Ghanshyam Mahilya (Omkareshwar)22 minutes ago
The Omkareshwar connection of Mahamandaleshwar Gyandas Maharaj of Ujjain’s Dadu Ashram has come to light. He had come here about 15 years ago and built a hut in the Brahmapuri area. Currently, Sadhvi Sadhana Das (50), who runs the same ashram, says that she no longer has any connection with Gyandas.
It is noteworthy that Mahakal police station has registered a case against Gyandas Maharaj under several sections, including rape, assault, and blackmailing, based on a complaint by a woman. After the matter came to light, he left the ashram in Ujjain.
Ashram built in 1200 sq ft area
Dainik Bhaskar’s team reached Dadu Dayal Ashram located in Brahmapuri, Omkareshwar. This ashram, situated on the roadside in a hilly area, is built in an area of about 1200 sq ft. It has a hall, two rooms, and a basement used as a store below. According to local people, the ashram is about 10-12 years old.
The current operator of the ashram is Sadhvi Sadhana Das. Local people said that she is currently not in the ashram. She has gone somewhere without informing anyone.
Sadhvi Sadhana Das lives in this ashram in Omkareshwar.
Sadhvi said – Now I have nothing to do with him
Sadhvi Sadhana Das refused to appear on camera. In an off-camera conversation, she said that she has no connection with this entire matter.
She informed that about 15 years ago, she took initiation from Gyandas Maharaj at Daduram Ashram in Ujjain. Later, Gyandas came to Omkareshwar and built a temporary hut here. After some time, he went back. Sadhana Das also later came to Omkareshwar and built the current ashram with the help of devotees.
Sadhana Das says – Now he is not my guru. I have no connection with him.
Discussion of leaving Omkareshwar after differences
Locally, there is a discussion that Gyandas and Sadhana Das had a dispute over some matter, after which Gyandas left Omkareshwar. It is also said that differences between the two increased after a dispute related to the alleged marriage. However, these claims could not be independently confirmed.
Letter was written to stop the Mahantship
According to people associated with the saint community, Sadhvi Sadhana Das’s Mahantship was proposed in November 2024. During this time, Gyandas Maharaj wrote a letter to the saint community opposing it.
In the letter, he had written that the Daduram Ashram located in Omkareshwar was built with his and his devotees’ cooperation. He had objected to Sadhana Das’s behavior. After this, the process of her Mahantship was stopped.
President said- Living alone for 10-12 years
President Mahant Mangaldas Tyagi Maharaj said that Sadhvi Sadhana Das has been living alone in the ashram for 10-12 years. No other saint has a permanent residence here.
Hindu Mahasabha raised questions
Pradeep Thakur, State Vice President of Hindu Mahasabha, said that after such cases come to light, it should be reviewed on what basis saints are given high religious positions. He said that such incidents affect the trust of common people in religious institutions.
