‘I love Mahadev’ disrespectful to God: Shankaracharya amid Bareilly controversy
**‘I Love Mahadev’ Disrespectful to God: Shankaracharya Amid Bareilly Controversy**
*By Snehil Singh | Oct 04, 2025, 03:08 PM*
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, a prominent religious leader and the Jagadguru Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand, has recently sparked controversy with his remarks regarding the ongoing “I Love Muhammad” protests in Uttar Pradesh.
### Background of the Protests
The protests began after an FIR was lodged against 24 individuals accused of putting up posters saying “I Love Muhammad” during a Barawafat procession on September 4. The posters were met with strong opposition from the Hindu community, which labeled them as a “deliberate provocation,” escalating tensions in the region.
### Rising Tensions and Violence
The situation worsened when confrontations between approximately 2,000 protesters and the police broke out following congregational prayers outside a mosque last Friday. The unrest intensified after Maulana Tauqeer Raza called for a protest, which he later canceled. To date, at least 81 people have been arrested in connection with the ongoing violence.
### Shankaracharya’s Controversial Remarks
Adding fuel to the fire, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati commented on the dispute during a speech in Bettiah, Bihar. He questioned the propriety of the phrase “I love Mahadev,” describing it as disrespectful. He posed a pointed question: Is saying “I love Mahadev” an honor or an insult to Lord Mahadev?
The religious leader further suggested that the controversy over these declarations was being used as a distraction from more pressing, real issues facing society.
### Worship or Love?
Saraswati’s remarks also touched upon the nature of devotion itself, questioning whether Mahadev—the revered Hindu deity—is a matter of worship or simply love. His traditionalist stance reflects the views held in the Shankaracharya tradition, which centers on preserving and propagating the philosophies of Adi Shankaracharya through its four mathas (monastic centers) established across India.
### Conclusion
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati’s comments have added a new dimension to the already sensitive debate surrounding religious expressions and their place in public discourse. As the situation in Uttar Pradesh remains tense, his perspective underscores the complexities involved in balancing faith, respect, and freedom of expression in India’s diverse society.
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*Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/saying-i-love-mahadev-disrespectful-to-mahadev-shankaracharya/story
