The meeting of Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad slated to begin from Monday in Haridwar shall have important issues on cards wherein the members and office bearers coming from various pilgrimage sites would take decision. Issues ranging from taxation to fake Shankaracharyas and proposal to fight against China and Pakistan if the Government seeks the support of Naga sadhus shall be passed in the meet.
Notably this council meet is being held after 6 years, the last being conducted during Kumbh Mela 2010.
To participate in the meeting, Akhil Bhartiya President Sri Mahant Narendra Giri, National secretary Srimahant Hari Giri and others have reached the holy city. Though the main agenda of the meeting is forthcoming Ardh Kumbh 2019 but many other issues like that of fake Shankaracharyas claiming their positions, making of Mahamandaleshwars during Kumbh mela are also some of the major points of discussion.
Speaking to The Pioneer All India Akhara Council President Srimahant Narendra Giri said, “We would be requesting both the Governments of UP and Uttarakhand to undertake works of permanent construction during the Ardh Kumbh Mela. The 13 akharas will sit tomorrow and discuss on various issues including external security.” He said that only Mahant Mohan Dass was the national spokesperson of the Council and not Baba Hath Yogi. It is pertinent to mention here that two Akhara Parishads are claiming their existence, one headed by Narendra Giri and the other by Mahant Gyan Das.
When asked national Secretary of the Council Sri mahant Hari Giri said, “We have elected our representatives who lead the nation and send Indian Army to fight for the country. In old days, Nagas have fought wars to save the country. We always wish and pray that India wins over attacking countries of Pak and China.”
Mahant Hari Giri of Juna Akhara said, “Whether India was slave to Britishers or Mughuls, whenever the country needed sadhus, our Naga warriors have fought to save our country. For a sadhu, Rashtra and dharma (country and religion) are supreme. Even today if we have to lay down our lives, we have pledged for that. If the Indian Government wishes, they may train our warrior sadhus and use them. We were always ready to fight and shall do so till the end.”
Explaining further, Hari Giri said, “When any sadhu joins this sect, he is directed to do ‘Pind dan’ at the bank of ganga , which is symbolic that he has already cremated himself before leaving his mortal body and would live for his country and religion alone not for himself.”
For Pakistan Naga sadhus are enough to win over, added Hari Giri.