How does Shankaracharya plan to excommunicate Rahul Gandhi from Hinduism?
By Prabha May6,2025
Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, has announced that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be excommunicated from Hinduism. This punishment isn’t a matter of law, but a declaration by a religious authority. The reason? Rahul Gandhi’s statement in Parliament where he said, “I do not believe in Manusmriti, I believe in the Constitution.”
This raises several key questions: Is belief in Manusmriti essential to being a Hindu? Does the Shankaracharya have the authority to expel someone from the religion? How do Hinduism’s core principles align with such a decision? And is this move in line with the inclusive spirit of Adi Shankaracharya’s teachings?
The Manusmriti Controversy
Rahul Gandhi has made social justice a central theme of his politics, focusing on the rights of OBC communities and other marginalized groups. His comment in Parliament—“I believe in the Constitution, which promotes equality. I do not believe in Manusmriti, which upholds inequality”—sparked the current controversy.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand views Manusmriti as a foundational Hindu text. He sought clarification from Rahul Gandhi through letters, and after receiving no response for three months, made a public declaration:
“Rahul Gandhi should no longer be considered a Hindu. Priests should refuse to conduct his religious rituals, his entry into temples should be barred, and he should be excluded from all Sanatani religious functions.”
Swami Avimukteshwranand
Does Hinduism Allow Excommunication?
Unlike Semitic religions that center around one book or prophet, Hinduism is known for its pluralism. Its sacred texts include the Vedas, Upanishads, Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and more. Manusmriti, though an ancient legal and social code, is just one of many texts and is not universally regarded as the foundation of Hindu belief.
Historically, reformers like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar openly rejected the Manusmriti for its discriminatory content. In 1927, Ambedkar famously burned copies of the text, marking a pivotal moment in the Dalit rights movement. His rejection of Manusmriti led him to convert to Buddhism, reflecting deep-seated tensions over caste and equality within Hindu society.
Religious vs Political Motives?
Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s declaration appears to blur the lines between religious doctrine and political stance. While Manusmriti has been emphasized by groups like the RSS as part of Hindu law, many scholars argue that Hinduism’s true strength lies in its flexibility and acceptance of diverse viewpoints.
Rahul Gandhi’s statement upheld the Constitution’s values of equality, yet the Shankaracharya equates this rejection of Manusmriti with a rejection of Hinduism itself. This raises critical questions: Does such a stance risk alienating large sections of society—particularly Dalits and OBCs—who have long challenged the Manusmriti’s authority? And is excommunication even a concept that fits within Hinduism’s inherently inclusive framework?
The issue now extends beyond Rahul Gandhi, touching on the broader identity and adaptability of Hinduism in a modern, democratic India.
