Shankaracharya announces dedicated force to protect cow

The establishment of this dedicated force. The 'Chaturangini' will be exclusively committed to safeguarding religious symbols such as cows and Brahmins, while providing assistance to the weakest and most marginalized Sanatanis

In a significant development amid rising concerns over attacks on sacred symbols of Sanatan Dharma, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the pontiff of Uttaramnaya Jyotishpeeth, has formally announced the initiation of the formation process for 'Shankaracharya Chaturangini' (abbreviated as Sh. Ch.). The announcement was made from the Shankaracharya Secretariat at Shri Vidya Math, Kedarghat, Varanasi.

The press release made highlights that in the current transitional era, mere scriptural discussions are insufficient when cow-mother (Gau-mata), learned Brahmins, and other Sanatan symbols, along with vulnerable followers of Sanatan Dharma, face increasing atrocities. Reviving the immortal resolve of Lord Parashurama—"To remove the suffering of cows, Bhargava took up arms"—the Shankaracharya has declared the establishment of this dedicated force. The 'Chaturangini' will be exclusively committed to safeguarding religious symbols such as cows and Brahmins, while providing assistance to the weakest and most marginalized Sanatanis.

The Jagadguru has expressed the aspiration that this 'Chaturangini' will serve as a guardian (abhibhavak) for every Sanatani. Its primary objective is to eradicate fear from within Hindu society, ensuring that no follower hesitates or fears to resist injustice or speak the truth. The statement emphasizes that only when society believes a well-organized, scripture-guided, and armed force stands behind it will individuals remain steadfast and fearless on the path of dharma.

Drawing from ancient Indian military science, the organization will operate under a nine-tier hierarchy based on troop strength. The ranks include Pattipal (leader of a small unit), Senamukhapati, Gulmapati, Ganapal, Vahinipati, Pritanapati, Chamupati, Anikinipati, and Mahasenapati, each with specific protocols and responsibilities. At the apex will be the Sh. Ch. Paramadhyaksh (Supreme Commander), under whom three Sh. Ch. Sarvadhyaksh, Sah-Sarvadhyaksh, and Sanyukt Sarvadhyaksh will represent men, women, and third-gender individuals to maintain social and religious balance.

To effectively manage and direct the force's strength, four wing heads (Angadhyaksh) will oversee Manbal (mental/intellectual strength), Tanbal (physical strength), Dhanbal (financial strength), and Janbal (people's strength). Each wing will have five specialized departments, totaling 20. Manbal will handle intellectual fronts through departments for saints, scholars, priests, lawyers (legal aid), and media.  

Tanbal will focus on direct protection via warriors trained in malla (wrestling), lathi (staff), parashu (axe), khadga (sword), and gun (firearms) operations. Janbal will include volunteers in permanent, annual, monthly, weekly, and daily categories engaged in dharma service. Dhanbal will serve as the logistical backbone, with categories for public donors, anonymous donors, land donors, building donors, and material donors. Notably, Dhanbal members will not form part of frontline military units (patti) but will support operations through the wing head as a 'rear pillar.'

The basic operational unit will be led by a Pattipal, commanding a squad of 10 warriors drawn from a mix of Manbal, Tanbal, and Janbal. Described as an impregnable fortress for the self-respect and defense of Sanatan Dharma, the organization aims to respond to any aggressor within the bounds of both shastra (scripture) and shastra (arms). Registrations for the force are commencing immediately.