- By Kashish Rai
- Fri, 17 Jan 2025 01:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mahakumbh 2025: During the Maha Kumbh Mela, Sadhus take centre stage and Naga Sadhus in particular garner significant attention. While male Naga Sadhus are well-known, their female counterparts remain somewhat enigmatic. Female Naga Sadhus embark on a lifelong journey of devotion to God, mirroring the spiritual commitment of their male peers. Despite their profound dedication, the lives of these female ascetics remain shrouded in mystery.
Let us delve into the fascinating world of female Naga Sadhus, shedding light on their remarkable journey, spiritual practices and unwavering commitment to their faith. Discover the strict rules, unique lifestyle, and distinctive appearance of Naga Sadhvis below:
Mahakumbh 2025: Where Do Naga Sadhvis Live?
Becoming a Naga Sadhu is an exceptionally demanding journey, particularly for women. Female Naga Sadhus embark on a rigorous path that requires unwavering dedication and discipline. They actively engage in intense spiritual practices, often in solitude, residing in forests or Akharas (monastic orders). By severing all connections with the outside world, they devote their entire being to spiritual pursuits, embracing a life of penance. Through this complete detachment, they focus solely on their spiritual growth, demonstrating remarkable resilience and commitment to their faith.
Mahakumbh 2025: Rules Female Naga Sadhus Or Naga Sadhvis Have To Follow
- Spiritual Training And Strict Celibacy: To be eligible for becoming a Naga Sadhvi, women have to practice strict celibacy for 6 to 12 years, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to spiritual growth.
- Past Life Verification: A woman’s past life is examined to ensure her suitability for this sacred path, guaranteeing her spiritual foundation is strong.
- Lifetime Dedication: Once initiated, a Naga Sadhvi dedicates her life to God, embarking on a lifelong spiritual journey of devotion, discipline, and self-discovery.
- Guru's Blessing: A woman aspiring to become a Naga Sadhu must convince her spiritual mentors of her readiness and devotion, securing their approval and guidance.
- Performing Own Pind-Daan: Naga Sadhvi’s head is completely shaved, symbolising renunciation and she performs her own Pind Daan, liberating herself from worldly ties and ego.
Female Naga Sadhus embody spiritual devotion, challenging traditional norms and inspiring others with their unwavering commitment to faith. (Image Source: Freepik)
Mahakumbh 2025: Appearance And Way Of Living Of Female Naga Sadhus Or Naga Sadhvis
Female Naga Sadhus have a distinct dress code that reflects their spiritual identity. They wear unstitched saffron robes, symbolising purity and devotion to their faith. The saffron colour represents their commitment to a life of spiritual pursuit and detachment from worldly desires. By wearing these robes, female Naga Sadhus visibly demonstrate their dedication to their spiritual path.
In addition to their saffron attire, female Naga Sadhus also adorn their bodies with sacred ash, echoing the practices of their male counterparts. A Tilak on their forehead signifies spiritual energy and devotion, serving as a constant reminder of their spiritual goals. Embracing simplicity in lifestyle, female Naga Sadhus lead an austere life, unencumbered by materialistic desires. Through their distinctive dress code and lifestyle choices, female Naga Sadhus embody the values of their spiritual tradition, actively cultivating a deep sense of devotion and spiritual awareness.
ALSO READ: Mahakumbh 2025: Why Naga Sadhus Perform The First Amrit Snan In Maha Kumbh Mela? Explained
(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.)
