Tag: Akharas in Ujjain Kumbh

Different sectors of saints, vairaghis, and yogis are organised and belong to different akharas. “Akhara” basically means a wrestling area. It is believed that Akharas came its existence in 8th century AD. They were established by Adi Shankaracharya and back then were seven in number: Mahanirvani, Niranjani, Juna, Atal, Avahan, Agni and Anand Akhara. They were formed to strengthen the Hindu religion and unify devotees who practice various hindu rituals, customs and beliefs.

Presently, there are three major Akharas; Sanyasi, Bairagi and Nirmal and three minor: Atal, anand and Avahan. Akharas are further divided into different camps in accordance with the god they worship. Followers of Lord Vishnu come under Vairagi or Vaishnava Akhara, those who worship Lord ShIva come under Shaiva Akhara and the ones who follow Lord Brahma come under Kapalwasis.

According to some text, Akharas are further divided into eight davas and 52 marhis. Every marhi is lead by a Mahant and performs all the spiritual activities under him. Shree Panch (representing Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Shaktiand and Ganesha) forms the central administrative body of any Akhara. Every Kumbha Mela witnesses the election of this five member governing body. They are elected for a period of four years. The Juna Akhara (in terms of number of saints) is the biggest Akhara. Every Akhara is headed by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar, followed by Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwaras and Shree Mahants. During the holy bath at the Kumbha Mela, the main bathing site is surrounded by saints on chariots and elephants who first take the holy dip in the sacred river, following which the devotees and ordinary visitors are allowed to go ahead with Shahi Snan.