Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: How Significant Are Akharas And How Do They Lead The Amrit Snan? Explained - News18

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: How Significant Are Akharas And How Do They Lead The Amrit Snan? Explained - News18

resetFollow us on Google News'Sadhus' take a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of 'Makar Sankranti', during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, January 14, 2025. (PTI Photo)

The Maha Kumbh 2025 saw the first ‘Amrit Snan’ on Tuesday on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, as Sadhus of Mahanirvani Panchavati Akhara took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam – a confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati river.

There are 13 Akharas, which are divided into three groups — Sanyasi (Shaivite), Bairagi (Vaishnav) and Udaseen.

The Shaivite Akharas include — Mahanirvani, Atal, Niranjani, Anand, Bhairav, Awahan and Agni; the Vairagi Akharas — Nirmohi, Digambar Ani and Nirvani Ani, the two Udasin Akharas (Naya and Bada) and the Nirmala Akhara.

Let’s understand Akhadas, their organisational structure, historical significance and key roles during the Kumbh Mela.

Akharas serve as the custodians of the Kumbh Mela, where they perform essential rituals and contribute to the sacred event such as the ‘Amrit Snan’. For centuries, Akharas have played a significant role in preserving Hindu traditions, and were instrumental in safeguarding temples and holy sites.

Since 8th Century, Sadhus (monks) from various ‘Akharas’ would gather at Prayagraj to perform the Amrit Snan. From the 9th Century to the 18th Century, it was the Akharas, which organised the month-long Kumbh festivities and decided the Amrit Snan order, which later became a point of contention. But now the Amrit Snan order has been institutionalised, though the Akharas still have an upper hand.

The Akharas are typically led by a Mahant or Acharya, who oversees both spiritual and administrative responsibilities. Within an Akhara, there are different roles and ranks, including Mahamandaleshwar (high-ranking monks), who hold significant influence and authority.

Training in these Akharas is rigorous, combining spiritual practices, meditation, scriptural studies, and physical exercises such as traditional Indian wrestling and martial arts. The discipline followed in these institutions fosters both physical and mental mastery, aiming for spiritual enlightenment.

Akharas hold immense significance in Hinduism for several reasons:

Preservation of Tradition: Akharas play a vital role in preserving ancient spiritual traditions, rituals, and teachings. They maintain and transmit the knowledge of sacred texts, hymns, and practices from one generation to the next.

Spiritual Training: These institutions offer a structured environment for spiritual seekers to undergo intense training, fostering discipline, devotion, and self-realization. The rigorous lifestyle adopted by members is aimed at attaining spiritual enlightenment.

Cultural Custodians: Akharas contribute to the cultural fabric of Hindu society by participating in major religious events, festivals, and pilgrimages. Their presence at events like the Kumbh Mela underscores their role as cultural and spiritual leaders.

Martial Heritage: Historically, Akharas have been associated with martial training, preparing their members to defend the faith and protect sacred sites. This martial heritage is still evident in some Akharas, particularly the Naga Sadhus — known for their warrior-like appearance.

Social Influence: Akharas also engage in social and charitable activities, providing education, healthcare, and support to the needy.

The ‘Amrit Snan’ involves the participation of 13 Akharas (Hindu monastic orders), each following a traditional sequence and designated time for their ritual bath. The event is meticulously organised, with the administration coordinating schedules to ensure smooth adherence to established customs.

Some of the key Akharas and their crucial role in the Maha Kumbha is listed below.

Juna Akhara: This is the largest of the 13 Akharas. Juna Akhara adheres to the Dashnaami Sampraday of Shaivism, established by Adi Shankaracharya, and they worship Lord Dattatreya. The Kinnar Akhara (Transgender Akhara) is also part of the Juna Akhada. The followers of Juna Akhara are primarily Shaiva, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and they include many Nagas. The Juna Akhara plays a prominent role in the Kumbh Mela, where its sadhus (holy men) are known for their austerity and asceticism. The akhara has a rich tradition of spiritual and martial training, preparing its members to defend the faith and uphold the principles of Sanatan Dharma. Its head is Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand.

Niranjani Akhara: As the second largest Akhara, Shri Panchayati Niranjani Akhada was established in 904 AD in Gujarat. Devotees in this institution primarily worship Kartikeya. It is home to many highly educated members, including individuals with doctoral and post-graduate degrees, reflecting a deep commitment to both spiritual and academic pursuits. Its head is Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Kailashanandji Maharaj.

Mahanirvani Akhara (Prayagraj): In Shri Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhada, the principal deity is Sage Kapilmuni, revered for his profound wisdom and spiritual teachings. Devotees also venerate sacred symbols such as Bhairva Prakash Bhala and Surya Prakash Bhala, which represent divine protection and enlightenment. This akhara’s rich spiritual heritage and symbolic practices contribute to its esteemed status within the religious community. Its head is Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vishokananda.

Kinnar Akhara: The Transgender Akhara is a unique and inclusive spiritual community that participates in the sacred gatherings and rituals of the Kumbh Mela. While traditional Akharas are predominantly male, Kinnar Akhara provides a platform for transgender individuals to express their devotion and spirituality. Members of the Kinnar Akhara engage in various spiritual practices, including rituals, prayers, and meditation, to honor their faith and connect with the divine. Their participation in the Kumbh Mela procession alongside other akharas underscores the acceptance and recognition of transgender individuals within the broader Hindu community. Kinnar Akhara’s presence serves as a powerful reminder of the diversity and inclusivity inherent in Hinduism, embracing individuals from all walks of life on their spiritual journey.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reinstated the term ‘Amrit Snan’, replacing the earlier ‘Shahi Snan’ to honour the ancient traditions. The aim behind this is to revive the sanctity of the original nomenclature.

Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) president Mahant Ravindra Puri told PTI that common terms like ‘shahi snan’ and ‘peshwai’, which have been associated with the Kumbh Mela, have now been changed to ‘Amrit Snan’ and ‘Chhavni Pravesh’, respectively.

“All of us speak words in Hindi and Urdu. It cannot happen that we do not speak any Urdu word," said Mahant Puri, president of the Mansa Devi Temple Trust in Haridwar. “But we thought that when it comes to our Gods, we should make efforts to have a name in Sanskrit language or have a ‘Sanatani’ name. Our intention is not to make it as Hindus versus Muslims," he added.

In 1761, during the Haridwar Kumbh, there was a fierce fight between the Akharas of both Shaiva and Vaishnav faiths on taking the first bath. There was a lot of bloodshed on both sides.

According to professor and historian Heramb Chaturvedi, Baba Ramchandra Das of Chitrakoot filed a petition during the Nashik Kumbh to stop the fight. The petition reached the Peshwa’s court. In 1801, the Peshwa named the Maha Snan as ‘Shahi Snan’ and his Kumbh Pravesh as Peshwai. In a conversation with News18, Chaturvedi said the Peshwa of that time also decided that the Akharas would go for the Amrit Snan in such a sequence that the one who went ahead in Nashik would be behind in the next Kumbh while the Akhara which was behind in Nashik would be ahead again. In this way, all the Akharas will move in a cyclic manner, so that there is no conflict.

Later, the Akhara Parishad worked on to stop such conflicts. Even today, the Akharas move forward and backward according to its arrangement. Later, it was improved and different timings and durations for bathing were also fixed for all the Akharas. In case of any dispute, the council makes a decision, which is followed by everyone. The Akhara Parishad submits its schedule to the administration, which makes arrangements accordingly.

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The chariot of the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Akhara is at the front of the group, which goes for the bath first. Behind him, Mahamandaleshwar (title given to Hindu monks in the Dashanami order), Shri Mahant, Mahant, Kotwal and Thanapati and other officials of the Akharas walk in order as per their rank and position. The administration decides the route of this procession in advance. The devotees stand outside the barricades on both sides of the route and apply the dust of the saints’ feet on their foreheads.

There will be five ‘Amrit Snans’ — January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavashya), February 3 (Basant Panchmi), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and last on February 26 (Maha Shivratri).