Naga Sanyasi Initiation Ceremony Begins At Maha Kumbh

The 13 Akharas, the flag bearers of Sanatan Dharma, are prominently present in Sector 20, adorning the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, where the process of new recruitment has begun in the army of Naga Sanyasis, reinforcing their central role in public faith in Mahakumbhnagar.

The Naga initiation ceremony for the Avdhoots of Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara has started on the banks of the Ganga.

Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara, known for having the highest number of Naga Sanyasis among the Sanyasi Akharas, is witnessing continued growth in its numbers.

The expansion process of this Akhara commenced on Saturday.

Significance Of Naga Sanyasis At Maha Kumbh

The Naga Sanyasis, the ‘Digambara’ devotees of Lord Shiva, are a major attraction at the Maha Kumbh.

The Juna Akhara camp witnesses the largest influx of faith at the Maha Kumbh, as the eagerly awaited Naga initiation ceremony, held every 12 years, takes place on the banks of the Ganga in Sector 20, moving beyond the confines of the Akharas.

Shri Mahant Chaitanya Puri, International Minister of Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara, confirmed that the Naga initiation process began on Saturday.

In the first phase, more than 1,500 Avdhoots are being initiated as Naga Sanyasis. Juna Akhara, currently home to over 5.3 lakh Naga Sanyasis, leads all Akharas in terms of numbers.

The Kumbh exclusively hosts the initiation of Naga Sanyasis, making the ceremony a sacred highlight of the event.

To begin the process, a disciple must first lead a celibate life and serve their gurus for three years, learning the religious practices and customs of the Akharas.

During this time, the disciple’s celibacy is tested. If deemed ready by the Akhara and their guru, they progress to the next stage.

At the Maha Kumbh, this process however marks the transition of a disciple from a Brahmachari to an Avdhoot (enlightened saint).

Rituals Of Naga Sanyasi Initiation

During the initiation, disciples have their heads shaved on the banks of the Ganga and take 108 dips in the river.

The final steps of the initiation however include performing ‘Pind Daan’ and ‘Dandi Sanskar’, along with other rituals.

Under the religious flag of the Akhara, the Acharya Mahamandleshwar of the Akhara bestows the Naga initiation.

Those initiated at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh include Rajeshwari Naga, Ujjain’s Khooni Naga, Haridwar’s Barfani, and Nasik’s Khichdi Naga. These names help identify where the initiation took place.

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