JABALPUR: Model-turned-ascetic Harsha Richharia on Wednesday took a holy dip in the Narmada river on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.Speaking on the banks of the river in Jabalpur, Richharia said the moment was deeply personal and spiritually significant for her.
“I am feeling very good because I have a very old and deep connection with Jabalpur, the Sanskardhani, and with Maa Narmada. To be here on this sacred occasion and take a holy dip is a matter of great blessing and good fortune for me,” she said.Addressing questions about her association with the glamour industry, Richharia said she had no regrets about her past career. “I say this with great pride — I was an anchor and an actor, and I did that work with dignity. That profession gave Harsha Richharia her identity. Later, I chose the path of religion to promote and spread dharma. Many young people connected with me through this journey,” she said.However, she also expressed anguish over criticism from within religious circles. “It is painful when people of the same faith hurt one another. Such actions deeply wound our faith and leave us distressed,” she added.Last year, the 30-year-old influencer from Uttarakhand drew widespread attention at the Maha Kumbh Mela after being seen riding a chariot. Her videos and photographs went viral on social media, earning her instant popularity, with some followers dubbing her the “most beautiful sadhvi”.The attention, however, also triggered criticism from a section of ascetics, who argued that the Kumbh Mela is meant for spiritual discourse and not publicity.Dressed in saffron robes, wearing a rudraksha rosary and a tilak, Richharia has stated in viral videos that she is a disciple of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj of the Niranjani Akhara.
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