Sankaracharya Kicks Out Rahul Gandhi From Hinduism
Hindu Leaders Expel Rahul Gandhi from Hinduism over Manusmriti Disrespect: Shankaracharya's Declaration
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, leader of the Jyotirmath, has booted Rahul Gandhi out of Hinduism. The decision comes after Gandhi disrespected the Manusmriti, a central religious scripture, during a Parliament session.
Referring to the Manusmriti as the stone pillar of Sanatan Dharma, Saraswati alleged that Gandhi dishonored this sacred text during one of his debates in the Lok Sabha. The Sankaracharya made it clear that Gandhi's remarks crossed the boundary of acceptability, leading to his excommunication.
Gandhi was first handed a formal notice by the Sankaracharya Math for his harsh words against the Manusmriti. However, he neither replied to the notice nor apologized for his actions. Consequently, the Sankaracharya decided to sever ties with Gandhi and declare him a non-Hindu.
On a heated day at his Math in Kankhal, Haridwar, the Shankaracharya of Jyotirpeeth Badrinath Dham declared, "Rahul Gandhi has been formally excommunicated from Hinduism by the Shankaracharya Math." Emphasizing the grounds for this decision, the Sankaracharya stressed, "He failed to acknowledge his wrongdoings or offer an apology to the Math for his offensive statements."
Context of the Controversy
Gandhi made headlines earlier this year by asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appeared to follow the Manusmriti instead of the Indian Constitution. He criticized the BJP for their treatment of the Hathras gang-rape victim's family, questioning the party's adherence to constitutional principles, and implying that the Manusmriti condoned impunity for crimes.
Sankaracharya Saraswati strongly disagreed with Gandhi's remarks, insisting that the Manusmriti serves as the foundation for Sanatan Dharma. The Shankaracharya deemed Gandhi's insult as unforgivable and decided to take action to reaffirm the sanctity of this revered Hindu text.
Wider Implications
The excommunication of a high-profile political leader such as Rahul Gandhi for criticizing the Manusmriti has ignited a debate about religious autonomy, freedom of speech, and the relationship between religion and politics. Critics argue that this incident highlights the growing intolerance toward dissenting voices, while supporters assert that Gandhi's remarks were disrespectful and undeserving of religious protection. The incident underscores the enduring tension between traditional religious beliefs and modern democratic values in India.
- The Shankaracharya of Jyotirpeeth Badrinath Dham, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, announced a policy-and-legislation decision to excommunicate Rahul Gandhi from Hinduism.
- This decision came after Rahul Gandhi insulted the Manusmriti, a central religious scripture, during a parliamentary session in the context of criticizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- The controversy surrounding Gandhi's remarks has sparked a wider debate about religious autonomy, freedom of speech, and the relationship between religion and politics in India.
- Critics argue that this excommunication highlights growing intolerance towards dissenting voices, while supporters assert that Gandhi's disrespectful remarks were undeserving of religious protection.
