Seers divided over ‘new’ Shankaracharya
Seers are divided over the top religious position of Shankaracharya after supporters of Swami Achyutanand Tirth announced that he will take over as Shankaracharya of Sharda Peeth (muth) on Saturday. In fact, Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati already holds the top position of the Sharda Peeth and Jyotir Peeth.
This has created ambiguity on whether there will be two Shankaracharyas of the same muth or will Swaroopanand Saraswati make way for a successor. However, the saints associated with him said Swami Achutyanand Tirth as Shankracharya is completely against religious traditions.
“Appointment of Swami Achyutanand as Shankaracharya of Sharda peeth is completely wrong. He is going to commit anti-religious acts. Only Kashi Vidvat Parishad has the power to give authorisation for Shankaracharya and it has not cleared Swami Achyutanand Tirth, “said Swami Avimukteshwaranand, representative of Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati.
Meanwhile Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad, an apex body of saints has also refused to recognize Swami Achyutanand as Shankracharya. “He (Swami Achutyanand Teerth) will be boycotted by the organization and we will discuss with other organisations to follow the same,” said Mahant Narendra Giri, President of Akhada Parishad
Hitting back, Swami Achyutanand ‘s representative raised questions the Akhara Parishad’s validity.
“Who is Akhara Parishad? Did they follow the ethics of Sanatan Sanskriti. Disputed God men and women like Radhe Maa and liquor baron Sachin Dutta were crowned as Mahamandleshwar by the Akharas” Swami Premanand Maharaj alleged.
He also targeted Swami Swaroopanand saying he held two Peeths which was against the norm.
“He promised to Swami Achyutanand the portfolio of Sharda peeth in 1993 but he did not keep his word. Appointment of Swami Achutyanand is completely right and as per norms” he added.
Notably, Adi Guru Shankaracharya is believed to have formed four muths in the 8th century in all four directions in the country. He made the provision for the appointment of Shankaracharyas.