Junagadh-based Mahant Tansukhgiri of Bhidbhanjan Temple said: “What happened here at Bhavnath on Shivratri night was quite shocking and disappointing. Controversy sparked off during the Kumbh Mela here, which should have been avoided. The controversy is connected to the Kumbh Mela, which has nothing to do with the Shivratri Mela.”

He added that sadhus taking part in festivities in Junagadh should not indulge in any controversy and should maintain the religious sanctity of the celebrations.

“Such incidents defame the entire Sadhu Samaj. Besides, Monday night’s episode was nothing but the mistake of the government machinery,” he said.

A police officer said on condition of anonymity: “The issue should be solved by the sadhus only. If they fail to do so, we have to maintain the law and order situation.” He dismissed allegations levelled by certain section of the sadhus.

The Shivratri festival was celebrated on Monday night in a traditional manner.

More than six lakh devotees visited the mela site and witnessed the procession of digambar (unclothed) sadhus at the foot of the Girnar Mountains.