Akhara Mahants seek ways to diffuse row

THE AGNI and Avhaan Akharas, which have been boycotted by the Akhara Parishad, are looking for ways to diffuse the row. The Mahants of the two Akharas also consulted lawyers today to explore legal avenues so that the boycott could be challenged in court.

THE AGNI and Avhaan Akharas, which have been boycotted by the Akhara Parishad, are looking for ways to diffuse the row. The Mahants of the two Akharas also consulted lawyers today to explore legal avenues so that the boycott could be challenged in court.

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These two Akharas were compelled to seek a solution as the district administration also announced to abide by the Parishad’s decision. Consequently, the two Akharas would neither be allowed to take their Pashvais or join the Shahi Snans. As reported earlier, the All-India Akhara Parishad, two days ago had decided to boycott Agni and Avhaan Akharas in connection with the dispute during the last Simhastha at Nasik.

Parishad secretary Mahant Parmanand Saraswati said there are hardly 300 Sadhus in these two Akharas, but they create a nuisance at every Kumbh. We have given them enough time to apologise in writing, he added. On the other hand, Mahant Gopalanandji of the Agni Akhara on Monday refused to extend a written apology and announced that it was right to take the Shahi Snan. He questioned the boycott saying that the Parishad was not entitled to snatch their rights.

The row took a new turn when Collector Rajesh Rajora informed that the administration would follow directions of the Parishad. The law and order situation would be maintained at all costs, he said.

Perturbed over the administration’s stand, the boycotted akharas spent the day looking for a solution. Mahant Gopalnandji refused to talk to this correspondent saying that they are in the process of reaching a solution. The dispute, if not settled in the next three days may create disturbances on the opening of the Shahi Snan on April 5.