m. on Saturday.

In an interview with IANS, she stated, “Although the crowd was larger than expected, adequate facilities had been arranged, and the bathing process was proceeding smoothly and in an orderly manner.”

District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma confirmed that the main ritual of Mauni Amavasya was occurring on Sunday, with a significant number of devotees bathing continuously since midnight.

He noted that the process had been ongoing for over six hours without any disruptions, with devotees peacefully participating at every ghat.