Four Shankaracharyas May Share One Platform After 19 Years Amid Avimukteshwaranand Controversy; Major Delhi Gau Raksha Event Planned.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Jan 22, 2026:: In a development that could mark a rare and historic moment in the religious history of Sanatan Dharma, the Shankaracharyas of all four traditional peeths (monastic centres) are likely to come together on a single platform after a gap of 19 years. The proposed congregation is being planned in Delhi on March 10, 2026, under the banner of the “Gau Mata Rashtra Mata” (Cow Mother, Nation’s Mother) campaign, with cow protection as its central theme.

The anticipated meeting assumes added significance as it unfolds amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand of Jyotishpeeth. His appointment has been a subject of debate in sections of the religious community, but recent developments suggest that the issue may be approaching a decisive turning point.

Legitimacy Debate and Growing Support

Swami Avimukteshwaranand already enjoys the backing of two of the four peeths. If support from a third peeth is formally extended, it would substantially weaken the controversy over his legitimacy and strengthen his standing within the traditional Shankaracharya framework.

In this context, remarks made recently by Shankaracharya Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati of Puri Peeth have attracted considerable attention. Although he has not explicitly declared his agreement with Avimukteshwaranand’s appointment, Nishchalanand Saraswati referred to him as his “beloved” during an interaction in the Magh Mela area two days ago. Religious observers see this as a significant symbolic gesture, potentially indicating a softening of earlier reservations.

Cow Protection as a Unifying Cause

The proposed Delhi event is centered on cow protection, an issue that has historically united various strands of the Sanatan Dharma tradition. Shankaracharya Nishchalanand of Puri Peeth has been particularly vocal and active on this front. In a dramatic gesture underscoring his commitment, he has reportedly renounced his throne and royal umbrella as part of his vow to protect cows.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand, too, has consistently spoken out on cow protection and has been associated with several movements related to the issue in the past. Organisers believe that bringing all four Shankaracharyas together on this common platform would not only amplify the cause but also symbolise collective consensus among the peeths.

Preparations are currently underway to formally invite all four Shankaracharyas to the event. If they accept and appear together, it would be widely interpreted as tacit or explicit acceptance of Avimukteshwaranand by all peeths.

Rare Moments in Religious History

Meetings of all four Shankaracharyas on a single platform have been exceedingly rare. The first Chaturpeeth conference was held in Sringeri in 1779, marking the first time the heads of the four monastic centres came together. The second such gathering took place on May 19, 2007, in Bangalore, during a conference related to the Ram Setu issue.

If the proposed Delhi programme materialises as planned, it would become only the third occasion in recorded religious history when the Shankaracharyas of Sringeri, Dwarka, Puri, and Jyotishpeeth are seen together on one stage.

A Potentially Historic Moment

Religious scholars and followers of Sanatan Dharma are watching developments closely. A successful event on March 10, 2026, would not only be a landmark moment symbolising unity among the four peeths but could also bring closure to the long-running debate surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s position.

Beyond questions of legitimacy, the congregation would underscore the continuing relevance of traditional religious institutions in addressing contemporary issues such as cow protection. For many within the Sanatan tradition, the sight of all four Shankaracharyas standing together would represent a powerful message of consensus, continuity, and collective resolve.
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