Sadhvis too must have their pride of place: Sarswatiji Maharaj

Jagatguru Shankaracharya Trikal Bhawanta Sarswatiji Maharaj of the Shree Sarveshwar Mahadev Vaikunthadham Akhada Pari is the lone voice to represent the women sadhvis at the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Struggling for space to stay and to bathe, the Sadhavi is being pushed from door to door.

She approached the district administration which is not able to decide; she went to the Akhada parishad representing Vaishnav akhadas in Nashik but was asked to go to Trimbakeshwar as she belonged to the Sanyasi and bairagi cult; she talked to the Shaddarshan akhada parishad in Trimbakeshwar, who were earlier willing to accommodate her in their Maiwada but the sadhvi wanted a separate place.

On the day of dharma dhwaja rohan, when she attempted to speak to the chief minister and the public putting forth her demand, she alleged that the mike in her hand was snatched away and she was manhandled. She has alleged that Mahant Gyandas of the Akhada Parishad in Nashik has insulted her by snatching the mike and using harsh language.

dna's Vaishali Balajiwale spoke to Sarswatiji Maharaj

Q. How did the thought of all-women akhada originate?
Since long, there have been allegations against sants for various reasons. There have been cases of exploitation of women sants as well. This was not in line with our Indian culture which respects every woman as mata — goddess. This can also be seen as an attack on our dharma. It was due to all this that the thought reaped in. After much deliberation, it was decided that a separate system for women sants be formed and it should be conducted by women, where they will be respected. This thought started taking shape in the Ardha Kumbh of Prayag in 2007.

Q. How did you start the women akhada?
After realising that the number of women sadhavis was increasing, I decided to take the responsibility. I formed the Gayatri Trivani Peeth on the banks of Ganga in Allahabad in 2007 and this was dedicated to women sadhavis.

Q. When did Pari Akhada come into existence?
It was 2013 Kumbh Mela in Prayag. There were about 400 women sadhavis with the Sarveshwar Mahadev mandir, Vaikunthadham Mukti Peeth Khalsa, but there was no proper arrangement for them. I heard their experiences and the problems they faced; so, we put up a camp in Paryag Kumbh Mela as Pari akhada.

Q. What has been your experience with akhadas here?
The Juna akhada in Trimbakeshwar has a tradition of women sanyasinis, sadhavis as Mai wada. They agreed to the idea of a women akhada. We had meetings and discussions and lot of paper work, but nothing emerged out of it. So, I announced that Pari akhada should get a separate space of 10 acres at Sadhugram either in Trimbakeshwar or Nashik and a separate ghat and time of bathing. Women need to be recognised, respected and honoured.

Q. What response did you get?
The administration has been assuring. I have not asked for a specific venue and I am ready to accommodate with whatever the administration gives us.

Q. What's your take on Vaishnav and Trimbak akhadas?
Pari akhada is for women from all sects and cults. It wants to assimilate and rub out the differences as Shaiva and Vaishnav. All are welcome here. This is a Kumbh Mela of humanity, not of sects or cults.

Q. There are accusations that you are a self-proclaimed sadhvi?
I do not want to answer such petty questions which are of no significance to me. God has given me the strength. I am struggling to see that women sadhvis and sants are respected and recognised. It may take time but my struggle will continue in spite of the hurdles.

Q. You have made allegations against Mahant Gyandas
Yes, I was manhandled, humiliated and insulted on the dais in the presence of the chief minister. I was not invited, but I wanted to speak to the CM and the public and so I took the mike. Gyandas snatched the mike from my hand and used foul language. I have demanded action from the administration and if they fail to do so in 24 hours, I will file a police case.