Tensions have escalated in the spiritual city of Varanasi following reports of mistreatment of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the head of Jyotish Peeth, during the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj. In protest, Dandi sanyasis at Mumukshu Bhavan in Assi Ghat observed a symbolic fast on Monday, expressing solidarity with the Shankaracharya and demanding strict action against those responsible. 

The controversy stems from an incident on Sunday (January 18), Mauni Amavasya — one of the most auspicious bathing days at the Triveni Sangam. According to supporters, the Shankaracharya was en route to take the traditional holy dip in a palanquin (palki) accompanied by saints and disciples when the mela administration intervened. The administration halted the palanquin, citing crowd management and lack of prior permission for the procession amid heavy devotee turnout. 

Reports from the Shankaracharya's side allege that this led to pushing, shoving, and rough handling of saints and young disciples (batuks). Some saints were reportedly dragged by their shikha (tuft of hair), and the palanquin was forcibly moved about a kilometer away by unidentified individuals. Frustrated by the situation, the Shankaracharya returned to his camp without taking the ritual bath. 

Since then, he has been sitting on a dharna outside his camp, observing a fast (abstaining from food and water) and refusing to take the holy dip until the administration provides the traditional respectful escort and protocol. Addressing those gathered at the protest site, Sanjay Pandey, the Shankaracharya's media coordinator, expressed deep hurt among Sanatan Dharma followers over the perceived insult to the "supreme living embodiment of Shiva" in the form of the Shankaracharya. 

"Even if the bath could not take place due to crowd issues, there was no justification for insulting the Shankaracharya or misbehaving with the saints," Pandey stated. Swami Ishwaranand Tirth Maharaj, General Secretary of the Dandi Sannyasi Mahasamiti, described the incident as appearing politically motivated. "The administration should have exercised restraint. There was no need for such chaos when everyone had come for bathing," he added, expressing sadness over the event. 

The symbolic fast was attended by several prominent including those from Swami Ramdev Ashram, Swami Ramkhelan Ashram, Swami Sarveshwaranand Tirth, Swami Raghavendranand Tirth, Swami Jitendranand Tirth, Swami Rajeshwaranand Tirth, Swami Narayan Ashram, Swami Upendranand Tirth, and Pandit Sunil Shukla, among others. The protesters have called for the government to issue a formal apology to the Shankaracharya and restore the customary arrangements for his holy dip. 

The Prayagraj administration, however, has maintained that the Shankaracharya arrived without prior permission, attempted to proceed with a large group of 200–250 followers in a vehicle-restricted zone, and breached barricades, risking a stampede in the massive crowds (over 4.5 crore devotees took the dip that day). Officials insist the action was solely for public safety and crowd control, while respecting all saints. The incident has sparked widespread debate, with political reactions pouring in, including demands for investigation from opposition leaders. 

The Shankaracharya's hunger strike continues, drawing attention to the balance between religious traditions and administrative logistics during major pilgrimages.