Abhinav Arora, a 10-year-old spiritual content creator known as the “Bal Sant” or “child saint,” recently attracted significant attention after being spotted with a luxury Dior backpack at the Mahakumbh Mela. In a video shared on his Instagram account, Abhinav is seen holding the black Dior bag moments before taking a holy dip at the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. He addresses the camera, stating, “Mahakumbh mein bheed lagi hai bhaari. Radha Rani ki dripa se, Sangam mein dubki lagane ki aa gayi meri baari.”
The sight of a young spiritual figure carrying a designer accessory, reportedly valued at over Rs.2 lakhs, has sparked widespread debate on social media. Critics argue that such displays of material wealth contradict the principles of spirituality and non-materialism that Abhinav promotes. One user commented, “To all those who mocked poor Abhinav, at such a young age he has managed to get himself a Dior bag which costs lakhs and has also taken it to Prayag! What have you achieved?”
This incident isn’t the first time a spiritual figure has faced criticism for displaying luxury items. Previously, spiritual preacher and singer Jaya Kishori was spotted with a Dior bag priced at over Rs.2 lakhs, leading to similar backlash.
Abhinav Arora has built a substantial following as a spiritual orator, sharing insights into Hindu teachings and emphasizing devotion over worldly possessions. His father, motivational speaker Tarun Raj Arora, has publicly stated that Abhinav’s spiritual inclination is self-driven, noting that his son has always been drawn to spirituality rather than typical childhood activities.
Despite his young age, Abhinav has achieved notable recognition. In 2023, he was awarded the title of Youngest Spiritual Orator of India at the Global Indians Conclave and Awards (GICA) by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
However, his journey has not been without controversy. In October 2024, Abhinav’s mother claimed that he had received death threats from the gang of Lawrence Bishnoi after a video went viral in which Abhinav was scolded by Swami Rambhadracharya. She clarified that the video was from 2023 and did not warrant such threats.
The recent Dior bag incident has reignited discussions about the intersection of spirituality and materialism. While some supporters defend Abhinav’s choices, others question the authenticity of his spiritual persona. As Abhinav continues to navigate his path as a young spiritual influencer, this episode serves as a reminder of the scrutiny public figures face, especially when their actions appear to contradict their professed values.
