The three Amrit Snans at the Prayagraj Sangam for the Mahakumbh have successfully concluded, setting a record for attendance at the world’s largest Sanatan assembly. The 13 Akharas, a highlight of the Mahakumbh, participated in the Amrit Snan with great ceremonial flair, with the Naga Sadhus once again capturing the spotlight.

Despite a tragic stampede on Mauni Amavasya—the primary bathing day—that resulted in the loss of 30 lives and injuries to over 60, the Mahakumbh was a resounding success for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, attracting over 400 million pilgrims to this significant Sanatan Dharma gathering.

Mahant Ravindra Puri, the President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad and a pivotal figure in the Mahakumbh, spoke extensively with “The Statesman” correspondent Manoj Bhadra about various aspects of the event from the perspectives of the saints and sadhus of the 13 Akharas. Mahant Ravindra Puri is also the President of the Mansa Devi Mandir Trust in Haridwar and is affiliated with the Panchayati Akhara Shri Niranjani.

**Excerpts from the conversation:**

**Q**: With all three Amrit Snans completed and the Akharas actively participating, how do you assess the government’s arrangements and facilities?
**A**: I have been attending Ardh Kumbhs and Mahakumbhs since 1995, but I have never witnessed arrangements of such high quality as this year. I can confidently say, “Na Bhuto Na Bhavishyati” (neither in the past nor will there be another like it in the future) regarding this Mahakumbh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was genuinely concerned for the welfare of the sadhus and saints and personally addressed any issues that arose, visiting the Akharas multiple times for inspections.

**Q**: The Prayagraj Mahakumbh has been labeled the largest religious gathering in the world.
**A**: We are fortunate that Hindus have, at last, come together and attended this Mahakumbh with their families. This newfound unity among Hindus will positively influence both the nation and the world. Previously, other religions perceived a lack of unity among Hindus, which they exploited. However, the dynamics have shifted during this Mahakumbh; Hindus are now united in preserving their faith. We estimate that by the end of this Mahakumbh, around 500 million people will have bathed in the Sangam—a figure we never anticipated. Much of this is thanks to the exceptional arrangements by PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath.

**Q**: Regarding the stampede on Mauni Amavasya which resulted in fatalities, what are your thoughts?
**A**: It was a tragic incident, and we, the Akharas, were among the first to express condolences. We temporarily suspended our Amrit Snan until the situation was stable and pilgrims could safely bathe in the Sangam. On that day, approximately 80 to 100 million Sanatani people were present, and while there were individuals opposed to the Sanatan ideology attempting to cause disruptions, the security forces managed to contain the situation. Incidents like these can occur in large gatherings.

**Q**: The opposition has attributed blame for the stampede to the Modi and Yogi governments, labeling them failures in overseeing the Mahakumbh.
**A**: The opposition and anti-Sanatani forces are dismayed by the unprecedented unity among Hindus. Lacking any substantial criticism of the government, they seized upon the stampede as an opportunity to undermine both the government and our saints. Their statements are unfounded, and the public has largely dismissed their claims. With around 400 million pilgrims having attended, many have praised the government’s arrangements. How can the opposition leaders attempt to manipulate the sentiments of the majority Hindus?

**Q**: There have been social media posts highlighting management issues during the Mahakumbh as well as negative portrayals of the saints. Your response?
**A**: Anti-Hindu forces employed various YouTubers to tarnish the Mahakumbh’s image, showcasing some false saints to craft a negative narrative surrounding our community. It’s plausible that the January 29 stampede was orchestrated by these elements.

**Q**: Concerns have emerged from opposition figures and environmentalists regarding pollution in the Sangam during the Mahakumbh.
**A**: I have seen media reports on this and ask: Did any devotees voice complaints? Did anyone fall ill? Anti-Sanatani forces are doing everything possible to create confusion among Hindus, hoping to disrupt their pilgrimage journey to Prayagraj. Nonetheless, their conspiracies have failed; many continue to bathe in the Sangam, and more are expected until Shivratri on February 26. Even Prime Minister Modi and other dignitaries have bathed in the so-called polluted Sangam, demonstrating that such conspiracies are merely attempts to divide society.

**Q**: Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has been outspoken in supporting the opposition and has called for Yogi Adityanath’s resignation over the stampede incident.
**A**: Calls for the Chief Minister’s resignation stem from frustration and should not involve a sadhu’s political engagement. Such behavior is disheartening, and this type of saint can be likened to ‘vultures’ who undermine their own community and religion.

**Q**: With all three Amrit Snans completed, what lies ahead for the Akharas?
**A**: The sadhus from our Niranjani Akhara will depart for Kashi on February 7, while the other Akharas will return to their respective ashrams.