Over 1K ascetics to undergo ritual to get ‘Naga Sanyasi’ tag on April 5
HARIDWAR: In a unique ritual that is performed only during Mahakumbh, ascetics associated with the largest Akhada Shri Panch Dushnam Juna Akhada - will undergo special “sanyaas Deeksha” (initiation into Naga ascetic fold) after passing of which the selected ones become Naga sanyasis.
Naga sanyasi is the most sought-after tag among Juna Akhada ascetics who are well skilled in meditation, yoga, Akhada chores, rituals, physical toughness and concentration.
On April 5, over 1,000 ascetics will undergo the initiation ritual ahead of the Shahi Snan on April 12 on the occasion of Chaitra-Somwati Amawasya.
The whole conduct of this ritual is held in a secret way with only the Juna Akhada Mahamandaleshwar, saints and the Nagas allowed inside the Akhada premises with a strict prohibition on the entry of others.
The ritual is well guarded to ensure no one trespasses, films or views the said ritual.
According to Kumbh Mela incharge of Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada, Shri Mahant Maheshpuri registration process is on for the willing people wanting to become the Naga Sanyasis with detailed inspection held to ensure only the capable ones are given Deeksha or initiation.
At every Mahakumbh in Haridwar, Prayagraj ,Ujjain and Nashik, the Naga sanyasis are initiated after elaborate Deeksha rituals.
“To become a Naga ascetic is a tough process with aspirants to undergo various levels of rituals and tasks. After three years of inducting as an Akhada ascetic, one has to carry out the ashram-akhada service, adhere to one’s spiritual guru’s directives and be in his service.
“During first three year, the ascetic also has to undergo stern meditation (tapasya). After being found eligible, his registration is confirmed final initiation ritual during Kumbh fair. They renounce their family life and perform shradh-tarpan (death related rituals) of their parents and forefathers after which it is deemed that his family members don’t exist for them,” said Maheshpuri.
During initiation ritual, whole night under the Akhada’s religious flag, the ascetics have to chant Vedic hymns and perform rituals at yagna under guidance of Acharya Mahmandaleshwar of Juna Akhada.
“It’s one of the toughest procedures to become Naga sanyasi but then nothing in life and sainthood comes easy. Naga ascetics are most sought after and are shining jewels of Juna Akhada,” said Swami Avdeshanand Giri, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar, top pontiff of Juna Akhada.
Prior to announcement of ascetics as Naga, they take sacred Ganga dip, chant Gayatri hymn, offer rituals to deity Sun, Moon , water, fire and all the deities on the banks of Ganga. Thereafter a special mantra is given to them by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar who then cuts the pony of the ascetics declaring him a Naga sanyasi taking seven steps along with the Acharya.
T EVERY MAHAKUMBH IN HARIDWAR, PRAYAGRAJ ,UJJAIN AND NASHIK, THE NAGA SANYASIS ARE INITIATED AFTER ELABORATE DEEKSHA RITUALS.