‘Asked 50 times before initiation’, says Sumananand Giri:Acharya Datar objects to no tonsure, makeup; Harsha says Ram chose her path

Former model and social media influencer Harsha Richhariya, who came into the spotlight during the Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2024, has formally embraced renunciation. On April 19, she was initiated at Mauni Teerth Ashram by Swami Sumananand Giri of the Panchayati Niranjani Akhara. After initiation, she has been given the name Swami Harshanand Giri. Her renunciation has drawn objections from Maharaj Anilanand, president of the Madhya Pradesh Sant Samiti, who said the act goes against the traditions of Sanatan Dharma. He has also demanded an inquiry into Swami Sumananand Giri for granting her initiation. Meanwhile, Acharya Tanmay Vedka Datar, who officiates renunciation rituals, said traditional procedures were not fully followed in Harsha’s case. Responding to these allegations, Harsha released a video stating that if Lord Ram has destined renunciation for her, no one can stop it. In view of the ongoing statements in the matter, Dainik Bhaskar spoke to Swami Sumananand Giri and Acharya Tanmay Vedka Datar. Here is the report… Acharya Datar: No head tonsure, seen wearing makeup Acharya Tanmay Vedka Datar said Harsha’s renunciation was conducted in haste and several traditional norms were not followed. According to him, before renunciation, 17 types of pind daan rituals are performed, including symbolic rites for oneself and one’s parents. Head tonsure is considered mandatory in this process, but Harsha underwent initiation without cutting her hair. He added that even after renunciation, she has been seen wearing makeup and ornaments like a regular young woman, whereas such practices are prohibited in ascetic traditions. She has also not appeared in the traditional attire of a renunciant. Swami Sumananand Giri said Harsha did not cut her hair because she had already undergone tonsure earlier. Sumananand Giri: Initiation given after repeated confirmation Swami Sumananand Giri said Harsha had previously shaved her head once, which is why it was not repeated during this initiation. He added that during the Niranjani Akhara procession at the Prayagraj Kumbh, Harsha had ridden on the royal chariot and no objections were raised then. He said that after the initiation he conducted, she has fully become a renunciant as Swami Harshanand Giri. He further said that before granting initiation, he repeatedly asked Harsha about following the rules and gave initiation only after confirming nearly 50 times. He added that he has no objection to her joining any akhara in the future and that her family members were present during the ceremony. Questions and answers on the renunciation process Question- What kind of Sannyasa did Harsha Richhariya take? Acharya Datar said Harsha has taken renunciation. Rituals like pind daan, renunciation of the sacred tuft and staff were performed. After this, one must give up worldly life. Question- Was the head not shaved? He said tonsure or giving up the tuft depends on the guru’s decision, who determines how the process is completed. Question- What is the rule for name change? After renunciation, a seeker must give up their worldly name and follow celibacy, vows and austerity. The guru’s command is considered supreme. Question- What is the complete process on the day of Sannyasa? He said the process begins with fasting in the morning, followed by penance throughout the day. In the evening, rituals like sacred bathing, pind daan and other rites are performed on the banks of the Shipra river. After this, seekers are brought to the akhara for chanting under the religious flag. At night, a victory ritual (havan) is conducted and initiation is completed with the guru mantra.