Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopananda Saraswati Maharaj (born September 2, 1924) is an Indian religious leader,[1] freedom fighter. He was jailed for participating in Quit India Movement, and served two prison sentences in 1942. Swami Swaroopanand holds the title of Shankaracharya for two matha. In 1973, he was appointed as Shankaracharya of jyotirmath and in 1982, he inherited the title of Shankaracharya of Dwarka peeth.[2]
Controversial remarks on Sai Baba of Shirdi[edit]
Recently, Swami Swaroopanand caused controversy due to his remarks against Indian guru Shirdi Sai Baba and his followers.[3][4] After government minister Uma Bharti publicly claimed devotion to the guru, Swaroopanand wrote that "there is no mention of Sai Baba in the Shastras and the Vedas” so he “should not be worshiped with Hindu gods...He was not God, he was just a Muslim Fakir" (referring to Sai Baba's Muslim origins).[5][6][7]
After these remarks, several formal FIR and PIL complaints were filed against Swaroopanand.
On Article 370[edit]
Reprtedly on 30 June 2014, Swami says, "Article 370 should be removed from Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the abrogation of the Article will be beneficial for the people in the valley.[8]
Against of Movie 'PK'[edit]
Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand raises question on censor board, says movies like ‘PK’ insulting Hindu religion and Lord Shiva as well.[9]
