Shankaracharya Spearheads Nationwide Movement Against Cow Slaughter

Swami Shri Avimukteshwar Anand Saraswati Maharaj, Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath Peeth in Uttarakhand, launched the Gau Pratishthan Andolan and Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra, emphasizing the need to stop cow slaughter and calling for legislative action. A grand festival celebration highlighted his influential role.

In Uttarakhand, the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath Peeth, Swami Shri Avimukteshwar Anand Saraswati Maharaj, organized a Gau Pratishthan Andolan and Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra on Monday in Lakshmanpur. During the event, he aggressively discussed the issue of cow slaughter.

Addressing a gathering, the Shankaracharya stated, "It is part of Indian culture that we Sanatanis honor our elders and offer rotis to 'Gaumata', but it is distressing to see them killed. What could be worse for our enemies?" He further added, "We overthrew British rule, who exploited our cows for their benefit. We thought 'Gaumata' was free and supported the Congress party, which symbolically used two bulls. Unfortunately, no substantial actions have been taken for the protection and welfare of cows."

The Shankarachraya criticized that despite the need for strong anti-cow slaughter laws, some states continue to permit it and even provide subsidies to abbatoirs. He declared, "On behalf of 100 crore Hindus, we urge the government to ban cow slaughter and implement robust legislation."

The Shankaracharya vowed to visit 35 states to conduct special Pratishtha ceremonies for cow protection. His 55th Prakatotsav was recently celebrated in Delhi with prominent political figures and 21 scholars from Kashi in attendance. The event featured the unique tradition of Tuladan, where he was weighed with rabri.

(With inputs from agencies.)