Pujaris Explain Donation Accounting System at Mahakal Temple in Ujjain

At a recent meeting of the Council of Religious Figures in Ujjain, known as the city of Mahakala, leading saints spoke about the traditions of Kumbh, the true meaning of religion, and issues of youth involvement.

Esteemed saints such as Swami Dr. Sumganganand Giri Ji Maharaj, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shaileshanand Giri, and Mahamandaleshwar Vishal Das Ji Maharaj participated in the discussion.

Swami Dr. Sumganganand Giri Ji Maharaj, Chairman of Mountirth Pita, expressed concern over the transformation of Kumbh. He noted that people today forget the 'element of amrita' and are immersed in the material aspects of organizing Kumbh. He reminded that the tradition of Kumbh originally began with the arrival of saints and the practice of Kalpavasa. This event was primarily conceived for the spiritual practice of saints, who gathered spiritual experiences gained through meditation. Society provided accommodation and food for the saints, and the saints themselves spread the message of religion, which benefited the entire society.

Responding to the question of attracting youth to religion, Swami Sumganganand stated that their religion is entirely based on science and is a matter of personal experience. He emphasized that until this concept reaches the youth in a scientifically grounded form, the problem will not be solved. Criticizing the trend of simplifying and cheapening religion, he argued that simply offering a small amount of water, Belatra leaves, or Datura to a deity for 200 rupees is not religion itself, as the depth of religion is much broader than that.

Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shaileshanand Giri from Juna Akhara stated that if someone comes only for entertainment, it is called tourism. He insisted that sacred places cannot be centers of entertainment or tourism; Ujjain is a land of pilgrimage. He added that young people have many questions now, but no one provides substantive answers to them, and people avoid meaningful discussions both in parliaments and on the streets.

Swami Shaileshanand Giri continued, noting that all generations—from Gen Z to Gen Alpha—need to work together. He warned that if religion becomes merely a path to gaining power or a reason for international branding, it will destroy the original purpose of religion.

Speaking about the significance of Kumbh for the saints, Mahamandaleshwar Vishal Das Ji Maharaj from Nirvana Ani Akhara noted that Kumbh is not just a religious fair, but a sacred gathering of saints. It is a platform where deep discussions on knowledge, spirituality, and social well-being take place.

In Ujjain, known as the abode of Mahakala, a special event called 'Ajattak Dharma Sansad' by 'Ajattak' took place on Friday. Various sessions were organized in the presence of representatives of religious communities, which not only unite the country through spiritual ties but also inspire the path from devotion to patriotism.

As part of these events, the renowned poet, artist, and storyteller Baba Satyanarayan Maurya participated in the special session 'Bam Bam Bhole.' He demonstrated his artistic abilities by subtly conveying the emotional meaning of words in paintings and painted Mahadeva directly onto a canvas displayed on stage. The audience was immersed in an atmosphere of devotion thanks to his simple, devotional poems.

At the 'Ajattak Dharma Sansad' venue, Baba Satyanarayan Maurya, recognized as an artist, poet, writer, and musician, delivered a lecture on Sanatana, Indian culture, and traditions. Maurya, founder of the Institute of Faith in India, stated that instead of merely following religion, one must strive to know and understand it. He emphasized that questioning and maintaining curiosity are valued in Indian tradition.

Satyanarayan Maurya, born in Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh, received a gold medal in fine arts from Vikram University in Ujjain. It was noted during his presentation on stage that he has published about 25 books and is engaged in cultural awakening through art, poetry, and hymns to Mother India. Speaking about the characteristics of Sanatana, Maurya noted that the process of realizing God and knowledge is infinite. He mentioned the concept of 'Neti-Neti,' pointing out that ancient Indian sages encouraged subsequent generations to move forward with their knowledge in the search for truth.

He also asserted that there are scientific explanations behind Indian religious practices. Citing examples such as the use of bindi, braid, and sindoor, he linked them to different parts of the body and glands. Maurya also mentioned traditional beliefs connecting the red color of Mars and the yellow color of Jupiter. He added that the roots of knowledge such as trigonometry and geometry also trace back to ancient India. He insisted that when the younger generation asks about the reason for any religious tradition, instead of stopping them, the underlying meaning and logic should be explained. In his opinion, the core essence of Sanatana lies in the continuous pursuit of knowledge.