Over 500 ascetics initiated as Naga sanyasis at Mahakumbh
HARIDWAR: The much-awaited ritual of giving initiation to ascetics as Naga sadhus was carried out on Monday on the banks of Ganga in the ongoing Mahakumbh in Haridwar.
Ascetics, numbering over 500, associated with Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada were given initiation at Shri Dukhharan Hanuman temple under Akhada Dharm Dhwaja (religious flag).
Held close door, the core rituals were performed under tutelage of Acharya Mahamandaleshear Juna Akhada Swami Avdeshanand Giri. Later at a Ganga ghat, new Naga ascetics took holy dip.
Juna Akhada international convener Mahant Hari Giri Maharaj said Naga ascetics form the crux of Juna Akhada ,a sanyasi tradition Akhada. “All four Madhi ascetics of Juna Akhada were given initiation.It is a ritual held during Mahakumbh which itself associates the importance of the ritual,”said Juna Akhada Shri Mahant Mohan Bharti.
The second largest Akhada Shri Panchayati Niranjani Akhada - has also announced of bestowing Barfani Naga Sanyasi tag to ascetics.
According to Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Niranjani
Akhada Kailashanand Giri, there are 2 lakh Naga Sanyasis in Niranjani Akhada.
“For propagation of Sanatañ Dharma and Akhadas, Niranajani Akhada will be bestowing ascetics Naga Sanyasi or Barfani Naga title in coming days. We have set a target of giving initiation to thousands of ascetics in coming time. It is a rigorous process and not every ascetic becomes Naga,” said Giri.