- Matter criticizing Swami Nityanand Maharaj published in local newspapers
- Non-Indian Mahamandaleshwar Swami Alakhpuriji participates in procession
Ujjain : On 22nd April is the first ‘Shahi-snan’ of Simhastha Parva and before that, many Akharas and Khalsas are taking out processions with lot of fanfare. The most noticeable among them was the procession taken out by Shri Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara. Devotees of Mahamadaleshwar Paramhans Swami Nityananda Maharaj from 47 countries participated in this procession. Swami Nityananda Maharaj is from an Akhara from Southern India. His devotees came from Britain, Germany, China, Russia, Australia, Taiwan, France, America, Mauritius etc. One national newspaper published news on the first page about the procession with heading as ‘Controversial Nityananda joined by devotees from 47 countries’. A reference was also made about Swami Nityananda Maharaj’s 50 days imprisonment; but news about Court directing media to give explanation for publishing false news was hidden from people. (It is the proof of conspiracy hatched for defamation of Hindu Saints. Hindus should boycott such media ! – Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat)
Devotees welcome procession even in hot sun !
On 18th April, temperature was 38 degrees Celsius; but even in hot sun, devotees welcomed the procession with enthusiasm. Shri Mahant Prakashpuriji Maharaj joined the procession in wheel-chair due to physical distress. Many bands also participated in the procession.
Processions become way of show of power in Kumbh Mela !
Sadhus-Saints from Himalaya and undertaking spiritual practice in forests and their akharas take out processions while arriving at Kumbh Mela; however, taking out processions has now become a show of power. Few akharas, Khalsas and Mahamandaleshwars are taking out procession in different ways to show their power, popularity and affluence. The number of chariots decorated with flowers for Mahamandaleshwars, thrones made of gold-silver, elephants, horses, music-bands etc. is increasing. Renowned bands are called from different parts of the country. Few ‘akharas’ invited a band of tribal artists and some Naga Sadhus rode on horse-backs.
Mahant Shri. Narendragiri Maharaj, President of ‘Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishada’ said in this connection that taking out processions should not be treated as competition. Mahamandaleshwar and Sadhus will show strengths of respective ‘akharas’ but it is not competition. Devotees gather to watch them and it increases their enthusiasm.
