Historic First at Maha Kumbh 2025: Three Shankaracharyas Issue Joint Religious Directive on Protection of Sanatan Dharma
Three Shankaracharyas Issue Joint Directive at Maha Kumbh 2025: Key Focus on Sanatan Dharma and Cow Protection
In a historic moment at the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, three prominent Shankaracharyas from major Hindu sects came together to release a collective religious directive known as the Dharmadesh, marking an unprecedented unity among India’s spiritual leaders. The event, held at the Param Dharam Sansad (Supreme Religious Council), is being hailed as a significant step in strengthening the cultural fabric of Sanatan Dharma, with a primary focus on issues like cow protection, national unity, and the preservation of ancient traditions.
The Groundbreaking Unity of Shankaracharyas
The occasion marked the first time that Shankaracharyas from three of the most respected Peeths (seats of spiritual learning) in India shared a single stage. The event was graced by:
- Vidhu Shekhar Bharati Ji of the Sringeri Sharada Peeth
- Sadanand Saraswati Ji of the Dwarka Sharada Peeth
- Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Ji of the Jyotirmath Peeth
Together, these revered spiritual leaders issued a 27-point Dharmadesh, which serves as a collective religious guideline for Hindus, emphasizing national integrity, cultural preservation, and the protection of sacred traditions.
Core Themes of the Dharmadesh
The Dharmadesh highlighted several key issues central to the welfare of Sanatan Dharma (the eternal religion), with the first point of focus being the protection of the cow, regarded as sacred in Hinduism. The directive called for a ban on cow slaughter and the official recognition of the cow as the “Mother of the Nation” (Rashtramata), urging the government to implement stringent legal measures against cow slaughter. The Shankaracharyas further declared that anyone associated with the act of cow slaughter should be excommunicated from the Hindu faith, a bold and highly impactful statement reinforcing the cow’s revered status in Hinduism.
Another central tenet of the directive was the preservation of the Sanskrit language. Shankaracharya Sadanand Saraswati stressed the need to recognize Sanskrit as an essential part of India’s cultural heritage and educational system, calling for its promotion through government-sponsored initiatives. Vidhu Shekhar Bharati Ji echoed this sentiment, underscoring Sanskrit’s importance in the preservation of Sanatan culture and its role in maintaining the spiritual and philosophical foundation of Hinduism.
Social Harmony and National Unity
Beyond religious practices and cultural preservation, the Dharmadesh also focused on broader social issues. The Shankaracharyas urged for the unity and integrity of India, emphasizing that these values should be at the heart of every Hindu’s commitment to both faith and nation. The directive called for collective efforts to foster social harmony among all communities in India, advocating for the protection of religious symbols and encouraging the establishment of temples in schools to ensure that future generations stay connected with their religious and cultural roots.
The 27-point directive also proposed that religious education be considered a fundamental right for Hindus, ensuring that the younger generation remains educated about their traditions and the significance of Sanatan Dharma in shaping India’s identity.
Promotion of River Conservation and Family Values
The Dharmadesh didn’t just stop at the protection of cultural and religious practices; it also addressed environmental issues, specifically the preservation of India’s sacred rivers. The directive emphasized the importance of collective efforts to save and protect these rivers, which are central to Hindu religious practices and Indian ecology.
Additionally, the directive called for the protection and promotion of the institution of family, which is regarded as the fundamental unit of society in Hindu philosophy. The Shankaracharyas expressed concern over the decline of traditional family values and urged the government and society to restore the family unit as a core pillar of social stability.
Encouraging Pilgrims to Visit Prayagraj
In a call to action, the Shankaracharyas also urged all followers of Sanatan Dharma to visit Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh to experience the spiritual significance of the event firsthand. The Shankaracharyas extended their blessings to the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government for organizing the grand event, which has attracted millions of pilgrims from across the world. The event’s spiritual importance was highlighted, with the Kumbh Mela serving as a powerful symbol of unity for Hindus globally.
Government’s Support for the Maha Kumbh
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has provided crucial support for the successful organization of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The government’s efforts in ensuring safety, infrastructure, and crowd management have been lauded by both the religious community and pilgrims alike. The Shankaracharyas expressed their gratitude for these efforts, acknowledging the pivotal role played by the state in facilitating one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Conclusion: A Landmark Moment in Sanatan Dharma
The joint religious directive issued by the Shankaracharyas at the Maha Kumbh 2025 marks a significant chapter in the history of Hinduism. By uniting for the first time to release a common Dharmadesh, these spiritual leaders have set a powerful precedent for future generations, encouraging greater unity, spiritual growth, and protection of sacred traditions like cow protection and the Sanskrit language.
As the Maha Kumbh continues in Prayagraj, this landmark event serves as a reminder of the deep spiritual and cultural values that underpin India’s rich heritage. The Dharmadesh not only calls for the preservation of religious traditions but also urges a concerted effort for the betterment of society and the nation.