Over 2,000 ascetics initiated as Naga Sadhus in Shri Panchadashnam Juna Akhara

– Mr Pritam Nachankar, Special Correspondent

Prayagraj, 18 January – On 18 January, during the Maha Kumbha Mela, more than 2,000 ascetics were initiated as Naga Sadhus in the Shri Panchadashnam Juna Akhara. The initiation was conducted by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Anant Shri Vibhushit Swami Avdheshanandji Giri, the spiritual leader of the Shri Panchadashnam Juna Akhara. The ceremony took place collectively on the banks of the Ganga River. From now on, these Naga Sadhus will renounce their families entirely and dedicate their lives to propagating and protecting Hindu Dharma, as well as working for the welfare of the world.

Performed their own Pindadaan

The initiation ceremony began at 11:30 a.m. on the banks of the Ganga. The ascetics were brought to the initiation site by the leaders of the Shri Panchadashnam Juna Akhara. The first step involved shaving the heads of all those being initiated. They then renounced all clothing except a loincloth. Ropes tied around their waists or hands were untied as part of the ritual. Throughout the ceremony, the initiates chanted “Har Har Mahadev” continuously.

In a significant step, the ascetics performed their own Pindadaan (a funeral rite symbolising the renunciation of one’s former self) along with the pinddaan of their families. Following this, they were ritually bathed with a mixture of Panchgavya, sacred ash, sandalwood paste, and ten other holy elements. After completing these rituals, the ascetics proceeded to the Shri Panchadashnam Juna Akhara, where the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanandji Giri, under the sacred Dharma flag, formally initiated them as Naga Sadhus.

After their initiation, the Naga Sadhus paid homage to the Dharma flag, the Akhara’s seat of authority, and their chosen Deity, seeking blessings. Now formally recognised as Naga Sadhus, they have renounced their individual lives entirely, committing themselves to the protection and preservation of Hindu Dharma and the welfare of humanity.

Initiation ceremonies were also conducted for ascetics from all seven Shaivite Akharas. The initiates included individuals ranging from children to elderly ascetics.

1,000 women initiated as Naga Sannyasinis

On 19 January, 1,000 women initiated as Naga Sannyasinis by the Shri Panchadashnam Juna Akhara.

Women from all seven Shaivite Akharas are set to participate in the ceremony, according to Mahant Sadhvi Ubha Bharati of the Maudhi Math.

25,000 ascetics to take Naga Sadhu initiation at the Prayagraj Mahakumbha Mela

It is estimated that a total of 25,000 ascetics from various Akharas will undergo Naga Sadhu initiation during the Prayagraj Maha Kumbha Mela. Those initiated as Naga Sadhus in Prayagraj are known as “Rajarajeshwari Nagas.” The initiation ceremonies for various Akhadas will be completed before Mouni Amavasya. On 28 January, the day of Mouni Amavasya, all newly initiated Naga Sadhus will have the privilege of performing the sacred Amrit Snan at the Triveni Sangam.