Shankaracharya's Boycott Sparks Debate Over Sai Baba Idol

Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati boycotted a Ram temple event due to an idol of Sai Baba placed there. He argued that Sai Baba has no place in Hindu temples, prompting calls for the idol's removal by religious leaders and the Gau Rakshak Dal.

Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, set to attend a 'Gau Dhwaj' event at a local Ram temple, instead chose to boycott the occasion upon learning of a Sai Baba idol's presence there, sparking controversy and debate.

The revered Shankaracharya made his stand clear, stating Sai Baba's absence in Hindu texts, which he claimed justifies his exclusion from temple premises. This statement was conveyed through a video message in which he condemned the temple management's decision.

The temple priest clarified that the Sai Baba statue is situated outside the main temple area and holds no religious significance, yet demands for its removal persist, with promises of the Shankaracharya's visit pending its removal.

(With inputs from agencies.)