For the first time in the history of Sant Samaj, the title of Mahamandaleshwar will be conferred upon saints from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Four saints from Gujarat will receive the title today in a ceremony at Science City Road in Ahmedabad, organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad. Pattabhishekam will be performed by Mahant Ravindrapuriji Maharaj, President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, and Mahant Harigiriji Maharaj, General Secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, along with Juna Akhara International.
This initiative aims to promote equality by dismantling caste-based barriers and transforming temples into centers of learning akin to Nalanda, Taxila, Kashi, and Haridwar, renowned for their ancient education. Based on Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideology of equality, the program will be held on April 30th at the prestigious Science City in Sola, Ahmedabad, with around 8000 Sanatan supporters from across India expected to attend.
Mahamandaleshwara is a title used by some Hindu monks of the Dashanami order established by Shankaracharya. The term Mahamandalesvara means “the great or elder of numerous monasteries” or “the great of a religious district or province.” This title is bestowed upon great spiritual personalities, symbolizing their preeminence among various monasteries. Many saints have been honored with the title of Mahamandaleshwar.