The sacred grounds of Prayagraj witnessed a historic moment as the ongoing Mahakumbh became a melting pot of Sanatan Dharma and Buddhism, sending a powerful message of unity, peace, and mutual respect. The event, which coincided with Basant Panchami, brought together monks, lamas, Buddhist bhikshus, and Sanatan religious leaders from across the world, reinforcing the centuries-old bond between these two spiritual traditions.
One of the most striking events of the Mahakumbh was a grand procession of Buddhist monks chanting the sacred verses, Buddham Sharanam Gacchami, Dhammam Sharanam Gacchami, Sangham Sharanam Gacchami. The sight of hundreds of monks and seers walking side by side through the bustling fairgrounds of the Mahakumbh sent a resounding message of fraternity. The procession culminated at the Prabhu Premi camp of Juna Akhara’s Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, where they were warmly received.
Addressing the gathering, former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarkaryavah Bhaiyyaji Joshi highlighted the Mahakumbh’s global significance. He drew parallels between the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati and the harmonious union of diverse spiritual traditions. “The world often perceives power through the lens of wealth or population, but true strength lies in the ability to unite humanity. India, through its deep spiritual heritage, possesses this power,” he remarked. He urged people from across the world to experience the Mahakumbh firsthand to witness India’s rich diversity and spiritual harmony.
Three major resolutions for a just and peaceful world
The Mahakumbh gathering passed three crucial resolutions, aiming to address pressing global and regional concerns:
- An Appeal to End the Persecution of Minorities in Bangladesh and Pakistan – Religious leaders urged global intervention to protect the rights and dignity of persecuted minorities in these nations.
- Support for Tibet’s Autonomy and Cultural Preservation – A collective voice was raised in favor of Tibet’s autonomy, emphasising the need to safeguard its religious and cultural identity.
- A Renewed Commitment to Strengthening Sanatan-Buddhist Unity – The gathering pledged to deepen ties and work together to promote peace, non-violence, and mutual respect.
International Buddhist Participation
The Mahakumbh saw an unprecedented level of participation from Buddhist monks and religious leaders from Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Notable attendees included Bhante Buddha Priya Vishva, Bhante Rajkumar Shravasti, Bhante Avashvajeet Pratapgarh, Bhikshuni Sumenta, Bhante Anuruddha Kanpur, Bhante Sanghpriya Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), Bhante Bodhi Rakshit, Bhante Dhamma Deep (Auraiya), Bhante Bodhi Ratan (Mainpuri), and Bhante Sangh Ratan.
Exiled Tibetan Defence Minister Gyari Dolma termed the event as historic, stating that it signified a major step toward fostering stronger relations between Buddhism and Sanatan Dharma. “While Buddhism is divided into different sects such as Mahayana, Hinayana, and Vajrayana, this congregation has brought them all together under one umbrella, demonstrating our shared spiritual goals,” she said. She expressed her joy at witnessing the unity between monks and Sanatan seers and reiterated that Buddhists and Sanatanis have always been part of the same spiritual fabric.
Bhante Nag Vansha from Myanmar, attending the Mahakumbh for the first time, emphasised the profound similarities between Buddhism and Sanatan Dharma. He stressed their shared dedication to world peace and expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its continued support of Buddhist initiatives.
Bhante Sheel Ratan from the International Buddhist Research Institute highlighted the spiritual significance of righteousness, stating that those who follow the path of Dharma and perform virtuous deeds never suffer. He expressed confidence that India would once again reclaim its role as a global spiritual beacon.
RSS national executive member Indresh Kumar echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India as a land of wisdom and non-violence. Speaking at the gathering, he called for an India free from caste discrimination, forced religious conversions, and social discord.
“A united India will lead the world towards an era of peace, compassion, and equality. The resolutions passed at this Mahakumbh will shape not only the future of India but also that of the world,” he asserted.
The grand procession of Buddhist monks, echoing chants of “May Bhagwan Buddha’s compassion prevail” and “Long live Emperor Ashoka”, resonated strongly across the Mahakumbh fairgrounds, especially in Sector 17.
