Ujjain : The Simhastha Fair Authority (SFA) is in tight spot over allotment of land to the Shankaracharya Chatushpad, i.e. the pontiffs of the four seats (peeths) established by Aadi Sankaracharya, for the upcoming Simhastha Fair.
If followed by the tradition the Chatushpad is allotted land at both sides of the Rudra Sagar, but the SFA is facing cumbersome time over the land allotment due to two issues. The first issue is that the Mahakal zone of the Simhastha Fair has been encroached upon and the area ratio has been narrowed due to newer constructions. Second, the Akhadas, Sadhus and various other Mahamandleshwars and Virakt Sadhus are demanding land in the same zone and that too with an increased quantity.
On the other hand, the SFA is also baffled with the identity of Shankaracharyas. They are facing troubles distinguishing the genuine Shankaracharyas from the self-styled ones so as to whom to give or deny land piece. According to sources the authorities are now seeking the path of compromise from the Shankaracharyas and even had sent an ambassador to talk them down, for accepting the land elsewhere decided by the SFA.
Meanwhile, the contention also came to the fore when SFA chairman, Divakar Natu, said that we are unable to give land to Chatushpad at their previous place, as we do not have enough land at Rudra Sagar, and the sources also confirmed that the SFA is in talks with the Shankaracharyas. While at the same time Fair officer Avinash Lavania, denied any such move of separating the Shankarcharyas and told Free Press that Chatushpad will only be given land at their destined places.
