Shankaracharya Slams Rahul Gandhi's Remarks on Sanatana Dharma

Shankaracharya Strongly Reacts to Rahul Gandhi's Sanatana Remarks

Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati ‘1008’ has strongly objected to statements made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding Manusmriti and Sanatana cultural ideas. He stated that Rahul Gandhi's comments reflect his alleged ignorance, superficial understanding, and a malicious approach towards the Sanatana tradition.

The Shankaracharya asserted that presenting verses from religious texts out of their original context for political gain is an injustice to India's cultural heritage. In a statement, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand emphasized that understanding the linguistic, social, philosophical, and classical context is crucial when interpreting religious scriptures.

He appealed to Rahul Gandhi to thoroughly study Sanatana scriptures before commenting on them and to refrain from making statements that create confusion in society. The Shankaracharya specifically objected to Rahul Gandhi's interpretation of the word 'Rakshati' in a verse from Manusmriti. He clarified that verses like 'Pita rakshati kaumare, bharta rakshati yauvane…' should not be presented solely in the context of a woman's subjugation.

He explained that in Sanskrit, the primary meaning of 'Rakshati' is to protect, preserve, and secure. Presenting it as control or dominance over women deviates significantly from the verse's original intent. The Shankaracharya clarified that in the Indian family system, the responsibilities of parents, husbands, and other family members are linked to protection, respect, and sustenance.

He stressed that viewing a single sentence or verse from any religious text detached from its broader context can lead to misinterpretation. Therefore, knowledge of the classical context and original language is essential when discussing ancient texts like Manusmriti. The Shankaracharya further emphasized that the Indian Sanatana tradition cannot be defined based on a few selected verses. He highlighted the veneration of women as Shakti, knowledge, creation, and the foundation of the family in Indian literature.

Citing examples of Vedic tradition's 'Rishikas' like Gargi, Maitreyi, and Lopamudra, he stated that there is irrefutable evidence of women's intellectual and spiritual contributions in Indian knowledge traditions. According to him, numerous concepts and traditions have established the dignity of women in Indian culture. He referenced quotes like 'Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra Devatahah' (Where women are honored, divinity resides), stating that in the Sanatana view, the respect for women is considered a vital basis of religious and social life.

He suggested that Indian social thought should be understood not only through the lens of rights and dominance struggles but also in terms of responsibility, protection, respect, and mutual complementarity. The Shankaracharya also refuted Rahul Gandhi's political accusation of the BJP supporting Manusmriti, calling it baseless. He stated that the governance of independent India operates entirely according to the Constitution, which forms the basis of the country's laws and administration.

He cautioned that linking any political party to Manusmriti is an attempt to unnecessarily entangle political discourse in religious and historical contexts. The policies and constitutional framework of political parties should be evaluated based on the Constitution, laws, and their public programs, not on fabricated literary accusations. He warned that political statements concerning religious texts must acknowledge their historical background and classical tradition. Presenting excerpts without proper interpretation in the current political context can send the wrong message.

The Shankaracharya alleged that Rahul Gandhi's repeated statements on Manusmriti and other religious texts reveal his perspective on the Sanatana tradition. He stated that responsibility and in-depth study are necessary when commenting on religious scriptures in Parliament and public forums. While political differences are separate, facts and classical evidence should not be ignored when commenting on the core traditions and texts of any religion. Disagreements should also be expressed based on facts and logic.

The Shankaracharya reiterated that due to Rahul Gandhi's alleged repeated comments on Manusmriti and religious scriptures, he had previously declared him 'excommunicated from Hinduism.' He reiterated his previous statement and warned Rahul Gandhi to exercise restraint in his pronouncements regarding religious texts. He stated that commenting on Sanatana scriptures without complete classical study hurts religious sentiments and creates unnecessary controversy in society. He expected Rahul Gandhi and the Congress to adopt a more responsible and fact-based approach concerning religious scriptures.

The Shankaracharya made it clear that if such comments from Rahul Gandhi and the Congress regarding Sanatana Dharma, Manusmriti, and other religious texts continue, the Sanatana society and the enlightened class will continue to offer ideological and vocal opposition. He stated that before criticizing any religious tradition, an in-depth study of its original texts, commentaries, tradition, and historical context is necessary. Determining the meaning of religious texts solely through political speeches is entirely inappropriate.

The Shankaracharya concluded by urging Rahul Gandhi to understand issues related to Manusmriti and the Sanatana tradition based on classical study and evidence, rather than political accusations and counter-accusations. He underscored the breadth of the Indian Sanatana tradition, stating that it cannot be confined within the limited scope of a single verse or political discourse.