PRAYAGRAJ, Sept 30: The late Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant
Narendra Giri's disciple Balbeer Giri, 35, has been selected to succeed the
Mahant as the peedadhishwar of Baghambari Mutt in Prayagraj.
Shri Panchayati Akhara Niranjani, the apex body of the akharas of saints, nominated
Balbeer Giri in accordance with the will left by the Mahant. Balbeer Giri, hailing
from Uttarakhand, was given 'diksha' by the Mahant in 2005 when he wanted to
take to sanyas. He has been looking after the Bilkeshwar Mahadev temple in Haridwar
for the last few years. He will take over on October 5. Balbeer Giri will also
be the chief mahant of the Bade Hanuman temple in Prayagraj.
Mahant Narendra Giri was found dead in Baghambari Math on September 20 under
suspicious circumstances. A note purportedly written by him was found in his
room which had desired Balbeer Giri to be made his successor. The Bade Hanuman
Ji temple where he was also the chief priest, reopened on September 23 after
remaining closed for three days because of his death.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is looking into the suspected suicide
following allegations of foul play. The name of Anand Giri, a follower of Mahant
Narendra Giri, has been mentioned in the First Information Report on the charge
of abetment to suicide. Anand Giri, who was a close disciple of the Mahant,
was expelled from the Mutt earlier this year on the charge of indiscipline.
