Three Shankaracharyas Unite at Maha Kumbh to Issue Joint Dharmadesh for Sanatan Dharma Protection

For the first time in history, three Shankaracharyas from major Hindu sects united at the Maha Kumbh. They issued a joint religious directive, known as Dharmadesh, focusing on protecting Sanatan Dharma. A key proposal is to ban cow slaughter and declare the cow as the Mother of the Nation. The directive also highlights national unity, social harmony, and preserving Sanatan culture, according to a statement by the Uttar Pradesh government.

The Shankaracharyas encouraged followers of Sanatan Dharma to visit Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh. They also extended blessings to the Yogi Adityanath-led government for organising this grand event. The gathering marked a significant moment as Shankaracharyas from three prominent Peeths in India came together at the Param Dharam Sansad Supreme Religious Council to release a collective Dharmadesh.

Focus on Sanatan Culture and Sanskrit Language

The event featured Vidhu Shekhar Bharati Ji from Sringeri Sharada Peeth, Sadanand Saraswati Ji from Dwarka Sharada Peeth, and Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Ji from Jyotirmath. They issued a 27-point directive aimed at preserving and promoting Sanatan culture. Shankaracharya Sadanand Saraswati emphasised the importance of Sanskrit, while Vidhu Shekhar Bharati called for recognising the cow as the Mother of the Nation.

Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati stressed allocating government budgets to promote Sanskrit education. The 27-point Dharmadesh prioritises national unity, integrity, social harmony, and expanding Sanatan culture and the Sanskrit language. It calls for collective efforts to save rivers and uphold family institutions, according to the statement.

Religious Education and Legal Recognition

The directive stresses that religious education should be recognised as a fundamental right for Hindus. It urges Hindus to protect their religious symbols and establish temples in every school. The Dharmadesh asserts that India must eliminate cow slaughter since cows are revered as mothers in this land.

The directive demands legal recognition of the cow as Rashtramata or Mother of the Nation and making cow slaughter a punishable offense. It further declares that anyone associated with cow slaughter cannot be considered a Hindu and should be excommunicated from the faith.

This historic gathering of Shankaracharyas at Maha Kumbh underscores a unified effort to preserve Sanatan culture. Their collective Dharmadesh aims to foster national unity while advocating for cultural preservation and legal reforms regarding cow protection.