Harshanand defends herself amid growing sainthood controversy:Denies foreign funding allegations, warns critics to prove claims or pay ₹1 crore

Amid an ongoing controversy over her renunciation, social media influencer and former model Harsha Richhariya, now Swami Harshanand Giri, has released a new video responding to allegations made by members of the saint community in Ujjain. She categorically denied allegations of receiving foreign funding and stated that if even a single accusation is proven true, she would donate all her property. Conversely, if the claims are false, she has demanded ₹1 crore in defamation from those making the allegations. She also expressed willingness to make her bank details public. Criticism from saint community Two days earlier, Anilanand Maharaj, president of the Sant Samiti, had questioned her renunciation. He alleged that repeatedly taking vows of renunciation undermines Sanatan traditions and could be a publicity stunt. He also raised the possibility of foreign funding. “Even wearing glasses is questioned” Responding to criticism over her appearance, Harshanand Giri said she wears glasses on a doctor’s advice, yet even this is being linked to fashion. “Should I take care of my health based on others’ opinions?” she questioned, adding that accusations are being made about her spiritual life without proper knowledge. She claimed that since 2019, she has been living in Uttarakhand under her guru’s guidance, practicing spirituality under difficult conditions. “Why opposition Only to a Woman Renouncing?” Harshanand Giri questioned why similar objections were not raised in past controversies involving other saints. “Why is there opposition only when a woman chooses renunciation?” she asked. She clarified that she had never declared herself a renunciant earlier and had repeatedly stated this in media interactions. She also objected to derogatory terms allegedly used against her, calling them disrespectful to women. Controversy over her initiation The controversy stems from her initiation at the Mauni Teerth Ashram in Ujjain, where Mahamandaleshwar Sumananand Ji Maharaj formally initiated her. Anilanand Maharaj has objected to this, calling the entire episode inappropriate and against the dignity of Sanatan Dharma. Using a proverb, he remarked that “one cannot live a certain life and suddenly claim renunciation.” He further alleged that during the Prayagraj Kumbh, Harsha had earlier made statements disrespectful to Sanatan Dharma, making her renunciation unacceptable. Call for investigation and action Anilanand Maharaj has demanded intervention from the Akhara Parishad and called for an investigation into the role of Sumananand Ji Maharaj in granting initiation. He stated that renunciation is a sacred and disciplined process that requires years of spiritual practice and cannot be adopted suddenly. He also warned that such matters should be taken seriously, especially with upcoming religious events in Ujjain, and hinted at strict action if traditions are disrespected. Harshanand Giri’s earlier statements Earlier, Harshanand Giri had described renunciation as a new chapter in her life. She said she chose the spiritual path under her guru’s guidance and intends to dedicate herself to religion, culture, and society. Background: From model to spiritual Path Harsha Richhariya first gained attention during the Prayagraj Mahakumbh on January 4, 2025, when she was seen seated on a chariot with saints during a religious procession. At the time, she told reporters that she chose this life in search of peace and had given up material attractions. She was later dubbed a “beautiful sadhvi” by media outlets, though she clarified she was only undergoing initiation and not yet a renunciant. Personal background Harsha Richhariya hails from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh. Her father, Dinesh Richhariya, is a bus conductor, and her mother, Kiran, runs a boutique. She has a brother, Kapil, who works in a private job. The family currently resides in Bhopal. She has worked as a stage anchor and social media influencer, with a significant following on Instagram and Facebook, where she shared content related to Sanatan culture. A graduate by education, she has also completed a yoga specialization course in Ahmedabad. She is a disciple of Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of the Niranjani Akhara.