**‘I Love Mahadev’ Disrespectful to God: Shankaracharya Amid Bareilly Controversy**
*By Snehil Singh | October 4, 2025, 3:08 PM*
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, a prominent religious leader and Jagadguru Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand, has sparked controversy with his recent remarks regarding the ongoing protests in Uttar Pradesh linked to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign.
### Background of the Controversy
The protests began after an FIR was filed against 24 individuals for allegedly putting up posters stating “I Love Muhammad” during a Barawafat procession on September 4. The Hindu community opposed these posters, calling them a “deliberate provocation.”
### Rising Tensions and Violence
The situation escalated quickly, leading to violent clashes between around 2,000 protesters and police following congregational prayers outside a mosque last Friday. The unrest was further intensified by Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s initial call for a protest, which he later withdrew. So far, at least 81 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.
### Shankaracharya’s Controversial Remarks
Amidst this turmoil, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati weighed in from Bettiah, Bihar, stating that saying “I love Mahadev” is disrespectful to the deity. He questioned whether such a phrase is an honor or an insult to Mahadev.
Saraswati further suggested that the current controversy is a tactic to divert public attention from “real issues.” He raised a debate over whether Mahadev should be approached through worship or love, emphasizing that declaring love for the deity is inappropriate in this context.
### About Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati holds the esteemed title of Jagadguru Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand. The Shankaracharya tradition consists of four major mathas that serve as centers dedicated to preserving and propagating the philosophy and teachings of Adi Shankaracharya.
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As tensions continue over the sensitive issue, Saraswati’s comments have added fuel to an already volatile situation, raising questions about religious sentiments and freedom of expression in the region.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/saying-i-love-mahadev-disrespectful-to-mahadev-shankaracharya/story