Model-turned-Sadhvi Harshanand claims saints tried to stop her discourses:Harsha Richhariya makes fresh allegations during religious gathering

Former model-turned-sadhvi Harsha Richhariya, now known as Swami Harshanand Giri, has once again come into the spotlight after alleging that some saints tried to stop or shorten her religious discourses during a week-long event in Ujjain. Addressing devotees at the concluding ceremony of a seven-day religious discourse programme in Lakshmipura, Harshanand claimed that attempts were made over the past few days to prevent her from speaking. She said from the stage, “One who has the blessings of Goddess Bhagwati cannot be stopped. No force has the power to obstruct the path of righteousness.” Harshanand claims opposition began after crowds increased In a video released after the programme, Harshanand repeated her allegations, saying the first three days of the event were peaceful, but opposition began after crowds of devotees—especially women—started increasing. She alleged that from the fourth day onward, efforts were made to reduce the duration of her discourse sessions and claimed some saints did not want her sermons to continue for long. According to her, the event venue had to be expanded twice due to the growing number of attendees. She described the overwhelming participation as the blessings of Goddess Bhagwati and support for women’s empowerment. Large crowds attended despite extreme heat The programme was held in Lakshmipura, around 22 km from Ujjain, during a 108-fire-sacrifice ritual that began on May 8. Harshanand delivered religious discourses for seven consecutive days, drawing large crowds despite intense summer heat. Swords distributed to young women during closing ceremony During the concluding programme, members of Karni Sena distributed swords to young women attending the event. Organisers had planned to distribute 101 swords, but due to limited availability, Harshanand personally handed over swords to 11 young women from the stage. Before the distribution, she administered an oath asking young women to remain alert against alleged “love jihad,” stay devoted to family values and Sanatan traditions, and encouraged them to learn sword fighting, horse riding, and weapons training. Took monastic vows a month ago About a month ago, Harsha Richhariya formally embraced monastic life at Mauni Tirth Ashram under the guidance of Swami Sumananand Giri Maharaj. After taking monastic vows, she adopted the name “Swami Harshanand Giri” and has since been delivering spiritual discourses. From social media influencer to spiritual speaker Harsha Richhariya’s family originally belongs to Jhansi. Her father, Dinesh, works as a bus conductor, while her mother, Kiran Richhariya, runs a boutique. The family currently lives in Bhopal. Before entering spiritual life, Harshanand worked as a stage anchor and social media influencer. She is known for creating content related to Sanatan culture and spirituality. A graduate by education, she has also completed a yoga specialisation course in Ahmedabad. She has around one million followers on Instagram, where she regularly shares religious and spiritual content. She is also a disciple of Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj.