Ukraine-Russia at war but saints from both countries staying in the same ashram during Maha Kumbh

Maha Kumbh symbolic photo-PTI

Both the spiritual saints, who have come to Maha Kumbh from Russia and Ukraine, are conducting sessions every day at Pilot Baba’s camp in Sector 18, where devotees from various parts of the world gather to listen to their discourses.

It is said that spirituality has no boundaries. One such sight is being seen in the Maha Kumbh. There has been a bloody war between Russia and Ukraine for about a thousand days, but the spiritual leaders of both countries were seen together in the Kumbh. Swami Vishnudevanand Giriji Maharaj from Ukraine and Anand Leela Mata from Russia are giving discourses on love, peace and compassion from the same stage in the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Both the spiritual saints are conducting daily sessions at Pilot Baba’s camp in Sector 18, where devotees from many parts of the world gather to listen to their discourses. More than 70 people from Ukraine and Russia are staying together in the camp and more than 100 people are expected to come.

How do the saints from both the countries preach?

The sermons of both the saints from Russia and Ukraine often include traditional prayers and discussions about applying spirituality in everyday life. Both share personal experiences of their respective countries, emphasizing the universal nature of spiritual truth.

Giriji Maharaj, formerly known as Valery, hails from the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine and is now the Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara.

According to a report in English newspaper TOI, Giriji Maharaj said, “My message for world peace is expressed in two words: “Lokasangraham” (universal well-being) and “Aru Padai” (universal wisdom). We should remember the mantra ‘Lok: Samasta: Sukhino Bhavantu’, which wishes well-being and happiness for all living beings. Humanity lacks ‘Sattva energy’. When Sattva energy spreads through meditation in society, nation and on the earth, the world begins to change for the better and the stage is set for Satya Yuga, the Golden Age.”

‘This is my fifth visit…’

Anand Mata is from Nizhny Novgorod in western Russia. She was once known as Olga. She said that this is my fifth visit to the Kumbh Mela. The first time I came here was on the invitation of Mahamandleshwar Pilot Babaji. In 2010 I accepted the status of Mahamandleshwar and since then I have come to almost every Kumbh Mela.”

Anand Mata says that Kumbh Mela is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the heart of sadhu culture and spread the message of peace. Many saints come to Kumbh Mela to be a part of this celebration. It is also a way for thousands of people to purify their karma and consciousness. I come here to meet my students from all over the world, to show them the culture of Sanatan Dharma, Advaita Vedanta, Shaivism, Yoga and the teachings of meditation.”

She adds that when people from Russia and Ukraine sit together in harmony, it presents an example of how spiritual quest can unite people beyond national identity.

Both Giriji Maharaj and Anand Mata pray for world peace and reconciliation between countries affected by war. The two countries are engaged in a bloody conflict, which has led to heavy loss of life and property on both sides and major destruction in Ukraine