BHOPAL: Controversial and self-styled god men and women like Radhe Maa, Swami Nityananda, Nirmal Baba will not be allowed in Ujjain Simhastha as decided by Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (All India Akhara Council), an apex organization of Hindu siants and sadhus (ascetics).The decision was taken in a bid to maintain sanctity of gathering of saints at the Kumbha Mela, schedule to be held in Ujjain from April 22 to May 21, 2016. “The Parishad had already banned priests with criminal charges against them from participating in holy event and will not allow any such god man or women who is misguiding believers in name of false beliefs,” Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Narendra Giri told TOI.

“Although there can be no bar on anybody with regard to visiting Kumbh Mela as a devotee for propriety’s sake controversial and self-proclaimed sadhus have been advised to avoid doing so,” he said inspecting Kumbh mela preparations in Ujjain.

Recently, Akhara Parishad restrained ‘Mahamandaleshwar’ (high priest) named Sachchidananda Giri from visiting Nasik Kumbh mela as his name was mired in controversy regarding liquor trade and other criminal activities.
Mahant Giri said a lot more people are misguiding Sanatan believers in name of god and spreading superstitions, which is damaging the image and name of religion. “We are here to spread the message of peace and harmony and that could be done only through faith and belief. Giri said.

Akhara parishad, saints and ascetics are concerned about recent incidents of criminal activities involving self-styled god men and women. Most disgraceful were exposure of Asaram Bapu, Swami Nityananda and recent controversies involving Nirmal Baba alias Nirmaljeet Singh Narula and Radhe Maa alias Sukhwinder Kaur.

Hindu activist and leader B L Tiwari endorsed steps taken by Akhara parishad saying fake sadhus and self-styled god men have maligned the image of the sect and should be dealt with stringently.

“Controversial godmen were found involved in spreading superstitions, money laundering rackets, evading taxes, acting middleman for big industrial houses and involved in lascivious activities and sex rackets. They should be banned,” Tiwari said.