Someone who talks about Sanatan Dharma being told he is not a Sankaracharya: Avimukteshwaranand
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Varanasi (PTI): In a veiled attack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Saturday said someone who talks about Sanatan Dharma is being told he is not a Shankaracharya at all.
His remarks came a day after Adityanath said in the state Assembly that not everyone could use the title of Shankaracharya and stressed that religious decorum and rule of law must be maintained during all events.
Saraswati said that in Sanatan Dharma, a Shankaracharya is one who works for the religion and upholds truth.
Speaking to mediapersons here, he said the definition of Shankaracharya being projected by some had never existed earlier.
“In Sanatan Dharma, a Shankaracharya is someone who works for Sanatan Dharma. The first attribute of Sanatan Dharma is truth. One who speaks the truth, protects cows and safeguards Sanatan Dharma is a Shankaracharya,” he added.
Without naming anyone, Saraswati said, “Anyone who supports him (apparently pointing towards Adityanath) is being called a Shankaracharya. Someone who talks about Sanatan Dharma is being told he is not a Shankaracharya at all.”
Adityanath on Friday had said in the House that, “Not every person can write Shankaracharya before his name. Not everyone can claim to be the acharya of a peeth and vitiate the atmosphere at will. Everyone has to follow certain limits.”
The remarks followed a dispute between the Magh Mela administration and Saraswati over the use of the title Shankaracharya during the event in Prayagraj last month and the circumstances under which he was stopped while heading towards the Sangam for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya on January 18.
In an apparent reference to the controversy, Adityanath questioned the opposition's stand and said those speaking of morality should introspect.
“At a place where crores of devotees have assembled, the exit gate through which people leave after taking a dip cannot be used for entry. Any such attempt can trigger a stampede and endanger lives,” Adityanath said.
A responsible and disciplined individual would never indulge in any conduct that could jeopardise public safety, he added.
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Kerala temple gets life-size mechanical elephant from actor Disha Patani, PETA
Thrissur (PTI): Bollywood actor Disha Patani and PETA India have jointly gifted a life-size mechanical elephant to the Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Temple here, which was unveiled at the shrine on Saturday.
The three-metre-tall, 500-kilogram mechanical elephant, named Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan, was donated to the temple in recognition of its decision to never own or hire live elephants, PETA India said in a statement.
It is the 20th robotic elephant donated to temples in India by PETA India and the 11th in Kerala.
The mechanical elephant was welcomed with an inauguration ceremony and a Panchavadyam performance, the statement added.
It is the seventh such elephant, made of rubber, fibre, metal, mesh, foam, and steel, and powered by five motors, donated to a temple in Thrissur.
Patani said in the statement that every act of kindness brings people closer to a more compassionate world.
"I am very happy that mechanical elephant Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan will now be used for the rituals and celebrations at Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram, so traditions can continue with grace and compassion," she said.
CPI MLA from the Kaipamangalam Assembly constituency, E T Taison Master, welcomed the development, saying that choosing a mechanical elephant is a progressive step that protects both animals and the public.
"Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram has set an inspiring example for Kerala. This compassionate decision ensures safer celebrations while honouring our cultural traditions," he said in the statement.
The President of the temple, Madhu V, also welcomed the mechanical elephant, saying that it "fills our hearts with joy," the statement said.
"This special gift will allow us to perform our rituals with devotion while showing gentle care and respect for all living beings. By embracing this thoughtful innovation, we honour our sacred traditions and celebrate faith, love, and kindness for every creation of God," he added.
PETA said that a mechanical elephant looks, feels, and functions like a real elephant.
"It can shake its head, move its ears and eyes, swish its tail, lift its trunk, and even spray water. It can be climbed upon, and a seat can be affixed to its back. It operates simply by plugging it into an electrical source and can be moved on a wheelbase for rituals and processions," it said.
Smiles, warmth, and joy filled the air as devotees at Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram welcomed Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan, the majestic mechanical elephant.🛕💚@DishPatani #RoboticThodathraKalapattuDeviDasan #MechanicalElephant #Elephants #PETAIndia pic.twitter.com/9hzikIexU8
— PETA India (@PetaIndia) February 14, 2026
