Mahakumbh 2025: Prayagraj is at the center of discussion all over the world regarding the planning of Mahakumbh-2025. Maha Kumbh is being organized here on the completion of 144 years of Kumbh cycle. This Mahakumbh is not only attended by the crowd of common people but also includes saints, mahatmas, group of monks, priests and big spiritual akharas. The most interesting activity at the Kumbh Mela is the Amrit (formerly Shahi) bath of the Akharas. This is not only an age-old tradition but also an ancient heritage of India.
Monks and warriors are also members of this Akhara
Spiritually there are 13 Akharas, but from the year 2014, Kinnar Akhara has also been added to it with recognition. These Akharas have been a subject of mystery and interest since their construction. The lifestyle of the Nagas, their way of doing spiritual practice, their distance from social life, but in the situation of crisis, the warrior attitude of these sadhus is surprising. Historical documentary evidence of such incidents also exists.
Mahakumbh was a shocking plan for the British
Foreign tourists have also described the lifestyle and customs of these Akharas as amazing. When the British were in India, they wondered how such a big event could take place at one place and at the same time. Later he appointed special officers for this, who would study the planning and management of Kumbh and prepare a report.
As extraordinary as it is to see the Akharas from outside, it is equally surprising to understand their internal structure. Although all the Sadhus in the Akharas look the same, they are given priority according to their position in the entire structure. It involves a long journey from a newly ordained monk to the post of Mahamandaleshwar. From time to time, they are promoted and distribution of posts from one higher post of Sadhu to another is also done on this basis.
What are the positions and titles?
These posts include posts like Pradeshri, Rakmi, Mudathiya, Naga, Sadar Naga, Kotwal and Bhandari. Akharas also have titles. Mahamandaleshwar is the greatest Acharya. Whose tenure is of six years. Apart from this, there are also posts of Chief Patron and Vice President. At the same time, Amir, Mahant, Secretary, Chief also come in this priority.
It is well known that the Akharas are divided into three parts, Vaishnav, Shaiva and Udaasin. Therefore, the priority of posts and the order of names also varies. However, sometimes this difference is only in name. The composition is the same. But we will know the details of the sequence of rituals that a Sadhu has to go through after entering an Akhara.
Entered: A monk who has just entered the arena
The monk who newly joins the Akhara is called the entrant. He should consider dignity, discipline and ideals as his everything on the field, on the basis of which a new player is given entry. A new entrant into the Vaishnav Akhara is required to take initiation into any sect and become a Sanyasi. Participants receive six different nouns over time.
Rakmi: oath of office and secrecy
The first thing he does is collect ‘Rashi’ at the time of entry. Sam means oath of office and secrecy. The practice of withdrawing this ‘amount’ is a kind of oath of secrecy. This is the fast that binds the entering Sadhu to the Akhara for life. Then the entering Sadhu has to undergo special classes for three years each.
After taking the oath, the titles of Chhota, Bandgidar, Hurdanga, Mudathiya, Naga, Sadar Naga, Atit and Mahaatit are included in the language of the Akharas.
When does Naga get the title?
The title of Naga is given after twelve years. As soon as he gets this title, he becomes a responsible official of the Akhara. According to the tradition of Vaishnav Akharas, Rakmi Sadhu has to serve the great past from the great Bangidar above him. ‘Bandagidar’ manages the barns and stores. His duty is to bear the rod and accept the chastisement of the scriptures and weapons. On the other hand, he arranges the temple arrangements, food arrangements etc.
What is the job of a manager?
The work of ‘Mudthiya’ is to serve Bhagwat, arrange food, income and expenditure details, get the workers to do the work, teach weapons and scriptures and inspect the camp. As soon as the Sadhu gets this title of Mudathiya, the responsibility of the Sadhu increases.
Sadar Nagas are bigger than Nagas
Naga Sadhus honored with the title of Sadar Naga are considered particularly prestigious. They receive kanthi, bowls and gifts from the Panchos and Kotwals of the Akhara for their support.
