Controversy erupts after influencer Kirti Patel takes dip in Mrigikund at Bhavnath Mahadev Temple

A controversy erupted during the Maha Shivratri fair in Junagadh after a woman identified as Kirti Patel allegedly took a ceremonial dip in the sacred Mrigikund pond at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple dressed in saffron robes alongside sadhus. A woman police inspector was also reported to have taken a dip in civil dress, further fuelling the dispute.

Traditionally, only ascetics (sanyasis) are permitted to perform the ‘Shahi Snan’ (royal bath) in Mrigikund on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. However, sadhus have alleged that in recent years, non-ascetics have increasingly participated in the ritual, violating long-standing customs.

As per reports, social media influencer Kirti Patel, who has previously been involved in controversies and was recently booked under PASA (Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act), entered the pond wearing saffron attire and bathed along with sadhus. Several seers immediately alerted the district collector, administrative officials and police personnel present at the venue, demanding her removal.

Fire brigade personnel and police later escorted her out of the pond.

Patel reportedly argued that she had worn saffron clothes for the ritual and questioned why she was being singled out when other women were bathing in regular attire. A video circulating on social media shows her allegedly confronting a woman police officer, saying she was not an accused and should not be treated like one. She is also heard stating that the pond “does not belong to anyone’s father”, in remarks perceived as disrespectful.

Several sadhus have alleged that the sanctity of Mrigikund was compromised by the participation of non-ascetics in the Shahi Snan. They maintained that merely wearing saffron clothes does not make one a sadhu and insisted that the ritual is reserved exclusively for ascetics.

Adding to the controversy, J P Variya, who serves as a Police Inspector in PGVCL, was also reported to have taken a dip in civil dress during the ceremonial bath.

Sadhus across Gujarat have demanded immediate action from the police and administration to prevent such incidents in the future, reiterating that only ascetics have the traditional right to perform the Shahi Snan at Mrigikund.