Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), January 8: As preparations for the 2025 Maha Kumbh intensify, prominent seers and saints have gathered in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Among them, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj made a significant demand on Wednesday, calling for cows to be declared “Rashtra Mata” (National Mother). He emphasized that one of the country’s biggest issues is cow slaughter, which must be halted.
Speaking to ANI, the seer expressed, “The most pressing issue we face is cow slaughter. We demand that cows be granted the status of ‘Rashtra Mata’. To push for this cause, we will organize a ‘maha yagya’.”
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj also appealed to politicians attending the event, urging them to focus solely on religious matters during their visit. “Politicians come here in large numbers, but we want them to speak only about religion, not their professions,” he said.
Meanwhile, the preparations for the 2025 Maha Kumbh are in full swing, with the three prominent Vaishnav akharas—the Digambar, Nirvani, and Nirmohi—making their entrance on Wednesday. The Kumbh, set to begin on January 13, will also witness the participation of a large number of Khalsa devotees. The procession will feature elephants, horses, camels, and sacred flags, all under heavy security provided by local and state authorities.
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya is leading the procession, accompanied by Mahants from the three akharas. “I want to awaken Hindus through this Maha Kumbh. Once Hindus are conscious, every opposition will fall at our feet,” Rambhadracharya stated.
Addressing claims that the Maha Kumbh is being held on Waqf land, the renowned seer dismissed the allegations, calling them “mischief” and asserting, “The entire Prayagraj is ours.”
On the Sanatan board proposal, Rambhadracharya made it clear that there would be no room for political interference, emphasizing his influential position at the Kumbh.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Nand Gopal Gupta assured that all necessary preparations have been completed for the grand event, with expectations of around 40-45 crore visitors during the Maha Kumbh festival.