Inappropriate of Actor Sayaji Shinde to Comment on ‘Kumbha-Parva’ and Saints-Seers without knowledge of ‘Kumbha’ Traditions

Frank opinion of Mahant Sudhirdas Maharaj

Nashik – Sayaji Shinde has no knowledge of ‘Kumbha-Parva’. There will be no cutting of 400 banyan trees in Nashik. Shinde seems to be misled and brought there amongst the protesters. Sayaji Shinde should not criticise ‘Kumbha-Parva’ or Saints- Seers individually. It is his right to protest but he should not talk about Saints and great spiritual personalities.  He doesn’t know the tradition of ‘Kumbha-Parva’, stated Mahant Sudhirdas Maharaj of ‘Akhil Bharatiya Panch Ramanandi Nirvani Akhada’. Actor Sayaji Shinde had supported the agitation staged against the proposed cutting of trees for ‘Sinhastha Kumbh-Parva’. Mahant Sudhirdas Maharaj criticised Shinde.

What is the issue ?

Actor Sayaji Shinde had stated, “Kumbha-Parva is of Saints-Seers. Good people are also like Saints. Ten people like us can stay in one room. Why other ‘Sadhus’ cannot stay in such places ? It makes no difference to us whether Saints come or not but it will be harmful for people of Nashik if trees are cut. No tree should be cut. All trees should be saved. Trees are like our parents. What is the need to cut trees at this place ? ‘Kumbha-Parva’ Minister Girish Mahajan should answer this question. Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis needs to take a note of people’s feelings.

Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati gave his opinion on the above matter “Sadhugram’s plan is not being implemented for Saints-Mahants but it is being used for irrelevant things. Cutting trees in Tapovan will take away the joy of holy bath. It is learnt that many old trees are going to be cut to set up ‘Sadhugram’. Who are those great souls ? They will go for holy bath and they will be responsible for the wrong of cutting of trees; therefore, we don’t want ‘Sadhugram’ by cutting trees. Many Saints and Mahants must have performed penance, asceticism or rigorous self-discipline under these trees to achieve spiritual progress.”