'I love Mahadev' disrespectful to God: Shankaracharya amid Bareilly controversy
What's the story
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, a prominent religious leader, has stirred controversy with his recent remarks on the "I love Muhammad" protests in Uttar Pradesh. The protests erupted after an FIR was filed against 24 people for allegedly putting up posters saying "I Love Muhammad" during a Barawafat procession on September 4. The Hindu community had opposed these posters, calling them a "deliberate provocation."
Rising tensions
Arrests made as protests turn violent
The protests have turned violent, with clashes between around 2,000 protesters and police taking place after the congregational prayers outside a mosque last Friday. The unrest was further fueled by Maulana Tauqeer Raza's controversial call for a protest, which he later canceled. At least 81 people have been arrested in connection with the protests.
Disrespectful statement
Controversy started to distract people from real issues: Saraswati
Saraswati has now waded into the controversy, saying that saying "I love Mahadev" is disrespectful. He asked whether it is an honor or an insult to Mahadev. He further said that the controversy was started to distract people from "real issues." The religious leader made these remarks while speaking in Bettiah, Bihar.
Worship debate
Religious leader's remarks add fuel to fire
Saraswati also questioned whether Mahadev is a matter of worship or love. He termed saying "I love Mahadev" as disrespectful and asked if it was an honor or an insult to Mahadev. Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati holds the title of Jagadguru Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand. The Shankaracharya tradition has four mathas, which serve as centers for preserving and propagating Shankara's philosophy and tradition.