Mohan Bhagwat is not a Proponent of Hinduism: Prominent Seers Challenge RSS Chief’s Authority.

Hinduism Not Led by Mohan Bhagwat: Seers Push Back Against RSS Chief’s Remarks on Temple-Mosque Disputes.   

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Dec 25, 2024:: Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has faced criticism from Hindu seers for his recent comments on the temple-mosque dispute. The seers emphasized that Bhagwat does not lead Hinduism nor a proponent of Hindu Dharma, implying that his views may not represent the entire Hindu community.

Bhagwat’s remarks sparked controversy, with some interpreting his statements as an attempt to downplay the significance of the temple-mosque dispute. The Hindu seers, however, contend that Bhagwat’s views are not representative of Hinduism as a whole.

It’s worth noting that Bhagwat has been a prominent figure in Indian politics, serving as the RSS chief since 2009. His comments often carry significant weight, but in this case, the Hindu seers are pushing back against his narrative.

Pushing back RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, several Hindu seers and religious leaders warned against his statement holding as “raking up temple-mosque disputes to gain prominence as Hindu leaders”. The Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti (AKSS) criticized Bhagwat, emphasizing that religious matters should be handled by spiritual leaders, not the RSS.

Read also:: Mohan Bhagwat faces major pushback from seers: ‘Dharmacharyas to decide matters of religion, not RSS’

AKSS general secretary Swami Jitendranand Saraswati argued that matters of faith should be decided by dharmacharyas (religious gurus), not a “cultural organization” like the RSS. Saraswati also pointed out that temple structures have been identified at 56 new sites, despite Bhagwat’s comments.

Other prominent Hindu leaders, such as Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya and Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda, have also expressed strong disagreement with Bhagwat’s remarks. They argue that Hindus have faced historical atrocities, including the destruction of temples, and that seeking to rebuild these temples is a legitimate pursuit.

Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, general secretary of AKSS, stated that decisions on religious issues fall under the purview of “dharmacharyas” (religious leaders). He remarked, ”When it comes to religion, it is the religious gurus who should decide and their decisions will be accepted by the Sangh and the VHP.”

Jitendranand Saraswati also pointed out that despite Mohan Bhagwat’s similar statements in the past, temple structures have been identified at 56 new sites, highlighting the continued focus on such disputes.

Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, a prominent spiritual leader, has publicly criticized Mohan Bhagwat’s authority in religious matters. Rambhadracharya emphasized that while Bhagwat may lead an organization, he does not represent Hinduism as a whole. Instead, it is saints and seers like himself who are responsible for guiding the faith.

Rambhadracharya dismissed Bhagwat’s recent remarks as mere personal opinions, asserting that the RSS chief does not speak on behalf of Hinduism. He further clarified that efforts to restore ancient Hindu temples are essential for cultural and religious preservation. Rambhadracharya vowed to pursue these restoration efforts through legal means, public support, and democratic processes.

Interestingly, Rambhadracharya also challenged Bhagwat’s leadership, stating that he and other spiritual leaders, not Bhagwat, are the true authorities in Hinduism. This bold statement underscores the ongoing debate within Hindu circles about who speaks for the faith.

The RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent comments warning against using temple-mosque disputes to create communal divides have ignited a firestorm of dissent within the Hindu nationalist ecosystem. Bhagwat’s remarks emphasize the need for unity and faith over conflict, urging against raking up new temple-mosque disputes. This backlash is seen as a symptom of a broader conflict within the Hindu religious community regarding the RSS’s role in spiritual matters.

At the heart of the controversy are legal petitions filed by Hindu groups seeking the demolition of mosques allegedly built on temple sites, including the Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal. Bhagwat’s statement has sparked open opposition from religious leaders, reflecting a deep divide over the RSS’s influence in religious affairs.

…

__Inputs from English Jagran, Zee News and Money Control.