Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during his visit to Prayagraj, met and honored Shankaracharya Jagadguru Shri Shri Vidhushekhar Bharti Ji Maharaj of Sringeri Peetham, South India. Expressing his joy, the Chief Minister said, "It is a matter of immense pride that the revered Shankaracharya of Sringeri Peetham has graced Prayagraj with his presence. The Mahakumbh feels complete with your arrival."

In a traditional southern welcome, the Chief Minister was presented with a coconut, symbolizing the Kumbh. In return, CM Yogi draped a shawl over the Shankaracharya and offered him fruits as a gesture of respect.

The Chief Minister noted that Sringeri Peetham's formal participation in Mahakumbh after a long gap has significantly enhanced its grandeur. "Your five-day stay is a blessing for us. The state government and district administration are deeply grateful for your presence, which adds immense value to making the Mahakumbh grand and divine."

CM Yogi also briefed the Shankaracharya about the arrangements for Mahakumbh, the participation of saints, and the global attendance expected at this sacred event.

The Shankaracharya of Sringeri Peetham expressed his joy upon learning about the Mahakumbh arrangements from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He commended the meticulous planning and excellent facilities and offered his blessings to everyone dedicated to making the event a success.

The Shankaracharya also shared insights about the tradition of Dakshin Peetha, mentioning that 48 years ago, his Guru's Guru had visited to take a sacred dip during Amavasya in Kumbh. However, it was after 150 years that a Shankaracharya from the South was formally participating in Mahakumbh.

He informed the Chief Minister that during his 5-day stay, he would engage in 'Shastrartha' (intellectual debate) and take a holy dip in Triveni Sangam on Amavasya along with other Shankaracharyas. He also provided details of his stay and planned activities.

In response, the Chief Minister invited the Shankaracharya to hold a 'Shastrartha Sabha' and deliver a discourse during his visit to Kashi.

The Shankaracharya graciously agreed to this and also consented to participate in a program at the Annapurna temple. On this occasion, Rakesh Shukla, in-charge of the Shankaracharya's Kumbh visit and other officials were present.