Prayagraj Mahakumbh
At present, Maha Kumbh Mela is being organized in the ancient city of Prayagraj. Crores of devotees from across the country and abroad are coming to be a part of it. Kumbh is a symbol of an ancient Sanatani tradition which has spirituality at its core. Devotees wait for the Kumbh held every six years and the Purna Kumbh held every 12 years. But Naga Sadhus who have embarked on the path of renunciation also wait for this. This is because on the occasion of Kumbh he gets the title of Naga Sadhu.
This year also around 8000 sadhus from different Akharas will be given Naga title. Naga Sadhus remain the center of attraction due to their unique dress and behaviour. Before discussing about them, it is important to know about the Akharas.
Contribution of Adi Guru Shankaracharya
If we try to find the origin of India’s eternal tradition in history, we will have to go far back. From time to time, thinkers and philosophers were born who made necessary improvements in it and gave it contemporary relevance. One such person was Adi Guru Shankaracharya, born in the fifth century. At the time he was born, India did not have a clear geographical shape like it does today. Yes, that time was full of attacks from external invaders.
13 Akharas are the backbone of Sanatan
To keep the Sanatan tradition strong, Shankaracharya resolved to establish Jyotirmaths in all four corners of the country and completed it in his short lifetime of 32 years. Shankaracharya also knew that Sanatan would not be protected by scriptures alone, hence for this he also emphasized on the organized form of Sanatan and with time 13 Akharas came into existence.
These are 13 Akharas
Shri Panch Dashnam Juna (Bhairav) Akhara, Shri Panch Dashnam Aavahan Akhara, Shri Shambhu Panch Agni Akhara, Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara, Shri Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara, Panchayati Akhara Shri Niranjani, Shri Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhara, Shri Panch Digambar Ani Akhara, Shri Panch Nirvani Ani Akhara, Taponidhi Shri Anand Akhara, Shri Panchayati Akhara New Sadness, Shri Panchayati Akhara Nirmal, Shri Panchayati Akhara very sad.
The process of becoming a Naga Sadhu is long
Now let us talk about how to become a Naga Sadhu. The process of becoming a Naga Sadhu is difficult and long. The process of joining the sect of Naga Sadhus takes about six years. During this time the new members do not wear anything except loincloth. After taking the last vow in the Kumbh Mela, they also give up the loincloth and remain Digambaras throughout their life.
First celibate, great man and Avadhoot
In this regard, Rajo Chauhan, who is knowledgeable about Ramayana and has been living an ascetic life for a long time, who came to the Maha Kumbh Mela, says that any Akhara gives entry to a deserving person only after complete investigation. First he has to live as a celibate for a long time, then he is made a great man and then an Avadhuta. The final process takes place during the Maha Kumbh, which includes his own Pind Daan and Dandi Sanskar etc.
Special significance of Mauni Amavasya
Even before Mauni Amavasya, the process of converting a Sanyasi into a Naga Sadhu starts. As per tradition, a special puja will be performed at midnight on the first day, in which the initiated Sanyasi will be made a Naga in front of his/her respective Guru. The monk will take 108 dips in the Ganges at midnight. After this bath, half of his hair will be cut.
Guru accepts Naga
After this he will be sent to the forest for penance. In case there is no forest nearby, the monks will leave their camp and go away. They will be called back after persuasion. On the third day he will return as a Naga and will be brought before Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Akhara. The new Nagas will make anjali with their hands and offer water to the gurus. If the Guru accepts the water then it is considered that he has accepted the Naga. Before taking bath at 4 am on Mauni Amavasya, the Guru will cut the crest of the new Naga Sannyasis. When Akhara goes for bath on Mauni Amavasya, he will also be sent for bath along with other Nagas. In this way the sannyasis will be accepted as Nagas.
