Dr Sumananand Giri Maharaj asserts that just as Hindus are barred from Haj, Muslims should be excluded from Kumbh to preserve religious sanctity
Team Clarion
UJJAIN – The Mahamandaleshwar of the Niranjani Akhara, Dr Sumananand Giri Maharaj, has expressed strong objections to the participation of the Muslim community in the Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu religious event. He stated that Hindus are not allowed to participate in the Haj pilgrimage, and similarly, Muslims should be barred from taking part in the Kumbh Mela. His remarks have stirred controversy, with many seeing it as an attempt to draw a strict line between religious practices.
“When we are not allowed entry in your Haj, then you should also not come to our most sacred Kumbh,” Dr Giri Maharaj declared during an address, questioning the involvement of Muslims in the religious event.
His statement came after Dr Giri Maharaj received threats to his life on December 18. A death threat, written in Urdu, was sent to him from Prayagraj, warning of consequences for his outspoken stance on religious matters. Despite the threat, Dr Giri Maharaj remains firm in his position, calling for a ban on the entry of Muslims to the Kumbh, stating that it is crucial to maintain the purity and sanctity of the event.
“We do not go to Haj, and Muslims should not come to Kumbh,” he said, adding that he has advised Muslims he knows personally not to participate in Hindu religious events like the Kumbh. He emphasised the importance of keeping religious events exclusive to practitioners of the respective faiths. “It is very important to maintain the sanctity and purity of Ujjain religion,” Dr Giri Maharaj stressed.
The Mahamandaleshwar’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that seeks to preserve the distinct identities of religious traditions. Dr Giri Maharaj argued that there should be no interference from other religions in the sacred rituals of the Kumbh Mela. “Their entry should be prohibited in our religious events,” he asserted. His call for a ban on Muslim participation in the Kumbh has raised eyebrows and provoked strong reactions from different sections of society.
Dr Giri Maharaj also remarked that while his call for exclusion may seem harsh, it is a measure to protect the sanctity of the event. “We do not want anyone else’s interference in our religion. Its sanctity should remain intact,” he explained. His stand emphasises a desire to protect the religious practices of the Hindu community from what he perceives as an unwanted external influence.
However, the statement has sparked widespread criticism from various quarters, including members of the Muslim community. Critics have accused him of inciting division and fostering religious intolerance. Many have pointed out the irony in his position, given that India prides itself on its secular constitution and pluralistic society.
The controversy surrounding Dr Giri Maharaj’s remarks was further compounded by the threat he received in the form of a letter. On December 18, the letter, which contained a chilling message of beheading, was sent to Dr Giri Maharaj from an address in Nawab Nagar, Kareli, Prayagraj. The letter accused the Mahamandaleshwar of repeatedly insulting Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a claim that the Niranjani Akhara leader vehemently denies.
In light of the threats, Dr Giri Maharaj has called for increased protection, seeking government intervention. He urged the authorities to take swift action against the individual who sent the threatening letter. “I demand protection of my life,” Dr Giri Maharaj stated, expressing concerns for his safety in the wake of the threat.
Dr Giri Maharaj has announced plans to visit Prayagraj soon and organise his own programme, maintaining that religious rituals must be conducted without interference from other communities. “If Muslims really want to adopt Sanatan Dharma, then they are welcome,” he added, but reiterated that participation in Kumbh should be exclusive to Hindus.
The ongoing debate has placed a spotlight on the intersection of religion, politics, and social cohesion in India. While some see Dr Giri Maharaj’s comments as an attempt to protect Hindu traditions, others view them as divisive and exclusionary. The issue remains a contentious one, with religious leaders and political figures from both sides of the debate voicing their opinions.
Dr Giri Maharaj’s call for purity within Hindu religious practices extends beyond the Kumbh Mela. He has made it clear that his objection is not just limited to the Kumbh, but to all Hindu religious events. “It is important that religious rituals are kept pure and are not tainted by outside influences,” he asserted. His firm stance on maintaining religious boundaries reflects a broader ideological trend within certain sections of Indian society that advocates for a more insular approach to religious practices.
The demand for religious purity has resonated with some Hindu groups, who see it as a necessary step to preserve their traditions in an increasingly diverse and multi-religious India. However, critics argue that such views undermine the spirit of inclusivity and unity that has been a hallmark of India’s secular democracy.
The controversy surrounding Dr. Giri Maharaj’s comments has also sparked a political debate, with leaders from various parties weighing in on the issue. Some political figures have condemned the Mahamandaleshwar’s remarks as intolerant and discriminatory, while others have expressed support for his right to voice his opinions. The debate has ignited discussions about the role of religion in public life and the extent to which religious leaders should influence social policies.
As the issue continues to dominate public discourse, it is clear that the call for exclusion has deepened the divisions between religious communities in India. Whether this debate will lead to greater religious polarisation or inspire efforts toward reconciliation remains to be seen.
The situation also underscores the challenges of balancing religious freedom with the principles of secularism that India upholds. With the country celebrating its diversity, Dr Giri Maharaj’s remarks highlight the complex dynamics in maintaining unity while respecting the rights of all religious communities.
In the meantime, the authorities continue to investigate the threat made against Dr Giri Maharaj, with the police and cyber team working to identify the individual responsible for the death threat. The outcome of this investigation will likely influence public opinion on the matter, adding yet another layer of complexity to an already charged issue.
