Preparations for the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh-2025 are in full swing, with sages and ascetics from various Akharas arriving to take part in the world’s largest religious gathering. An Akhara serves as a place for practice, offering facilities for accommodation, meals, and training, either for Indian martial artists or as a Sampradaya (tradition, spiritual lineage, sect, or religious system) monastery for religious monks.
Image via OpIndia Hindi
Bhairav Akhara, also known as Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara, is one of the prominent Akharas and the largest of the 13. It is home to the Naga sanyasis, warrior monks and followers of Lord Shiva, who are recognized for their ash-covered bodies. This Akhara holds a rich history of spirituality and martial prowess, which is why Naga ascetics are always seen carrying weapons such as swords, trishuls, spears, and farsas. These warrior monks have fought alongside each other against invaders, from the Mughals to the British. The Juna Akhara also has an armory that houses weapons dating back over 400 years. During the Kumbh celebrations, Naga sadhus leave their home carrying these ancient weapons.
Purpose of Establishing Juna Akhara
Juna Akhara is one of the seven Akharas of the Shaivite Sect, founded in 1145 AD in Karnaprayag, Uttarakhand, where the first monastery was also established. However, some Hindu scholars assert that it was founded in 1259 and officially registered in government records in 1860. The idol of Juna Akhara represents Lord Shiva or his Rudra avatar, Lord Dattatreya. Its headquarters are in Varanasi, while the ashram was built near the Mahamaya temple in Haridwar.
The Akhara has a presence in all major Hindu cities, including Ujjain, and is home to around 500,000 Naga sadhus. It was founded to counter the influence of the Jain and Buddhist sects. The Naga sadhus were trained in warfare and weaponry, as well as in the scriptures, to promote the rise of Hinduism. Since its inception, the Akhara has operated under the guidance of Adi Shankaracharya and played a significant role in defending against Muslim invaders.
Conflicts with Abdali, Nizam, and the Mughals
According to legend, the Naga sadhus of the Akhara played a crucial role in defending temples and monasteries by resisting the Mughal invaders. It is said that after Ahmad Shah Abdali, an Afghan conqueror, ravaged Mathura-Vrindavan, he attempted to pillage Gokul. However, the Nagas thwarted his efforts, preventing him from fulfilling his desire to loot Gokul. The Naga sadhus also engaged in a fierce conflict with the Nizam of Junagadh in Gujarat.
The Nizam and his army were decisively defeated by the Nagas, and he was said to have been deeply impressed by their military prowess. Ultimately, the Nizam was forced to submit to them and sought a treaty. Mahant Hari Giri, the guardian of the Juna Akhara, revealed that the Akhara’s sanyasis were invited to negotiate a treaty with the Nizam. They were offered dinner, allegedly as a gesture of handing over Junagadh, but the food was poisoned, and many sanyasis perished. Those who survived went on to form the Juna Akhara.
The bravery of the Naga ascetics is further exemplified in another tale. When the Mughal emperor Jahangir planned to attend the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, Shaivite and Vaishnava ascetics constructed a pyramid and secretly plotted against him from its top. A monk, positioned atop the pyramid, allegedly used a knife to strike at Jahangir. Their hatred for the Mughals was fierce and unyielding. Ashta Kaushal Mahant Yogananda Giri of Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara pointed out that the Naga monks, who were armed, fought back against the Mughals and later led a revolt against British rule. He added, “We call these weapons scissors, which are revered by us.”
Becoming a Naga Sadhu: What Is the Process?
To become a sanyasi of the Akhara, an individual must undergo a 12-year training process. During this period, they are known as a Brahmachari. The Brahmachari learns the Akhara's traditions and rules while dedicating themselves to serving their guru (spiritual teacher and guide). After completing the 12 years, they are initiated as a Naga sadhu during the Kumbh.
The initiation is led by the guru, accompanied by sacred chants and other religious rites. Following this, victory rituals are performed, along with pind daan and other sacrificial ceremonies to signify renunciation of material attachments. The journey to becoming a Naga sanyasi officially begins after receiving Ahuti Diksha. During the ceremony, the sanyasi is welcomed into the community as all the sadhus gather under the Dharma Dhwaj (the symbol of Sanatan).
At this stage, the Digambara, a different guru, is appointed. The Nagas are then assigned their duties within the Akhara. Typically, Nagas adorn themselves with Rudraksha beads and other ornaments, and carry a sword, conch, and trishul (trident).
Comments