NAGA SADHUS IN DREADLOCKS STEAL THE SHOW
RAYAGRAJ: Naga sadhus, who were seen the last time on the third and last ‘shahi snan’ (royal bath for ascetics) of the ongoing Kumbh on Sunday, stole the show. In dreadlocks, these holy men charged the atmosphere with their loud cheers.
After the last ‘shahi snan’, many of them will return to their secluded places in Himalayas while others will take up the duty given to them by the Akhadas in different parts of the country. They will return to Prayagraj during Mahakumbh after six years. These warrior ascetics remained highly disciplined as they rushed for the holy dip. The sense of pride was very much visible on their face for leading the Shaivite Akhadas, the major being Shree Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada, with their ancient weapons and symbols of their presiding deity.
A Naga sadhu also gave some relaxing moments to the security personnel with his alertness during the shahi snan procession of Juna— the largest of seven Shaivite Akhadas. Holding two large sticks, he ensured that eager pilgrims did not block the route on which Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhada Swami Avdheshanand Giri arrived.
He remained at the entry point of the Akhada Marg and controlled the movement of around hundred vehicles of mahamandaleshwars and high order seers with so much expertise that none of them stopped midway. “This Naga sadhu did extraordinary work of controlling the crowd. He made our job easier ,” said R Yadav, a PAC personnel deputed on the Akhada Marg. The ‘shahi snan’ began at around 4.30am when Shree Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani and Shree Shambu Atal Akhada led by high order seers Swami Ravindrapuri, Shreemahant Yamunapuri and Shreemahant Satyamgiri arrived at the Sangam.
Fond of dogs, a Naga sadhu arrived with his German Shepherd wearing a garland around its neck. The ‘shahi snan’ procession of Vaishnav, Udasin and Nirmal Akhadas arrived after 12.30pm.