- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:29 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: The Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj is a monumental event that combines faith, spirituality and pilgrimage. This grand celebration culminates at Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers converge. According to legend, taking a dip in these sacred waters cleanses the soul of sins and brings salvation.
The festival will take place from January 13, 2025 (Paush Purnima Snan) to February 26, 2025 (Maha Shivratri). At the heart of this celebration are the Akharas, ancient monastic orders that preserve and promote Hindu dharma. These Akharas, with their rich traditions and spiritual practices, are the soul of the Kumbh Mela. Their presence brings depth and meaning to this incredible festival, making it an unforgettable experience for all participants.
Know how many Hindu Saint Akharas grace the Maha Kumbh Mela and check out some interesting facts about these monastic orders below:
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: How Many Sadhu Akharas Come To Attend This Grand Hindu Pilgrimage?
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a grand gathering of Hindu saints and sadhus, with 13 prominent Akharas attending the event. These Akharas are ancient monastic orders that have been preserving and promoting Hindu dharma for centuries. The 13 Akharas that participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela are: Juna Akhara, Niranjani Akhara, Mahanirvani Akhara, Atal Akhara, Avahan Akhara, Agni Akhara, Shri Panchayati Akhara, Taponidhi Akhara, Shri Panch Dasnaami Akhara, Shri Nirvani Akhara, Shri Anand Akhara and Shri Kinnar Akhara.
These Akharas bring their unique traditions, spiritual practices, and cultural heritage to the Maha Kumbh Mela. The sadhus and saints from these Akharas engage in intense spiritual practices, including meditation, yoga, and discourses on Hindu scriptures. Their presence adds to the spiritual fervour of the event, making the Maha Kumbh Mela a truly unforgettable experience.
Maha Kumbh Mela is a sacred Hindu festival symbolising spiritual rebirth, salvation and unity among devotees. (Image Source: Freepik)
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Interesting Facts About Sadhu Akharas
- Ancient Lineage and Tradition: The Hindu Sadhu Akharas attending Maha Kumbh Mela have an ancient lineage and tradition that dates back to the 8th century. These Akharas were established by the great Indian sage, Adi Shankaracharya, who aimed to promote Hinduism and protect the country from external threats. The Akharas have since been preserving and promoting Hindu dharma and their participation in the Maha Kumbh Mela is a testament to their enduring legacy.
- Unique Initiation Rituals: The Hindu Sadhu Akharas have unique initiation rituals that mark an individual's entry into the order. These rituals, known as "Diksha," involve the renunciation of worldly life and the adoption of a spiritual path. The initiate is given a new name, and their head is shaved as a symbol of renunciation. The initiate is then welcomed into the Akhara as a full-fledged member.
- Martial Traditions and Skills: Many of the Hindu Sadhu Akharas attending Maha Kumbh Mela have martial traditions and skills that date back centuries. These Akharas were originally established as military orders to protect Hinduism and the country from external threats. Although their role has evolved over time, many Akharas still maintain their martial traditions and skills, which are showcased during the Maha Kumbh Mela.
- Spiritual Practices and Disciplines: The Hindu Sadhu Akharas attending Maha Kumbh Mela are known for their intense spiritual practices and disciplines. These Akharas follow a rigorous routine that includes meditation, yoga, and the study of Hindu scriptures. The sadhus and saints of these Akharas are also known for their austere lifestyle, which involves renouncing worldly comforts and desires.
- Symbolic Processions and Displays: The Hindu Sadhu Akharas attending Maha Kumbh Mela participate in symbolic processions and displays that showcase their spiritual and cultural heritage. These processions, known as "Peshwai," involve the sadhus and saints of the Akharas marching in elaborate costumes and displaying their martial skills and spiritual practices. The Peshwai processions are an integral part of the Maha Kumbh Mela and attract millions of devotees and tourists.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)
