BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
Faith is not sustained by power, slogans, or political authority. It survives through humility, reverence, and an unbroken bond between tradition and conscience. The recent incident at the Magh Mela in Tirthraj Prayag has left countless Sanatanis deeply unsettled, not because a ritual was missed, but because a centuries-old spiritual sentiment was wounded.
The departure of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Ji from the sacred land of Prayag without performing the holy bath at the Triveni Sangam is not an ordinary occurrence. For devotees, it felt like watching a sacred thread being snapped. This ritual has been performed by saints and acharyas since time immemorial, symbolizing continuity, surrender, and divine grace. Its disruption has caused pain, confusion, and a quiet fear about where faith stands in the face of unchecked power.
Sanatan Dharma has always placed saints above thrones. Kings came and went, but spiritual guides were honored as moral compasses of society. Had there been genuine reverence, those in power could have chosen humility over dominance. They could have ensured that Jagadguru Ji was respectfully escorted, his dignity protected, and the sacred traditions upheld. Such an act would have spoken louder than any political declaration of devotion.
Instead, what people witnessed felt like arrogance overpowering devotion. Power, when driven by ego, loses its ability to listen. The sadness many Sanatanis feel today is not born out of anger, but out of disappointment—disappointment that those who claim to protect Sanatan values failed to understand its most basic teaching: respect for saints is non-negotiable.
Hurting the hearts of saints has never brought peace to anyone. Our spiritual heritage repeatedly reminds us that mistakes are human, but refusing to acknowledge them is a far greater failing. Forgiveness is not demanded by saints; it is sought by those who recognize their moral responsibility. No political position, no matter how high, can ever be greater than the honor of a saint who has dedicated his life to dharma.
This moment has forced many to reflect. Are we truly protecting Sanatan Dharma, or merely using its name? The pain felt across the Sanatani community today is real and deeply personal. Our epics teach us that arrogance ultimately leads to downfall, while humility leads to redemption. If Sanatan Dharma is to remain alive in spirit, not just in words, then its values must be lived. Power must bow to faith, not silence it.
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