Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Seer Challenges UP CM on Cow Protection
A holy man named Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati was not allowed to take a holy bath at a big religious gathering called Magh Mela.
He is upset and has asked the leader of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, to stop the export of beef and declare the cow as 'Rashtra Mata' (Mother of the Nation) to show he cares about Hindu beliefs.
The holy man also wants the leader to stop cow slaughter in 40 days.
There is also a dispute about who can use the title of Shankaracharya, a high religious position, and the court is deciding on it.
The holy man says that if his demands are not met, many other holy men will come to Lucknow to protest.
He also said that the government is not treating him fairly and is using force against people who believe in the old Hindu ways.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati was allegedly prevented from taking a holy dip at the Sangam during the Magh Mela.
He has challenged Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath to stop beef export and declare the cow as 'Rashtra Mata'.
The seer issued a 40-day ultimatum for the CM to stop cow slaughter to prove his commitment as a 'Hindu sympathiser'.
The mela administration has questioned his use of the title Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth, citing a pending Supreme Court case.
The seer also questioned why camps of two Shankaracharyas from Puri were allowed at the mela.
- Who
- Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, a seer claiming the title of Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth.
- What
- The seer has challenged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to stop beef export and declare the cow as 'Rashtra Mata' to prove his commitment as a 'Hindu sympathiser'.
- When
- The challenge was issued on Friday, following a dispute at the Magh Mela on January 18.
- Where
- The events took place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during the Magh Mela.
- Why
- The seer was allegedly prevented from taking a holy dip at the Sangam and is questioning the mela administration's actions and the Chief Minister's commitment to Hindu causes.
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand
Uttar Pradesh Government
Cow Protection
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand
Demands declaration of cow as 'Rashtra Mata' and a complete ban on beef exports.
Uttar Pradesh Government
No official response to the demands mentioned in the articles.
Government's Commitment to Sanatan Dharma
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand
Questions the government's commitment, alleging continued cow slaughter and beef exports.
Uttar Pradesh Government
No official response to the allegations mentioned in the articles.
Treatment of the Seer
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand
Alleges unfair targeting by the state administration and police.
Uttar Pradesh Government
No official response to the allegations mentioned in the articles.
- Seer's Name
- Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati
- Location
- Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Event
- Magh Mela
- Demands
- Stop beef export, declare cow as 'Rashtra Mata'
- Ultimatum
- 40 days to prove commitment as a 'Hindu sympathiser'
- Title Dispute
- Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth
- Supreme Court Case
- Pending civil appeal on Shankaracharya title
- Beef Exports
- Nearly 40% of the country's beef exports originate from Uttar Pradesh
Sources
Stop beef export and then...: Avimukteshwaranand to UP CM
A government that cannot protect cows has no right to call itself Hindu: Shankaracharya targets Yogi
Tensions Rise Between Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand And Yogi Adityanath As Seer Issues 40-Day Ultimatum Over Cow Protection
