Thirteen Mahamandaleshwars (religious chiefs) and saints who engage in money-minting and other activities rather than religious activity have been expelled by the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP).
112 saints have received notices at the same time. They will also be expelled if they fail to provide the appropriate justification.
The banished Mahamandaleshwars and saints are prohibited from attending the Maha Kumbh since they failed the ABAP’s internal investigation.
The deadline for those 112 saints to reply is September 30. If you don’t get a satisfactory response, then Akhara Parishad will take. These saints will not be permitted to attend the Kumbh Mela.
April marked the beginning of this probe, which is currently ongoing. Thus far, 54 saints have received notice from Juna Akhara, 24 from Shri Niranjani Akhara, and 34 from Nirmohi Ani Akhara.
There are 24 Mandaleshwars, 13 Mahamandaleshwars, and Mahants in this group.
Six saints have been banished from the Akhara by General Secretary of Akhara Parishad (Mahanirvani faction) and President of Nirmohi Ani Akhara, Srimahant Rajendra Das.
These include Mahamandaleshwar Jayendranand Das of Nashik, Mahamandaleshwar Harendranand Das of Chennai, Mahant Ram Das of Ahmedabad, Mahant Avdhutanand of Udaipur, and Mahant Vijayeshwar Das of Kolkata.
Additionally, eight saints from Nashik, seven from Ujjain, six from Haridwar, eleven from Dwarka, and one from Ranchi received notices. The notice asked them explain allegations against them.
Mahamandaleshwar Mandakini Puri, on the other hand, has been evicted by Sri Niranjani Akhara. The Akhada also reported him to the police. Seven saints have been banished besides these.
The ABAP and Sri Niranjani Akhara’s President Srimahant Ravindra Puri said: “In the internal investigation by six saints, many Mahamandaleshwars and saints did not pass the test. Niranjani Akhara’s Mahamandaleshwar Mandakini Puri has been expelled and police action has been taken. Whoever is wrong, action will be taken against him further. Those expelled from the Akhara will not be allowed to enter Maha Kumbh-2025.”
International spokesperson of Juna Akhara, Srimahant Narayan Giri said: “Investigation in the working of saints is going on. The situation of some is suspicious, they have been asked to respond by giving notice. If proper answer is not received, they will be expelled.”
This report is placed before the Panch Parmeshwar of the Akhara. After discussing all the aspects, action is taken to expel or give notice.
