Union Home Minister and
Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, recently visited the holy city of
Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. During his visit, he met with and received blessings
from Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, the head of
the Juna Akhara, at his ashram. Amit Shah himself shared this information on
his official Twitter handle, stating, "Today in Rishikesh, I met with and
received blessings from Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji
Maharaj at his ashram."The meeting took place at
Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji's Harihar Ashram or his Rishikesh premises, where
Amit Shah engaged in spiritual discussions and expressed his respect for the
traditions of Sanatan Dharma. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami
was also present on the occasion.
Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj
is one of India's most respected spiritual leaders. He is the Acharya
Mahamandaleshwar and Junapithadhishwar of the Juna Akhara (one of the oldest
and largest Naga Sadhu akharas in India). He was bestowed this high position by
the saints of the Juna Akhara during the 1998 Haridwar Kumbh Mela.
Key Position: Chairman of the
Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha.
Contribution: Initiated over
10 lakh Naga Sadhus.
Ashram: Harihar Ashram in
Haridwar (Kankhal) and premises in Rishikesh.
Global Role: Board member of
the World Council of Religious Leaders.
Areas of Expertise: Discourses
on Vedanta, spirituality, human welfare, and national duty.
He is also an author, and his
books such as Eternal Wisdom, Vision of Self, etc., are popular. He has also
led millions of sadhus in the Amrit Snan during the Mahakumbh 2025.
Amit Shah and Swami
Avdheshanand Giri Ji have a long-standing and deep relationship, which is
reflected in their meetings on various occasions. Amit Shah has met with
Swamiji several times before, including their meeting during the Prayagraj
(Mahakumbh) in January 2025, where they had extensive discussions on spiritual
and national interests. Similarly, the two met at the Harihar Ashram in
Haridwar in 2021, where they had in-depth discussions on topics related to
national awakening, social harmony, and Sanatan Dharma. In addition, during the
2019 Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, Swami ji also shared a meal with Amit Shah and other
saints. All these meetings are considered symbolic of strengthening Indian
culture, spirituality, and national interest. On one occasion, Swami
Avdheshanand Giri praised Amit Shah, saying, "Today's India is free from
fear because of Amit Shah." This relationship reflects continuous dialogue
and shared values between the two, which is evident from time to time at
various religious and national events.
This meeting reflects respect
for Sanatan Dharma, Indian culture, and national unity. Such meetings at a
sacred place like Rishikesh send a positive message to society.