Mahant Raju Das, a prominent priest from Ayodhya’s Hanuman Garhi Temple, is frequently in the limelight due to his outspoken views on religious and political matters. His latest controversy involves a disagreement with Ayodhya’s District Magistrate, Nitish Kumar.
The following day, the police security assigned to Mahant Raju Das was revoked after his altercation with Kumar. The argument centered on the BJP’s recent loss in the Faizabad parliamentary constituency, which includes Ayodhya. During a review meeting led by UP Cabinet ministers Surya Pratap Shahi and Jaiveer Singh, Mahant Raju Das accused the district administration of actions that contributed to the BJP’s electoral defeat.
Meeting with UP Chief Minister
Following the confrontation, Mahant Raju Das met with UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to discuss the incident. “I briefed the CM on what transpired and have complete faith in Yogi Adityanath’s sense of justice,” Mahant Raju Das informed the media.
Mahant Raju Das on His Controversies
When questioned about his frequent controversies, Mahant Das stated, “My statements reflect my commitment to Sanatan Dharma and Hinduism. I will not stay silent if our religion is attacked. For instance, I responded firmly to Swami Prasad Maurya’s offensive comments on Ramcharitmanas.”
In January 2023, Das made headlines by announcing a Rs 21-lakh bounty on Maurya’s head following objectionable remarks. Their supporters later clashed at a Lucknow event organized by a television news channel. He has also been vocal against actor Swara Bhaskar, former tennis player Sania Mirza, and a song from the Shah Rukh Khan movie “Pathaan.”
Withdrawal of Police Security
The District Magistrate justified the withdrawal of Mahant Raju Das’s police security by citing three criminal cases against him. He mentioned that the process to remove Mahant Raju Das’s police gunners began once these cases came to light. “Two gunners had already been withdrawn, and the third one has now been removed,” the magistrate explained.
Mahant Das countered by clarifying the nature of these cases. “The cases from 2013 and 2017 were due to protests and effigy burnings over religious and political issues. The 2023 case resulted from a misunderstanding by a sadhu from Hanuman Garhi who wrongly implicated me,” he said.
Mahant Raju Das’s Journey to Hanuman Garhi
Details about Mahant Das’s early life are scarce. He claims his parents dedicated him to the Hindu deity Hanuman at the Hanuman Garhi Temple when he was just four and a half years old. His guru, Mahant Sant Ram Das, assumed responsibility for his upbringing. Mahant Raju Das pursued his education while serving at the temple.
During his time at K S Saket PG College in Ayodhya, Mahant Raju Das joined the RSS’s student organization Akhil Bharati Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 2001. He obtained a Master’s degree in Political Science, Ancient Indian History, and Hindi literature, and later earned an LLB. Das remained actively involved with ABVP until 2018 and later served as a convener for Sangh organizations like Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
Role in Hanuman Garhi Temple and Nirvani Akhara
Identifying as a Naga Sadhu, Mahant Raju Das explained that when he joined the Hanuman Garhi Temple, it housed around 1,500 sadhus associated with the Nirvani Akhara. The sadhus are divided into four schools, or “pattis,” named “Ujjainiya,” “Basantiya,” “Hardwari,” and “Sagariya.” Mahant Raju Das belongs to the “Ujjainiya” patti. These schools not only manage the temple but also oversee the activities of the Nirvani Akhara across India.
Conclusion
Mahant Raju Das of Ayodhya remains a polarizing figure due to his strong opinions and actions in religious and political arenas. His recent dispute with the district administration over the BJP’s electoral defeat in Ayodhya and subsequent withdrawal of his police security highlights his controversial standing. Despite these issues, Mahant Raju Das continues to play a significant role in the religious and administrative affairs of the Hanuman Garhi Temple and the broader Nirvani Akhara network.
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