Showing posts with label Maha Kumbh Mela 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maha Kumbh Mela 2013. Show all posts
Come January and the uneven banks of the Ganga-Yamuna will yet again play host to a jamboree of religiosity, culture, beliefs and plenty of frolic. An estimated 100 million people — s adhus , pilgrims, merchants, crooks, curious foreigners and revellers — will swarm the ghats of the s angam for 55 days.
The Sangam: Thousands swarm these ghats during the Kumbh Mela
Some hope to wash their sins into the Ganga, while others get dragged by tradition and faith. And there are those who cannot resist but be part of an unmatched human congregation called the Maha Kumbh Mela. Journalists will vie for exclusive shots of ash smeared s adhus bathing in icy waters, while anecdote after anecdote will be shelled at public memory.
However, some tales will remain unsaid and some pictures will never be framed. These stories are of the few hundred people, who break bread, gather water and make their living by the ghats and areas nearby. They occupy these lands illegally but with nowhere else to go, this is home.
“It’s uncertain. Sometimes I sell enough but sometimes I sell nothing at all,” says Janki. She feeds her two children by selling ‘puja items’, while her husband rows the boat for tourists.
Like her, many men, women and children here use their thatch-roofed bamboo huts or wooden trolleys to sell anything from oily snacks, beverages, coconuts and prasadam to necklaces, bangles, photos, idols, tikas and saffron cloths. Those who have nothing to sell need the ghats for shelter. But, with the water level rising rapidly, these ‘ghatwallahs’ will soon need to relocate to higher ground, where only those who already own ‘stalls’ will be allocated space. But beyond the ghats they will also have to reckon with congestion and competing vendors. And once the grand mela begins, the big merchants will set up shop.
For the many homeless who beg for survival, there is no respite. They will have to find new hunting grounds till the mela is over. They are usually banned from the premises but many still manage to sneak in. “Beggars have been traditionally known to be sent to forests till the mela got over. These days they leave on their own before the authorities come and chase them out,” says 62-year-old Ramesh Mishra, a Hindu priest from a village by the Ganga.
The rag tents, tied to trees, poles and signboards, and supported by the odd bricks, will be dismantled once the Army starts clearing the 500 acre mela ground. “Last time, I managed to save whatever clothes I could from the water. My husband can't work as he has tuberculosis. What shall we do? Save our children or our grains?” asks Munni, who traces her roots to Madhya Pradesh.
In the 46 villages of the three neighbouring tehsils , however, residents harbour a mixed feeling for the mela . While they revere the legend and sanctity of the Maha Kumbh, they also lament the disruption of normal life caused every year. With ever-increasing footfall, the number of villages allotted for the mela has increased since 2001, when 26 villages were allotted. This time, the mela will spread over an area of 20 km. Mela authorities have begun acquiring the allotted 5,522 bigha village lands for the next six months.
Though the villagers have been promised “a fair compensation”, some of them are not convinced. “Only those with ‘setting’ get proper compensation. Nothing is done for the poor ones. Nobody cares whether we live or die,” says Kishen Lal, a farmer.
“We are at peace for 11 months. But once the melas start, we are thrown away from our own areas for outsiders to enjoy and bathe in the waters we live on,” says Mama, a frail old man.
Not much change for the boatmen either. They continue to ferry people for holy dips at the sangam , where the yellowish waters of the Yamuna delicately merge with the muddy Ganga.
Meanwhile, on the lush fields toward the city, hordes of metal pontoon bridges are being built. Preparations at the ghats, however, can only start once the rivers settle down after flooding.
Akbar's Fort, built in 1583, still stands daunting over the north bank of the Yamuna. Its high red walls partially shrouded by overgrowth of bushes and flags fluttering over the boats beneath, make it irresistible for the outsider.
The people who live under it, though, do not seem to care much about history.
As the ghats are readied for Allahabad’s Maha Kumbh in January, people who have made their homes on the banks of the Ganga-Yamuna await another season of eviction
Breaking bread on icy waters
Kumbh Mela +
kumbh mela 2013 +
Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 +
Maha Kumbha Mela
Come January and the uneven banks of the Ganga-Yamuna will yet again play host to a jamboree of religiosity, culture, beliefs and plenty of frolic. An estimated 100 million people — s adhus , pilgrims, merchants, crooks, curious foreigners and revellers — will swarm the ghats of the s angam for 55 days.
|
| The Sangam: Thousands swarm these ghats during the Kumbh Mela |
Some hope to wash their sins into the Ganga, while others get dragged by tradition and faith. And there are those who cannot resist but be part of an unmatched human congregation called the Maha Kumbh Mela. Journalists will vie for exclusive shots of ash smeared s adhus bathing in icy waters, while anecdote after anecdote will be shelled at public memory.
However, some tales will remain unsaid and some pictures will never be framed. These stories are of the few hundred people, who break bread, gather water and make their living by the ghats and areas nearby. They occupy these lands illegally but with nowhere else to go, this is home.
“It’s uncertain. Sometimes I sell enough but sometimes I sell nothing at all,” says Janki. She feeds her two children by selling ‘puja items’, while her husband rows the boat for tourists.
Like her, many men, women and children here use their thatch-roofed bamboo huts or wooden trolleys to sell anything from oily snacks, beverages, coconuts and prasadam to necklaces, bangles, photos, idols, tikas and saffron cloths. Those who have nothing to sell need the ghats for shelter. But, with the water level rising rapidly, these ‘ghatwallahs’ will soon need to relocate to higher ground, where only those who already own ‘stalls’ will be allocated space. But beyond the ghats they will also have to reckon with congestion and competing vendors. And once the grand mela begins, the big merchants will set up shop.
For the many homeless who beg for survival, there is no respite. They will have to find new hunting grounds till the mela is over. They are usually banned from the premises but many still manage to sneak in. “Beggars have been traditionally known to be sent to forests till the mela got over. These days they leave on their own before the authorities come and chase them out,” says 62-year-old Ramesh Mishra, a Hindu priest from a village by the Ganga.
The rag tents, tied to trees, poles and signboards, and supported by the odd bricks, will be dismantled once the Army starts clearing the 500 acre mela ground. “Last time, I managed to save whatever clothes I could from the water. My husband can't work as he has tuberculosis. What shall we do? Save our children or our grains?” asks Munni, who traces her roots to Madhya Pradesh.
In the 46 villages of the three neighbouring tehsils , however, residents harbour a mixed feeling for the mela . While they revere the legend and sanctity of the Maha Kumbh, they also lament the disruption of normal life caused every year. With ever-increasing footfall, the number of villages allotted for the mela has increased since 2001, when 26 villages were allotted. This time, the mela will spread over an area of 20 km. Mela authorities have begun acquiring the allotted 5,522 bigha village lands for the next six months.
Though the villagers have been promised “a fair compensation”, some of them are not convinced. “Only those with ‘setting’ get proper compensation. Nothing is done for the poor ones. Nobody cares whether we live or die,” says Kishen Lal, a farmer.
“We are at peace for 11 months. But once the melas start, we are thrown away from our own areas for outsiders to enjoy and bathe in the waters we live on,” says Mama, a frail old man.
Not much change for the boatmen either. They continue to ferry people for holy dips at the sangam , where the yellowish waters of the Yamuna delicately merge with the muddy Ganga.
Meanwhile, on the lush fields toward the city, hordes of metal pontoon bridges are being built. Preparations at the ghats, however, can only start once the rivers settle down after flooding.
Akbar's Fort, built in 1583, still stands daunting over the north bank of the Yamuna. Its high red walls partially shrouded by overgrowth of bushes and flags fluttering over the boats beneath, make it irresistible for the outsider.
The people who live under it, though, do not seem to care much about history.
As the ghats are readied for Allahabad’s Maha Kumbh in January, people who have made their homes on the banks of the Ganga-Yamuna await another season of eviction
There was a time when pilgrimages were not for comfort-loving travellers. But with the advent of modern transportation and the hospitality industry, seeking salvation has become a much easier mission today, provided you have a decent kitty to enjoy those expensive options. Starting with helicopter services to temples tucked away in the mighty Himalayas and in southern India, e-donations and e-prasad and e-aarti, the salvation journey has become much more comfortable too.
So we were hardly surprised to read that the 2013 edition of the Kumbh Mela will also get a healthy dose of such worldly comforts and pleasures. According to a news report, the 2013 edition of the world famous spiritual jamboree, when at least eight crore people are expected to land up in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh, will also have a few hundred Swiss cottages for weary and rich participants. These cottages will be equipped with geysers, toilets and all other amenities that a hotel would usually provide. The snug tents will cost around Rs. 6,000 per night and they would be located barely a few metres from the confluence of three rivers - all that the pilgrims will have to do is walk out of their luxury spaces to take that all-important dip. And therein lies a wonderful, delicious irony: even after paying so much for comfort and exclusivity, the residents of the Swiss tents would still have to take a dip in the same river, along with the same unwashed masses that they are so keen to avoid.
That's not all; the cocooned brigade will miss out on everything that the Kumbh Mela is known for: different kinds of people from all across the world, round-the-clock action and a riot of colour and ideas - some absolutely vague but entertaining nonetheless. The best part is that the mega mela still retains a lot of its old-world charm. It has never been packaged like, for example, the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, but it still manages to attract thousands of people from across the world. And missing out on all that fun will be absolutely sacrilegious.
Occupy Kumbh Mela
Kumbha 2013 +
kumbha mela +
Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 +
Maha Kumbha 2013
There was a time when pilgrimages were not for comfort-loving travellers. But with the advent of modern transportation and the hospitality industry, seeking salvation has become a much easier mission today, provided you have a decent kitty to enjoy those expensive options. Starting with helicopter services to temples tucked away in the mighty Himalayas and in southern India, e-donations and e-prasad and e-aarti, the salvation journey has become much more comfortable too.
So we were hardly surprised to read that the 2013 edition of the Kumbh Mela will also get a healthy dose of such worldly comforts and pleasures. According to a news report, the 2013 edition of the world famous spiritual jamboree, when at least eight crore people are expected to land up in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh, will also have a few hundred Swiss cottages for weary and rich participants. These cottages will be equipped with geysers, toilets and all other amenities that a hotel would usually provide. The snug tents will cost around Rs. 6,000 per night and they would be located barely a few metres from the confluence of three rivers - all that the pilgrims will have to do is walk out of their luxury spaces to take that all-important dip. And therein lies a wonderful, delicious irony: even after paying so much for comfort and exclusivity, the residents of the Swiss tents would still have to take a dip in the same river, along with the same unwashed masses that they are so keen to avoid.
That's not all; the cocooned brigade will miss out on everything that the Kumbh Mela is known for: different kinds of people from all across the world, round-the-clock action and a riot of colour and ideas - some absolutely vague but entertaining nonetheless. The best part is that the mega mela still retains a lot of its old-world charm. It has never been packaged like, for example, the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, but it still manages to attract thousands of people from across the world. And missing out on all that fun will be absolutely sacrilegious.
So we were hardly surprised to read that the 2013 edition of the Kumbh Mela will also get a healthy dose of such worldly comforts and pleasures. According to a news report, the 2013 edition of the world famous spiritual jamboree, when at least eight crore people are expected to land up in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh, will also have a few hundred Swiss cottages for weary and rich participants. These cottages will be equipped with geysers, toilets and all other amenities that a hotel would usually provide. The snug tents will cost around Rs. 6,000 per night and they would be located barely a few metres from the confluence of three rivers - all that the pilgrims will have to do is walk out of their luxury spaces to take that all-important dip. And therein lies a wonderful, delicious irony: even after paying so much for comfort and exclusivity, the residents of the Swiss tents would still have to take a dip in the same river, along with the same unwashed masses that they are so keen to avoid.
That's not all; the cocooned brigade will miss out on everything that the Kumbh Mela is known for: different kinds of people from all across the world, round-the-clock action and a riot of colour and ideas - some absolutely vague but entertaining nonetheless. The best part is that the mega mela still retains a lot of its old-world charm. It has never been packaged like, for example, the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, but it still manages to attract thousands of people from across the world. And missing out on all that fun will be absolutely sacrilegious.
Puri Shankaracharya, Swami Adhokshjanand Tirtha expressed his desire to invite the separatists to attend Kumbh Mela, the biggest religious festival of the country. Heading one of the five main religious seats of Hindus in the country, Swami is on a visit to Kashmir valley in connection with annual Amarnath Yatra.
During the visit he met hard-line separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, moderate Hurriyat leader and chief Muslim Cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman, Yasin Malik.
"Kumbh is a place where people from across the country converge. It is where Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati meet. And we want to invite the people with separatist ideologies from Kashmir and other areas of North east to listen to them and discuss their problems with other countrymen," Swami told Hindustan Times.
"It is an attempt towards peace. We want to send a message to our countrymen that the issue in Kashmir is not Hindu versus Muslim or Indians versus Kashmiris but it is a political issue," he said.
The Shankaracharya, who met separatists in 1998 to convince them for talks, said that Kashmiris were not 'communal’ as was the belief across India.
"I have seen the real face of people of valley. Amarnath Yatra is successful only due to the efforts of local Kashmiri Muslims. They carry the pilgrims on their shoulders, they guide and serve them during the Yatra. This image should be known to the whole World," Swami said.
"What one can infer from their thinking is that they respect Hindus but have some political issues which need to be addressed," he stated.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq confirmed that Swami met him at his Nigeen residence. "He maintained that religious people always side with truth. And he has come to portray the real situation of Kashmir in India. He also expressed his desire to invite Hurriyat Chairman to Kumbh mela as a leader and a prominent religious figure of the valley," Hurriyat said in a statement.
JKLF Chairman Yasin Malik hailed Shankacharya for 'inviting him to this year's Kumbh Mela for reaching out to the people of India'.
"Shankaracharya Jee as a religious leader rules the hearts and minds of billions of Indians. Kashmiris have always stood for communal harmony and have looked towards Swami Jee a true leader of masses and one who stands for truth and humanity," Malik said in a statement.
"During a visit to Kashmir in 1997-98, when Acharya Jee saw the sufferings of people here, he was furious. He went back and raised his voice for Kashmiris and despite a lot of pressures refused to budge and stood for the just cause," Malik stated.
Puri Shankaracharya to invite Kashmir separatists to Kumbh Mela 2013
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Kumbh Mela +
Maha Kumbh 2013 +
Maha Kumbh Mela 2013
Puri Shankaracharya, Swami Adhokshjanand Tirtha expressed his desire to invite the separatists to attend Kumbh Mela, the biggest religious festival of the country. Heading one of the five main religious seats of Hindus in the country, Swami is on a visit to Kashmir valley in connection with annual Amarnath Yatra.
During the visit he met hard-line separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, moderate Hurriyat leader and chief Muslim Cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman, Yasin Malik.
"Kumbh is a place where people from across the country converge. It is where Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati meet. And we want to invite the people with separatist ideologies from Kashmir and other areas of North east to listen to them and discuss their problems with other countrymen," Swami told Hindustan Times.
"It is an attempt towards peace. We want to send a message to our countrymen that the issue in Kashmir is not Hindu versus Muslim or Indians versus Kashmiris but it is a political issue," he said.
The Shankaracharya, who met separatists in 1998 to convince them for talks, said that Kashmiris were not 'communal’ as was the belief across India.
"I have seen the real face of people of valley. Amarnath Yatra is successful only due to the efforts of local Kashmiri Muslims. They carry the pilgrims on their shoulders, they guide and serve them during the Yatra. This image should be known to the whole World," Swami said.
"What one can infer from their thinking is that they respect Hindus but have some political issues which need to be addressed," he stated.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq confirmed that Swami met him at his Nigeen residence. "He maintained that religious people always side with truth. And he has come to portray the real situation of Kashmir in India. He also expressed his desire to invite Hurriyat Chairman to Kumbh mela as a leader and a prominent religious figure of the valley," Hurriyat said in a statement.
JKLF Chairman Yasin Malik hailed Shankacharya for 'inviting him to this year's Kumbh Mela for reaching out to the people of India'.
"Shankaracharya Jee as a religious leader rules the hearts and minds of billions of Indians. Kashmiris have always stood for communal harmony and have looked towards Swami Jee a true leader of masses and one who stands for truth and humanity," Malik said in a statement.
"During a visit to Kashmir in 1997-98, when Acharya Jee saw the sufferings of people here, he was furious. He went back and raised his voice for Kashmiris and despite a lot of pressures refused to budge and stood for the just cause," Malik stated.
During the visit he met hard-line separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, moderate Hurriyat leader and chief Muslim Cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman, Yasin Malik.
"Kumbh is a place where people from across the country converge. It is where Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati meet. And we want to invite the people with separatist ideologies from Kashmir and other areas of North east to listen to them and discuss their problems with other countrymen," Swami told Hindustan Times.
"It is an attempt towards peace. We want to send a message to our countrymen that the issue in Kashmir is not Hindu versus Muslim or Indians versus Kashmiris but it is a political issue," he said.
The Shankaracharya, who met separatists in 1998 to convince them for talks, said that Kashmiris were not 'communal’ as was the belief across India.
"I have seen the real face of people of valley. Amarnath Yatra is successful only due to the efforts of local Kashmiri Muslims. They carry the pilgrims on their shoulders, they guide and serve them during the Yatra. This image should be known to the whole World," Swami said.
"What one can infer from their thinking is that they respect Hindus but have some political issues which need to be addressed," he stated.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq confirmed that Swami met him at his Nigeen residence. "He maintained that religious people always side with truth. And he has come to portray the real situation of Kashmir in India. He also expressed his desire to invite Hurriyat Chairman to Kumbh mela as a leader and a prominent religious figure of the valley," Hurriyat said in a statement.
JKLF Chairman Yasin Malik hailed Shankacharya for 'inviting him to this year's Kumbh Mela for reaching out to the people of India'.
"Shankaracharya Jee as a religious leader rules the hearts and minds of billions of Indians. Kashmiris have always stood for communal harmony and have looked towards Swami Jee a true leader of masses and one who stands for truth and humanity," Malik said in a statement.
"During a visit to Kashmir in 1997-98, when Acharya Jee saw the sufferings of people here, he was furious. He went back and raised his voice for Kashmiris and despite a lot of pressures refused to budge and stood for the just cause," Malik stated.
The foreigners who were eagerly waiting for 2013 Kumbh Mela in Allahabad would be discouraged from entering an Akhara, the place where the Hindu renunciates live. This strange decision has been taken by Juna Akhara, one of the oldest mutts of Naga sadhus.
"This verdict was passed by a majority of sadhus of Juna Akhara because we have noticed in recent years that the foreigners were trying to pollute the atmosphere of our mutts. They bring drugs and liquor to lure our sadhus. This gives a bad name to the mutts. So we have expelled three sadhus from our Akhara and took a decision in a meeting in Haridwar on Thursday that the foreigners would be prohibited from entering our akhara in Kumbh Mela," said Mahant Prem Giri, general secretary of Juna Akhara.
"It also happens that some sadhus who don't value Hindu morals, lure the western women and exploit them. This is the reason that we decided to prevent their frequent contacts in the Akhara," said Mahant Parshuram Giri, another sadhu of Juna Akhara.
He recalled that a Naga sadhu Narayan Giri of Juna Akhara had cheated many foreign women. He had married two Italian women in 2001 without telling them that he was already married.
"He used to live at Kedar Ghat in Varanasi and cheat foreign women who used to visit the place in search of peace and salvation. He even went to Italy with one of the women. But she deserted him after knowing that he had earlier duped other women by marrying them. There are many other sadhus also in the akharas who are hardly involved in religious work but they keep trapping foreigners. So we believe that the ban on foreigners in our Akhara is an apt decision," said Mahant Prem Giri.
Mahant Mahendra Giri, a sadhu of Nirwani Akhara, said, "We welcome the decision of Juna Akhara because they are facing problems due to foreigners. But it doesn't mean that we don't want the foreigners in Kumbh Mela. They are free to visit the congregation and explore their religious curiosities. They are our guests and we respect their sentiment. I also believe that the other Akharas don't need to take a similar decision if their sadhus are disciplined renunciates and follow religious and social ethics."
Foreigners not allowed in Haridwar's akharas during 2013 Kumbh Mela
Juna Akhara Bans Entry of Foreigners
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Kumbh 2013 +
Maha Kumbh +
Maha Kumbh Mela 2013
The foreigners who were eagerly waiting for 2013 Kumbh Mela in Allahabad would be discouraged from entering an Akhara, the place where the Hindu renunciates live. This strange decision has been taken by Juna Akhara, one of the oldest mutts of Naga sadhus.
"This verdict was passed by a majority of sadhus of Juna Akhara because we have noticed in recent years that the foreigners were trying to pollute the atmosphere of our mutts. They bring drugs and liquor to lure our sadhus. This gives a bad name to the mutts. So we have expelled three sadhus from our Akhara and took a decision in a meeting in Haridwar on Thursday that the foreigners would be prohibited from entering our akhara in Kumbh Mela," said Mahant Prem Giri, general secretary of Juna Akhara.
"It also happens that some sadhus who don't value Hindu morals, lure the western women and exploit them. This is the reason that we decided to prevent their frequent contacts in the Akhara," said Mahant Parshuram Giri, another sadhu of Juna Akhara.
He recalled that a Naga sadhu Narayan Giri of Juna Akhara had cheated many foreign women. He had married two Italian women in 2001 without telling them that he was already married.
"He used to live at Kedar Ghat in Varanasi and cheat foreign women who used to visit the place in search of peace and salvation. He even went to Italy with one of the women. But she deserted him after knowing that he had earlier duped other women by marrying them. There are many other sadhus also in the akharas who are hardly involved in religious work but they keep trapping foreigners. So we believe that the ban on foreigners in our Akhara is an apt decision," said Mahant Prem Giri.
Mahant Mahendra Giri, a sadhu of Nirwani Akhara, said, "We welcome the decision of Juna Akhara because they are facing problems due to foreigners. But it doesn't mean that we don't want the foreigners in Kumbh Mela. They are free to visit the congregation and explore their religious curiosities. They are our guests and we respect their sentiment. I also believe that the other Akharas don't need to take a similar decision if their sadhus are disciplined renunciates and follow religious and social ethics."
"This verdict was passed by a majority of sadhus of Juna Akhara because we have noticed in recent years that the foreigners were trying to pollute the atmosphere of our mutts. They bring drugs and liquor to lure our sadhus. This gives a bad name to the mutts. So we have expelled three sadhus from our Akhara and took a decision in a meeting in Haridwar on Thursday that the foreigners would be prohibited from entering our akhara in Kumbh Mela," said Mahant Prem Giri, general secretary of Juna Akhara.
"It also happens that some sadhus who don't value Hindu morals, lure the western women and exploit them. This is the reason that we decided to prevent their frequent contacts in the Akhara," said Mahant Parshuram Giri, another sadhu of Juna Akhara.
He recalled that a Naga sadhu Narayan Giri of Juna Akhara had cheated many foreign women. He had married two Italian women in 2001 without telling them that he was already married.
"He used to live at Kedar Ghat in Varanasi and cheat foreign women who used to visit the place in search of peace and salvation. He even went to Italy with one of the women. But she deserted him after knowing that he had earlier duped other women by marrying them. There are many other sadhus also in the akharas who are hardly involved in religious work but they keep trapping foreigners. So we believe that the ban on foreigners in our Akhara is an apt decision," said Mahant Prem Giri.
Mahant Mahendra Giri, a sadhu of Nirwani Akhara, said, "We welcome the decision of Juna Akhara because they are facing problems due to foreigners. But it doesn't mean that we don't want the foreigners in Kumbh Mela. They are free to visit the congregation and explore their religious curiosities. They are our guests and we respect their sentiment. I also believe that the other Akharas don't need to take a similar decision if their sadhus are disciplined renunciates and follow religious and social ethics."
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| Foreigners not allowed in Haridwar's akharas during 2013 Kumbh Mela |
Shri Adi Shankaracharya or the first Shankara with his remarkable reinterpretations of Hindu scriptures, especially on Upanishads or Vedanta, had a profound influence on the growth of Hinduism at a time when chaos, superstition and bigotry was rampant. Shankara advocated the greatness of the Vedas and was the most famous Advaita philosopher who restored the Vedic Dharma and Advaita Vedanta to its pristine purity and glory.
Adi Shankaracharya's Dvaraka Pitha (Matha), Dwaraka, Gujarat, India
Adi Shankaracharya's Jyotirmath or Joshimath Matha, Chamoli (Badrinath), Uttarakhand, India
Adi Shankaracharya's Sringeri Sarada Pitham (Matha), Karnataka, India
Adi Shankaracharya's Govardhana Matha, Puri, Orissa, India
Shankaracharya's Monastic Centers
Shri Shankaracharya established four 'mutts' or monastic centers in four corners of India and put his four main disciples to head them and serve the spiritual needs of the ascetic community within the Vedantic tradition. He classified the wandering mendicants into 10 main groups to consolidate their spiritual strength.
Each mutt was assigned one Hinduism Veda. The mutts are Jyothir Mutt at Badrinath in northern India with Atharva Veda; Sarada Mutt at Sringeri in southern India with Yajur Veda; Govardhan Mutt at Jaganath Puri in eastern India with Rig Veda and Kalika Mutt at Dwarka in western India with Sama Veda.
It is believed that Shankara attained heavenly abode in Kedarnath and was only 32 years old when he died.
Direction
City
Branch of Veda
Acharya
Deity
Name of Peeta
East India
Puri, Orissa, India
Rigveda
Padmapaada
Vimala Devi
Shakti Peeta
South India
Shringeri, Karnataka, India,
Yajurveda
Sureshwara
Sharada Devi
Sharada Peeta
West India
Dwaraka, Gujarat,India
Samaveda
Hasthaamalaka
Mahakali Peeta
North India
Chamoli (Badarinath), Uttarakhand, India
Atharvanaveda
Thotaka
Aamurtha Peeta
Maha Kumbha 2013 : The Major Attraction of Mutts (Monastery)
Hindusim +
how to pray +
Kumbh Mela +
kumbh mela 2013 +
kumbha mela +
Maha Kumbh +
Maha Kumbh 2013 +
Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 +
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Mathas +
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Mutts
Shri Adi Shankaracharya or the first Shankara with his remarkable reinterpretations of Hindu scriptures, especially on Upanishads or Vedanta, had a profound influence on the growth of Hinduism at a time when chaos, superstition and bigotry was rampant. Shankara advocated the greatness of the Vedas and was the most famous Advaita philosopher who restored the Vedic Dharma and Advaita Vedanta to its pristine purity and glory.
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| Adi Shankaracharya's Dvaraka Pitha (Matha), Dwaraka, Gujarat, India |
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| Adi Shankaracharya's Jyotirmath or Joshimath Matha, Chamoli (Badrinath), Uttarakhand, India |
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| Adi Shankaracharya's Sringeri Sarada Pitham (Matha), Karnataka, India |
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| Adi Shankaracharya's Govardhana Matha, Puri, Orissa, India |
Shankaracharya's Monastic Centers
Shri Shankaracharya established four 'mutts' or monastic centers in four corners of India and put his four main disciples to head them and serve the spiritual needs of the ascetic community within the Vedantic tradition. He classified the wandering mendicants into 10 main groups to consolidate their spiritual strength.
Each mutt was assigned one Hinduism Veda. The mutts are Jyothir Mutt at Badrinath in northern India with Atharva Veda; Sarada Mutt at Sringeri in southern India with Yajur Veda; Govardhan Mutt at Jaganath Puri in eastern India with Rig Veda and Kalika Mutt at Dwarka in western India with Sama Veda.
It is believed that Shankara attained heavenly abode in Kedarnath and was only 32 years old when he died.
| Direction | City | Branch of Veda | Acharya | Deity | Name of Peeta |
| East India | Puri, Orissa, India | Rigveda | Padmapaada | Vimala Devi | Shakti Peeta |
| South India | Shringeri, Karnataka, India, | Yajurveda | Sureshwara | Sharada Devi | Sharada Peeta |
| West India | Dwaraka, Gujarat,India | Samaveda | Hasthaamalaka | Mahakali Peeta | |
| North India | Chamoli (Badarinath), Uttarakhand, India | Atharvanaveda | Thotaka | Aamurtha Peeta |
From Mahabharat Jarasandha's Akhara is an ancient historical monument at Rajgir in Bihar, India
What is Akhada ?
The word “Akhada”, according to one historical version is originated from Sanskrit word “Akhanda” (constant / continuous / undivided). Its usage started from the need to maintain continuous vigil against the adversaries by the group / outfit of armed Sadhus and Sants specially established to protect their own faith and traditions. Small section / wing of the Akhada is called ANI or KHALSA.
Foreign aggressions as well as intra-sampraday differences caused growth of the Akhadas (6th century onwards). Over the years, these Akhadas have grown up into an institution like the Mutts and they are managed and run by the office-bearers like Shri Mahant, Mukhya Mahants, Sthaniya Mahant (Thanapati), Sachiv, Adhikari, Karbaris, Kothari, Pujari, etc. The members of the Akhadas practice ‘Bramhacharya’ and ‘Virakti’ and they propagate their faith to instill moral, cultural and spiritual values in the society.
The AKHADA is an armed outfit of the Sampradayas. Avahan Akhada was the first one to come into existence in 547 AD.
There are 14 Akhadas recognised by the Akhil Bhartiya Akhada Parishad. 13 of them participate in the Kumbha Melas (Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain & Nashik).
Shaiva Sampraday 8 Akhadas
- AVAHAN
- ATAL
- ANAND
- NIRANJANI
- MAHA-NIRVANI
- AGNI
- JUNA
- GUDAD
Vaishnav Sampraday 3 Akhadas
- NIRMOHI
- DIGAMBAR
- NIRVANI
Udasin Sampraday 2 Akhadas
- BADA UDASIN
- NAYA UDASIN
Nirmal Sampraday 1 Akhada
- NIRMAL
(A) SHAIVA SAMPRADAY (SANYASI) : (8 Akhadas
1. SHRI AVAHAN AKHADA : Formed in 547 AD.
It has headquarters at Varanasi with branches at Haridwar, Prayag (Allahabad), Ujjain & Tryambakeshware. It has one Acharya Mahamandaleshwar as the head and number of Mahamandaleshwars and Mahants.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Brijeshpuri
2. SHRI ATAL AKHADA @ SHRI SHAMBHU DASH-NAM ATAL AKHADA : Formed in 646 AD.
It has headquarters at Varanasi with branches at Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjains, Tryambakeshwar, Aaraj, Baroda, etc.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Udaygiri, Mahant Purushottamgiri.
3. SHRI MAHA NIRVANI AKHADA @ SHRI PANCHAYATI AKHADA MAHA NIRVANI : Formed in 759 AD
It was formed following internal differences with Shri Atal Akhada. It has headquarters at Prayag and branches at Haridwar, Varanasi, Tryambakeshware, Omkareshwar, Chhanina Kheda (Udaipur, Rajasthan), Jwalamukhi (Dist. Kangda), etc.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Chandrakantpuri.
4. SHRI ANAND AKHADA @ SHRI PANCHAYATI SHAMBHU DASH-NAM ANAND AKHADA : Formed in 856 AD.
It has headquarters at Varanasi and branches at Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain, Tryambakeshwar etc.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Sagaranand Saraswati.
5. SHRI NIRANJANI AKHADA @ SHRI SHAMBHU PANCH DASH-NAM NIRANJANI AKHADA : Formed in 904 AD
Formed in Mandvi (Gujarat), Hqrs at Haridwar, branches at Prayag, Varanasi, Ujjain, Tryambakeshwar, etc.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Digambar Shankarji, Mahant Gopi Bharati
6. SHRI AGNI AKHADA @ SHRI PANCH AGNI AKHADA : Formed in 1136 AD
Has headquarters at Varanasi and branches at Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain, Tryambakeshwar, Bareilly, Ahmedabad, Junagarh, etc. Also called as 'Brahmacharis' Akhada.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Ambikanandji.
7. SHRI JUNA AKHADA @ BHAIRAV AKHADA @ SHRI SHAMBHU PANCH DASH-NAM JUNA AKHADA : Formed-1156 AD
Formed in Karnaprayag (Uttarakhand).
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Shantigiri (Thanapati), Mahant Premgiri (Sachiv).
8. SHRI GUDAD AKHADA : Formed in 12th Century
Has headquarters at Junagarh and branches at Haridwar, Bareilly, Omkareshwar, etc.
Not included in Akhada Parishad and has no traditional right for Royal-bath during Kumbha.
Prominent Mahants:
(B) UDASIN SECT : (2 Akhadas)
9. SHRI PANCHAYATI UDASIN BADA AKHADA : Formed in 1768 during Haridwar Kumbha
It is also called as Shri 108 Pujyapad Panchaparmeshar Panchayati Akhada Baba Udasin Nirvan.
It has headquarters at Prayag and branches at Haridwar, Ujjain, Gaya, Varanasi, Kurukshetra, Patiala, Hyderabad, Guntur, ShivaKashi, Tryambakeshwar, Hilsa (Nalanda), Kaharpur (Hoshyarpur, Punjab), Bhootnath-Samdiyala (Gujarat), etc.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Shivgiriji.
10. SHRI PANCHAYATI UDASIN NAYA AKHADA: Formed in 1846 after a dispute in Bada Udasin Akhada
Has headquarters at Haridwar and branches at Prayag, Kurukshetra, Tryambakeshwar, etc.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Vichardas, Mahant Govinddas.
(C) NIRMAL SECT
11. SHRI PANCHAYATI NIRMAL AKHADA: Formed in 1856 in Punjab
Has headquarters at Haridwar and branches at Prayag, Ujjain, Tryambakeshwar, Nashik, etc. Has close ties with Sikhism. Believes in Guru Granth Saheb and follows a Shaiva and Vedic upasana tradition. Guru Gobind Singh had sent a batch of 5 saffron robe sants (Panch Nirmal Gaurik) (Gaurik i.e. Saffron colour) to learn Vedas, Vedang, Dharma-shastra, etc. at Varanasi. However after learning, these Sants had formed their own sect by name Nirmal Sampraday.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Tirthraj Singh.
(D) VAISHNAVA SECT (BAIRAGI): ( 3 Akhadas)
3 Akhadas and 18 Anis were formed in 1475 at Vrindavan by uniting 4 Sampradayas and Mandals / Sanghs of the Vaishnavas.
12. SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA NIRMOHI AKHADA :
It comprises following 9 ANIS (Khalsas) with Yellow Flag :
- Shri Ramanandiya Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiya Zadiya Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiya Maladhari Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiva Maha-Nirvani Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiya Santoshi Nirmohi
- Shri Radhavallabhi Nirmohi
- Shri Harivyasi Santoshi
- Shri Harivyasi Maha Nirvani
- Dadu Panthi
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Ramdasji ,Mahant Rajendradas (both Nirmohi), Mahant Jagannathdas (Khaki Akhada), Mahant Narsimhadas (Khaki Akhada), Mahant Krishnacharandas (Chatur- Sampradaya).
13. SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA DIGAMBAR AKHADA
It has following 2 ANIs with Five Colour Flag viz. i) Shri Ramji Digambar and ii) Shri Shyamji Digambar.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Keshavdas, Mahant Ramkishoredas.
14.SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA NIRVANI AKHADA
It has following 7 ANIS.
- Shri Ramanandiya Nirvani
- Shri Ramanandiaya Khaki
- Shri Ramanadiya Niralambi
- Shri Ramanadiya Tatambari
- Shri Harivyasi Nirvani
- Harivyasi Khaki
- Balbhadri
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Gyandasji Maharaj, Mahant Shivanandji, Mahant Ramashraydasji, Mahant Sanjaydas.
Maha Kumbha 2013 : History of Akhada
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|
| From Mahabharat Jarasandha's Akhara is an ancient historical monument at Rajgir in Bihar, India |
What is Akhada ?
The word “Akhada”, according to one historical version is originated from Sanskrit word “Akhanda” (constant / continuous / undivided). Its usage started from the need to maintain continuous vigil against the adversaries by the group / outfit of armed Sadhus and Sants specially established to protect their own faith and traditions. Small section / wing of the Akhada is called ANI or KHALSA.
Foreign aggressions as well as intra-sampraday differences caused growth of the Akhadas (6th century onwards). Over the years, these Akhadas have grown up into an institution like the Mutts and they are managed and run by the office-bearers like Shri Mahant, Mukhya Mahants, Sthaniya Mahant (Thanapati), Sachiv, Adhikari, Karbaris, Kothari, Pujari, etc. The members of the Akhadas practice ‘Bramhacharya’ and ‘Virakti’ and they propagate their faith to instill moral, cultural and spiritual values in the society.
The AKHADA is an armed outfit of the Sampradayas. Avahan Akhada was the first one to come into existence in 547 AD.
There are 14 Akhadas recognised by the Akhil Bhartiya Akhada Parishad. 13 of them participate in the Kumbha Melas (Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain & Nashik).
Shaiva Sampraday 8 Akhadas
- AVAHAN
- ATAL
- ANAND
- NIRANJANI
- MAHA-NIRVANI
- AGNI
- JUNA
- GUDAD
- NIRMOHI
- DIGAMBAR
- NIRVANI
- BADA UDASIN
- NAYA UDASIN
- NIRMAL
(A) SHAIVA SAMPRADAY (SANYASI) : (8 Akhadas
1. SHRI AVAHAN AKHADA : Formed in 547 AD.
It has headquarters at Varanasi with branches at Haridwar, Prayag (Allahabad), Ujjain & Tryambakeshware. It has one Acharya Mahamandaleshwar as the head and number of Mahamandaleshwars and Mahants.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Brijeshpuri
2. SHRI ATAL AKHADA @ SHRI SHAMBHU DASH-NAM ATAL AKHADA : Formed in 646 AD.
It has headquarters at Varanasi with branches at Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjains, Tryambakeshwar, Aaraj, Baroda, etc.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Udaygiri, Mahant Purushottamgiri.
3. SHRI MAHA NIRVANI AKHADA @ SHRI PANCHAYATI AKHADA MAHA NIRVANI : Formed in 759 AD
It was formed following internal differences with Shri Atal Akhada. It has headquarters at Prayag and branches at Haridwar, Varanasi, Tryambakeshware, Omkareshwar, Chhanina Kheda (Udaipur, Rajasthan), Jwalamukhi (Dist. Kangda), etc.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Chandrakantpuri.
4. SHRI ANAND AKHADA @ SHRI PANCHAYATI SHAMBHU DASH-NAM ANAND AKHADA : Formed in 856 AD.
It has headquarters at Varanasi and branches at Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain, Tryambakeshwar etc.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Sagaranand Saraswati.
5. SHRI NIRANJANI AKHADA @ SHRI SHAMBHU PANCH DASH-NAM NIRANJANI AKHADA : Formed in 904 AD
Formed in Mandvi (Gujarat), Hqrs at Haridwar, branches at Prayag, Varanasi, Ujjain, Tryambakeshwar, etc.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Digambar Shankarji, Mahant Gopi Bharati
6. SHRI AGNI AKHADA @ SHRI PANCH AGNI AKHADA : Formed in 1136 AD
Has headquarters at Varanasi and branches at Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain, Tryambakeshwar, Bareilly, Ahmedabad, Junagarh, etc. Also called as 'Brahmacharis' Akhada.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Ambikanandji.
7. SHRI JUNA AKHADA @ BHAIRAV AKHADA @ SHRI SHAMBHU PANCH DASH-NAM JUNA AKHADA : Formed-1156 AD
Formed in Karnaprayag (Uttarakhand).
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Shantigiri (Thanapati), Mahant Premgiri (Sachiv).
8. SHRI GUDAD AKHADA : Formed in 12th Century
Has headquarters at Junagarh and branches at Haridwar, Bareilly, Omkareshwar, etc.
Not included in Akhada Parishad and has no traditional right for Royal-bath during Kumbha.
Prominent Mahants:
(B) UDASIN SECT : (2 Akhadas)
9. SHRI PANCHAYATI UDASIN BADA AKHADA : Formed in 1768 during Haridwar Kumbha
It is also called as Shri 108 Pujyapad Panchaparmeshar Panchayati Akhada Baba Udasin Nirvan.
It has headquarters at Prayag and branches at Haridwar, Ujjain, Gaya, Varanasi, Kurukshetra, Patiala, Hyderabad, Guntur, ShivaKashi, Tryambakeshwar, Hilsa (Nalanda), Kaharpur (Hoshyarpur, Punjab), Bhootnath-Samdiyala (Gujarat), etc.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Shivgiriji.
10. SHRI PANCHAYATI UDASIN NAYA AKHADA: Formed in 1846 after a dispute in Bada Udasin Akhada
Has headquarters at Haridwar and branches at Prayag, Kurukshetra, Tryambakeshwar, etc.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Vichardas, Mahant Govinddas.
(C) NIRMAL SECT
11. SHRI PANCHAYATI NIRMAL AKHADA: Formed in 1856 in Punjab
Has headquarters at Haridwar and branches at Prayag, Ujjain, Tryambakeshwar, Nashik, etc. Has close ties with Sikhism. Believes in Guru Granth Saheb and follows a Shaiva and Vedic upasana tradition. Guru Gobind Singh had sent a batch of 5 saffron robe sants (Panch Nirmal Gaurik) (Gaurik i.e. Saffron colour) to learn Vedas, Vedang, Dharma-shastra, etc. at Varanasi. However after learning, these Sants had formed their own sect by name Nirmal Sampraday.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Tirthraj Singh.
(D) VAISHNAVA SECT (BAIRAGI): ( 3 Akhadas)
3 Akhadas and 18 Anis were formed in 1475 at Vrindavan by uniting 4 Sampradayas and Mandals / Sanghs of the Vaishnavas.
12. SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA NIRMOHI AKHADA :
It comprises following 9 ANIS (Khalsas) with Yellow Flag :
- Shri Ramanandiya Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiya Zadiya Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiya Maladhari Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiva Maha-Nirvani Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiya Santoshi Nirmohi
- Shri Radhavallabhi Nirmohi
- Shri Harivyasi Santoshi
- Shri Harivyasi Maha Nirvani
- Dadu Panthi
13. SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA DIGAMBAR AKHADA
It has following 2 ANIs with Five Colour Flag viz. i) Shri Ramji Digambar and ii) Shri Shyamji Digambar.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Keshavdas, Mahant Ramkishoredas.
14.SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA NIRVANI AKHADA
It has following 7 ANIS.
- Shri Ramanandiya Nirvani
- Shri Ramanandiaya Khaki
- Shri Ramanadiya Niralambi
- Shri Ramanadiya Tatambari
- Shri Harivyasi Nirvani
- Harivyasi Khaki
- Balbhadri
SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA NIRVANI AKHADA It has following 7 ANIS.
- Shri Ramanandiya Nirvani
- Shri Ramanandiaya Khaki
- Shri Ramanadiya Niralambi
- Shri Ramanadiya Tatambari
- Shri Harivyasi Nirvani
- Harivyasi Khaki
- Balbhadri
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Gyandasji Maharaj, Mahant Shivanandji, Mahant Ramashraydasji, Mahant Sanjaydas.
Maha Kumbha 2013 : SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA NIRVANI AKHADA
akhara +
how to pray +
Kumbh Mela +
kumbh mela 2013 +
kumbha mela +
Maha Kumbh +
Maha Kumbh 2013 +
Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 +
Maha Kumbha 2013 +
mela kumbh +
wrestling arena +
wrestling videos
SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA NIRVANI AKHADA It has following 7 ANIS.
- Shri Ramanandiya Nirvani
- Shri Ramanandiaya Khaki
- Shri Ramanadiya Niralambi
- Shri Ramanadiya Tatambari
- Shri Harivyasi Nirvani
- Harivyasi Khaki
- Balbhadri
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Gyandasji Maharaj, Mahant Shivanandji, Mahant Ramashraydasji, Mahant Sanjaydas.
SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA DIGAMBAR AKHADA
It has following 2 ANIs with Five Colour Flag viz. i) Shri Ramji Digambar and ii) Shri Shyamji Digambar.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Keshavdas, Mahant Ramkishoredas.
Maha Kumbha 2013 : SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA DIGAMBAR AKHADA
akhara +
how to pray +
Kumbh Mela +
kumbh mela 2013 +
kumbha mela +
Maha Kumbh +
Maha Kumbh 2013 +
Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 +
wrestling arena +
wrestling videos
SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA DIGAMBAR AKHADA
It has following 2 ANIs with Five Colour Flag viz. i) Shri Ramji Digambar and ii) Shri Shyamji Digambar.
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Keshavdas, Mahant Ramkishoredas.
3 Akhadas and 18 Anis were formed in Year 1475 at Vrindavan by uniting 4 Sampradayas and Mandals / Sanghs of the Vaishnavas.
SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA NIRMOHI AKHADA :
It comprises following 9 ANIS (Khalsas) with Yellow Flag :
- Shri Ramanandiya Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiya Zadiya Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiya Maladhari Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiva Maha-Nirvani Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiya Santoshi Nirmohi
- Shri Radhavallabhi Nirmohi
- Shri Harivyasi Santoshi
- Shri Harivyasi Maha Nirvani
- Dadu Panthi
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Ramdasji ,Mahant Rajendradas (both Nirmohi), Mahant Jagannathdas (Khaki Akhada), Mahant Narsimhadas (Khaki Akhada), Mahant Krishnacharandas (Chatur- Sampradaya).
Maha Kumbha 2013 : SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA NIRMOHI AKHADA
akhara +
how to pray +
Kumbh Mela +
kumbh mela 2013 +
kumbha mela +
Maha Kumbh +
Maha Kumbh 2013 +
Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 +
wrestling arena +
wrestling videos
3 Akhadas and 18 Anis were formed in Year 1475 at Vrindavan by uniting 4 Sampradayas and Mandals / Sanghs of the Vaishnavas.
SHRI PANCH RAMANANDIYA NIRMOHI AKHADA :
It comprises following 9 ANIS (Khalsas) with Yellow Flag :
- Shri Ramanandiya Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiya Zadiya Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiya Maladhari Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiva Maha-Nirvani Nirmohi
- Shri Ramanandiya Santoshi Nirmohi
- Shri Radhavallabhi Nirmohi
- Shri Harivyasi Santoshi
- Shri Harivyasi Maha Nirvani
- Dadu Panthi
Prominent Mahants: Mahant Ramdasji ,Mahant Rajendradas (both Nirmohi), Mahant Jagannathdas (Khaki Akhada), Mahant Narsimhadas (Khaki Akhada), Mahant Krishnacharandas (Chatur- Sampradaya).
