PRAYAGRAJ, September 26 (HS): On October 5, Mahant Narendra Giri's 16th day death ritual, or "Shodashi," would take place at his Baghambari Gaddi Math. A meeting of the ABAP, the country's apex decision making body of Hindu saints and seers, could be held in the Math in a day or two before Shodashi to discuss the Mahant's successor. The precise date of this crucial conference, however, will be determined soon. The ABAP chief's office is vacant following Mahant Narendra Giri's suicide and the ABAP is faced with the herculean task of determining the reasons for the Mahant's death. It wants to appoint a new chief of this important body as soon as possible.

“There is universal agreement among the representatives of the 13 monastic orders that the ABAP meeting be conducted on October 3 or 5, just before the Mahant's 16th-day rituals,” said a senior seer of the math who was privy to the deliberations. Although ABAP meetings in Prayagraj have traditionally been conducted at Baghambari Math, the next meeting will not be held there because most seers believe that no such event should be hosted there before the Shodashi ceremonies. As a result, the next ABAP meeting might take place either at Shri Panchayati Akhada's Manahirwani ashram in Daraganj or at Shri Panchayati Udaseen Akhada's premises in Kydganj.

“Plans are afoot to convene an ABAP meeting before Mahant Narendra Giri's 'Shodashi' rituals,” stated ABAP general secretary and patron of Juna Akhada Swami Hari Giri. During it, many significant issues were discussed.” Soon after the successful Kumbh-2013 on the banks of the Sangam, Mahant Narendra Giri was elected to the role of ABAP president in 2014. The Kumbh-2019 was held in a splendid manner during his stint as Akhada Parishad chief, and Narendra Giri was re-elected to the job in October 2019 during a meeting held in Haridwar.

Most saints want a new ABAP president elected after the Mahant's tragic death, as preparations for Kumbh-2025 must begin at least 2-3 years in advance. Senior saints at the ABAP convention will have to decide whether to appoint a new ABAP chief from Prayagraj, which will host the Kumbh-2025, or a saint from another district or state.

HS/Abhishek Awasthi