There is Makkareshwar Mahadev in Mecca
Statement by Shankaracharya Jagadguru Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati
Puri (Odisha) – There is Makkareshwar Mahadev in Mecca. Detailed information about this is written in the Shiv Puran edition of ‘Gita Press’; however, Mecca and Medina have become pilgrimage centres for Muslims. Hindus are prohibited from going there. Based on this, there is now a demand to ban Muslims from entering the Mahakumbh venue. The question is that most shops at the Mahakumbh venue have been set up by Muslims, earning them crores of rupees. In such a situation, if Hindus set up shops there, it would be justified; but if even high-ranking Muslims like Rahim, Ras Khan, and scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam are disrespected in this, it could be harmful for the future or may lead to riots, stated Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati of the Purvamnaya Peeth in Puri.
Key points presented by the Shankaracharya
If the Sanatan Board is useful, establish it
The Shankaracharya supported the Akhada Parishad’s demand to establish a Sanatan Board parallel to the Waqf Board. He said those making this demand should first prove its usefulness. It must be seen whether it serves the interests of the nation, the world, and society. There are good leaders like Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi. If they understand its usefulness, let them implement it.
Planning Kalpavasis far from the Triveni Sangam is wrong
The Shankaracharya criticised the administration for planning the Kalpavasis (those who perform penance by staying on the banks of the Triveni Sangam) far from the Mahakumbh venue at the Triveni Sangam area. The Shankaracharya said that giving a distant place to Kalpavasis, in whose name the Kumbh festival is organised, for the sake of VIPs is inappropriate. Those who reside here during the Magh month are ascetics who behave properly. They stay away from meat and alcohol and bathe during the Brahmamuhurta even in winter. Keeping those, whose name is associated with the festival, far from it is wrong.
Making any demand is inappropriate
We had demanded the abrogation of Article 370, which surprised Amit Shah; but later, their government removed it. In such a situation, it is not right to make any demand that you feel like making or saying. The relevance of one’s demand must be proven by ensuring harmony with the situation of the nation, time, philosophy, and science. Only then will the government accept what is necessary from it.