Prayagraj: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks on Manusmriti have drawn strong objections from the seer community in Sangam city, with religious leaders now stepping up efforts to explain what they describe as the correct context and meaning of the ancient text to their disciples and devotees.The seers have also taken the discussion to social media, saying the younger generation should not form opinions about religious scriptures based on political statements.Rahul, while speaking at a ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Pune, had said the mindset of suppressing women came from Manusmriti. The remarks have not gone down well with religious leaders in Prayagraj, who say the text contains several references to the dignity and respect of women and should be studied in its entirety.Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) and head of Maa Mansa Devi temple, termed Rahul’s remarks objectionable.He said attempts to make Manusmriti controversial for political gains were unacceptable. “The true spirit of Manusmriti should be explained to people instead of allowing it to become a subject of political controversy. We are asking kathavachaks (story tellers) to explain its context and meaning to devotees during their discourses,” Puri said.Another prominent seer, Hari Chaitanya Brahmachari of Tikarmafi Ashram, Amethi and Jhunsi, said the controversy also highlighted the need to connect the younger generation with India’s traditions through authentic sources.“Gen Z and Gen Alpha should be made aware of their traditions and heritage, rather than being confused about what is written in religious texts. Political leaders should focus on policies and public issues and refrain from selectively quoting religious scriptures. The interpretation of religious texts should be left to the seer fraternity and scholars who have studied them,” he said.Religious leaders are citing passages from Manusmriti that emphasise respect for women. Shridharanand Brahmachari, mahant of Srimankameshwar Mahadev temple and representative of Dwarka Sharada Peeth, has begun holding discussions with devotees. He points to passages stating that families where women are respected prosper, while those where women suffer decline.Sri Mahanirvani Akhara secretary Srimahant Yamuna Puri said he was surprised by Rahul’s remarks and was explaining the text to devotees visiting the akhara.“How can a person who describes himself as a Brahmin and Sanatani present a distorted interpretation of Manusmriti?” he asked.The seers are also sharing posts about Manusmriti on Facebook, Instagram and X, urging people to read the scripture in its entirety and understand its context rather than relying on selective political interpretations.
