New Delhi: The Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj has begun from January 13 and will end on February 26. Attended by crores of devotees, it is the largest Hindu festival in India. People go to Mahakumbh primarily to bath in the holy water of the Triveni Sangam which is believed to wash away all sins and help to attain salvation. The Mahakumbh is a melting pot of different kinds of people and represents the ancient Indian culture and heritage. One of the primary attractions of the Mahakumbh are the Naga Sadhus, whose unique appearance and lifestyle never fails to pique the interest of the pilgrims.
Who are the Naga Sadhus?
In the Mahakumbh 2025, the Naga Sadhus took the first Amrit Snan (holy dip) at the Triveni Sangam. The ascetics, representing 13 Akharas, plunged into the Triveni Sangam of the holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, embodying their deity, Lord Shiva, in all His glory.
The Naga Sadhus, who are staunch worshippers of Lord Shiva, are known to be the protectors of Hinduism and the Hindu temples. They belong to various groups known as ‘akharas’ or monastic orders which give most of them training and initiate them into the spiritual journey. Every akhada has its own leaders, practices, and traditions but their common goal is to preserve culture, traditions, and philosophies. The Naga Sadhus have a distinctive appearance which is marked by their ash-covered naked bodies.
The history of the Naga Sadhus in the Indian culture
The Naga Sadhus have been present in the fabric of Indian culture and heritage for thousands of years. Their history can be traced back through archaeological findings like the coins and paintings of Mohenjo-Daro, the key city of the Indus Valley Civilisation. According to some historians, in around 326 BC when Alexander the Great attacked India, he came across the Naga Sadhus.
Some scholars are of the opinion that the term “Naga” in Sanskrit means “mountain” and it refers to people who live in the mountainous regions, called ‘pahari’ or ‘naga’. The revered saint Adiguru Shankaracharya who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta established the akharas in India which organised Hindu ascetics, including the Naga Sadhus, to protect spiritual teachings and temples.
The journey to become a Naga Sadhu
The journey to become a Naga Sadhu is a very difficult one, steeped in strict austerity, renunciation, and deconsecration away from worldly possessions. To become a Naga Sadhu, a person must go through a tough screening process and then observe “brahmacharya” (celibacy and spiritual discipline). This phase can last for even 12 years.
After that, the aspirant undergoes the “panch guru and pind daan” rituals and if a guru deems that the aspirant is ready, the person is introduced to five spiritual guides symbolising Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, Surya, and Ganesh and provides spiritual instruction and guidance. The aspirant performs a ‘pind daan’ of himself to receive diksha. It shows that the person has renounced past identity and social ties and has embarked on a new spiritual journey. Finally, the aspirant has to undergo the “neutralisation of the organ (linga)” and stand under the flag of the akhara while fasting for 24 hours. After that, the person is formally accepted as a Naga Sadhu.
The adornments of the Naga Sadhus
Naga Sadhus perform a distinctive 21-step ritual to prepare themselves for the Amrit Snan which includes the application of ash, sandalwood paste, and the wearing of rudraksha beads, rings, and bracelets made of iron, silver, or copper. Their long matted locks are wrapped five times which symbolises spiritual discipline. Each element of their adornment has spiritual meaning. While the ash represents life’s transience, the rudraksha beads signify devotion, the sandalwood paste symbolise purity and the tridents signify power and control over mind, body and soul.
Where do Naga Sadhus go after the Kumbh Mela?
After the Kumbh, the Naga Sadhus vanish from public life. They return to the Himalayas, forests, caves, and other peaceful places to continue their spiritual practices and they often journey at night so that people cannot see them. Each akhara is coordinated by a kotwal who maintains communication between the sadhus and their akharas.
The Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj witnessed the participation of Naga Sadhus, ascetic Hindu holy men known for their unique appearance and austere lifestyle. Their history is deeply intertwined with Indian culture, tracing back potentially to the Indus Valley Civilization. The rigorous journey to becoming a Naga Sadhu involves years of celibacy and spiritual discipline, culminating in initiation rituals. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
