Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Attends Event at Shimla’s Ram Temple, But Walks Out After Seeing Sai Baba Idol

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand recently visited Shimla’s Ram Temple in Himachal Pradesh to participate in a scheduled program. However, upon noticing an idol of Sai Baba in the temple, he voiced his displeasure and left the event. Without offering prayers, Shankaracharya exited the venue and proceeded to the nearby Jakhu Temple, where he later issued a video message explaining his stance.

The Ram Temple, situated in Shimla’s Lower Bazaar, also houses a Sai Baba idol alongside that of Lord Ram. Shankaracharya initially came to attend the program on Thursday but decided to boycott the event once he became aware of Sai Baba’s presence in the temple. He had planned to conduct a prayer ritual followed by a press conference but departed in frustration before the ceremonies.

As per reports from the Shimla Ram Temple, Shankaracharya’s first stop on Friday morning was Shimla’s ancient Jakhu Temple, where he performed the symbolic “Gau Dhwaj” (Cow Flag) hoisting. Upon learning that the Sai Baba idol in the Ram Temple would not be removed, his team issued a statement from Jakhu Temple, explaining that Shankaracharya refrained from participating in the Ram Temple event due to the Sai idol.

Shankaracharya’s national media spokesperson, Shailendra Yogiraj, clarified, “We had requested earlier to have the Sai idol removed from the Ram Temple, but it was not done. As a result, Shankaracharya raised the Cow Flag at Jakhu Temple and departed for Dehradun.”

Yogiraj added, “With 33 crore deities in Hinduism, there is no place for idols from other religions in a Hindu temple. Shankaracharya avoids worshipping at any temple where a Sai Baba idol is present, hence his decision to abstain from this event.”

Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand is also renowned for his significant contribution to the Ayodhya Ram Temple, where he provided scriptural evidence to establish the land as Lord Ram’s birthplace. He is now spearheading a nationwide campaign to elevate cows to the status of “National Mother,” moving beyond their designation as animals. This campaign commenced on September 22 at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, marked by the ceremonial hoisting of the Cow Flag and proclamations in support of the cause.