Juna Akhada Mahamandaleshwar Anandavanam Bharati said in Kochi that a Sanyasi Sangam, in tune with Kumbh Mela, will be organised in Dakshin Bharat. Kumbh Melas are organised according to rituals. Swamiji stated that the idea is to hold Sanyasi Sangams of all orders of sanyasins in Bharat, just as the Kumbh Mela is organised at regular intervals. Swamiji was speaking to Janmabhumi, a Malayalam daily on March 18. He was in Kalady, having visited the birthplace of Adi Shankara after attending the Kumbh Mela. After Vasant Panchami, during Kumbh Mela, a 41-day pravas (tour) is mandatory in Varanasi. Swamiji completed it before coming to Kalady.
Swamiji made it clear that the Sanyasi Sangam would be held under the leadership of the Akhadas, either in Kerala or a neighbouring state. He intends to organise the programmes in Dakshin Bharat with Shankara Janmabhumi as the centre of activities. Swamiji remarked that Hindu society appears weak, and the Sanyasin-led collective aims to build a powerful Hindu Samaj based on Dharma.
The Prayagraj Kumbh Mela was a manifestation of the Virat Roop of Hindu Dharma. It demonstrated to the world the strength of Dharma. Around one crore pilgrims from the USA, Canada, and European Union countries, along with half the population of Bharat, participated in the Kumbh Mela. This Kumbh Mela marked a shift for Keralites. Previously, about a thousand pilgrims travelled from Kerala; however, this time, two and a half lakh people attended, despite facing various difficulties. This is an indication of a significant transformation.
Swamiji explained the circumstances leading to his selection as the Mahamandaleshwar of the ancient Juna Akhada. It was decided that a Mahamandaleshwar from Adi Shankara’s birthplace should lead this year’s Kumbh Mela. The duty of the Mahamandaleshwars is to provide traditional and dharmic guidance to the Akhadas. The activities of the Akhadas will soon expand to Dakshin Bharat. Strengthening samajic activities under the leadership of Sanyasins is the ultimate goal.
