Varanasi: In a significant development, Jyotish Peethadhishwar Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has voiced his strong support for the actions of Ajay Sharma, state president of the Sanatan Rakshak Dal, who was arrested for removing Sai Baba’s idol from several temples in Kashi. The Shankaracharya issued an audio statement on Friday, describing the removal as a scripturally sanctioned and commendable effort to purify Sanatani temple premises.
Ajay Sharma was arrested earlier this week by Varanasi police on charges of disturbing public peace, after complaints were filed regarding the removal of the idol. His actions, however, have drawn widespread backing from several conservative Hindu groups, including the Brahmin Sabha and Sanatan Dharma Rakshak Dal, which argue that the presence of Sai Baba’s idol in traditional Sanatani temples violates the core principles of Hinduism.
In his message, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of Hindu temples, calling the removal of what he referred to as “Chand Miya” (a term some orthodox Hindus use for Sai Baba) from Sanatani temples a “shastriya” (scripturally endorsed) act. He noted that such actions were necessary to restore the pure spiritual environment of these temples, which, he said, had been diluted by elements that are not in line with traditional Sanatan Dharma.
The Shankaracharya’s statement comes at a time when there has been growing tension between sections of the Hindu community over the presence of non-traditional deities in mainstream Hindu temples. According to him, the push to remove Sai Baba’s idol gained momentum following revelations about inedible substances being mixed with the prasad distributed at Tirupati Balaji Temple, which stirred public concerns about purity and sanctity in places of worship.
“People became aware of the need to cleanse our temples of such impurities and restore their sacredness. Some individuals took a stand for this cause, and I commend their courage and dedication,” the Shankaracharya said.
Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand further argued that devotees of Sai Baba are welcome to build separate temples and offer prayers there, but emphasized that such idols should not be placed in traditional Sanatani temples, which are dedicated to gods and goddesses central to orthodox Hindu beliefs.
“We are not opposed to anyone’s devotion, but if someone wants to worship Sai Baba, they should create separate spaces for it. Why should there be any objection to us purifying our own temples?” he asked, questioning the complaints that led to Ajay Sharma’s arrest.
Ajay Sharma’s arrest has ignited a debate within the religious community, with many arguing that the state administration overstepped by arresting someone for what they view as an act of faith. Sharma, who has been a vocal advocate for what he calls “the purification of Sanatani temples,” was taken into custody on charges of breaching public peace, though his supporters insist that his actions were peaceful and motivated by religious principles.
The Shankaracharya condemned the Varanasi administration for the arrest, suggesting that purifying temples should not be a matter of public controversy. “It is our religious right to ensure that the temples we worship in remain true to our beliefs,” he said.
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