Saints Back Restricting Non-Hindu Entry at Har Ki Pauri Amid Prayagraj Magh Mela Controversy

January 19, 2026

Ayodhya: Hindu saints and seers, including a Jagadguru from Ayodhya Dham, have unanimously welcomed the decision to “ban” the entry of non-Hindus at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage sites. They termed the move necessary to protect the sanctity of Maa Ganga and Hindu religious traditions.

Mahant Sitaram Das of Saket Bhawan temple said the decision, though delayed, was commendable. “Maa Ganga is our revered goddess, and non-Hindus have no faith connected to that place. The government took this decision a bit late, but it is a very good decision,” he said.

Mauni Amavasya Incident Sparks Strong Reactions

Saints also shared their views on the alleged uproar between Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand and police personnel during the Mauni Amavasya Snan at the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj.

Mahant Sitaram Das termed the stopping of the Shankaracharya’s palanquin as “absolutely wrong” but cautioned that some anti-social elements were trying to defame the event, organisers and the government. He urged Swami Avimukteshwaranand to exercise restraint and called on the administration to act against those responsible.

Karan Das Maharaj echoed similar sentiments, calling the incident unacceptable. “Such behaviour with sadhus on the sacred land of Prayagraj is intolerable. The Akhara Parishad will take this matter seriously,” he said, urging the Uttar Pradesh government to order a high-level inquiry.

Differing Views on Administration’s Role

Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das offered a different perspective, stating that the Shankaracharya was not prevented from taking a holy dip but that his chariot was stopped due to heavy congestion during the bathing period. “If any mishap had occurred, who would have been responsible? That is why the chariot was stopped,” he said, adding that allegations against the Yogi government were unwarranted.

Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya Maharaj went further, advocating restrictions on non-Hindu entry at all Hindu religious sites. He said such places are symbols of faith and must be protected, asserting that the decision to restrict entry at Har Ki Pauri was “absolutely correct.”