His Holiness Padmabhushan Former Jagadguru Shankaracharya Param Gurudev Mahamandaleshwar Swami Satyamitranand Giri Ji Maharaj announced His retirement from the Presidency of the renowned Bharat Mata Mandir and Samanvaya Seva Trust, Haridwar and appointed His senior most disciple, His Holiness Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji  Maharaj as His prime successor. 

This sacred event celebrating the conferral of succession and transference of responsibilities was held on 21st April on the auspicious occasion of AkshayTritiya in the divine presence of eminent saints and spiritual leaders from all over the country.

The programme commenced with the Deep Prajjvalan ceremony, i.e. lighting of the traditional lamp which was accompanied by swasti-vachan, soulful chanting of mantras for peace and wellbeing. His Holiness Mahamandaleshwar Swami Satyamitranand Giri Ji Maharaj, alongwith His Holiness Karshni Peethadhishwar Pujya Swami Gurusharanand Ji Maharaj affectionately annointed a tilak on the forehead of His Holiness Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj and completed the traditional rituals of the conferral of succession. 

On this ocassion, General Secretary of Akhara Parishad and Secretary of Shri Panchdasnam Juna Akhara Swami Hari Giri Ji Maharaj, Secretary of Shri Taponidhi Niranjani Akhara Swami Ramanand Puri Ji Maharaj, Secretary of Shri Panchayati Nirvani Akhara Swami Ravindrapuri Ji Maharaj, Nirvaanpeethadhishwar Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vishokanand Bharti Ji Maharaj, Anandpeethadhishwar Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gahanand Ji Maharaj, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vishwesharanand Ji, Surat Giri Bangla Ji, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Brahmachari, Pujya Swami Govind Giri Ji Maharaj and many other prominent saints from different parts of the country were present.