By Admin 
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati is once again in the news after the confrontation with the administration regarding Sangam bath in Magh Mela of Prayagraj. The tradition of sages and saints, questioning power and open frankness – the combination of these three has kept him in the headlines time and again, but this journey did not happen suddenly. The story of how Umashankar Upadhyay, who contested student union elections, became the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, is equally interesting.
Why did the Prayagraj controversy come into limelight again?
On the day of Mauni Amavasya, Swami Avimukteshwaranand and the local administration came face to face regarding the Sangam bath. As the matter escalated, tension appeared between the saints, administration and politics. His supporters call it protection of tradition, while the administration talks about rules. This conflict again brings to the fore his identity in which he speaks openly on Sanatan traditions and keeps distance from compromise.
Beginning of becoming a monk with Umashankar Upadhyay
Swami Avimukteshwarananda was born on 15 August 1969 in Brahmanpur village of Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh. Childhood name was Umashankar Upadhyay. His primary education was in Pratapgarh, then he reached Gujarat for further studies. There he came in contact with Brahmachari Ram Chaitanya, a disciple of Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj, with whose inspiration he took the path of studying Sanskrit.
Sanskrit education and ideological formation
Umashankar Upadhyay received Shastri and Acharya education from Sampurnanand Sanskrit University. During this period, he started thinking deeply about scriptures, traditions and social issues. Sanskrit education shaped his ideological personality, which was clearly visible in his public statements later on.
Student union elections and political activism
While studying in Banaras, Umashankar Upadhyay remained active in student politics. In the year 1994, he also contested the student union elections. In later years, even after becoming a monk, his political understanding and intervention became a topic of discussion. The effort to field candidates from Varanasi in the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections was an example of this activism, although it did not get widespread support.
Sannyasa initiation and name change
On April 15, 2003, Umashankar Upadhyay was given initiation into Danda Sannyasa. With this he got the name Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. After retirement, he dedicated himself to the protection of Hindu religion, conservation of Ganga and propagation of Sanatan traditions. In 2008, his fast demanding declaring Ganga as the national river was quite popular.
How did Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath become?
After the death of his guru Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati in September 2022, Swami Avimukteshwaranand was appointed the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath. Some controversies and legal discussions also came up with this appointment, but his followers called it a decision in accordance with tradition. Even after becoming Shankaracharya, he remained vocal on social and religious issues.
Outspoken statements and continuous headlines
Whether raising questions regarding the sanctity of Ram temple or objecting to administrative decisions, Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s clear opinion gives him a distinct identity. Supporters consider him the voice of traditions, while critics question his methods. This conflict brings him to the center of discussion again and again.
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