New Delhi : Mahakumbh (Mahakumbh 2025) is a symbol of the faith of the majority of Hindus and the largest religious gathering in India. However, Mahakumbh also has another identity and that identity is Akhara. This is not the arena where wrestling or wrestling takes place. These are the arenas where weapons and scriptures are taught, where royal rides, chariots, elephant-horse decorations, bell-ringing and acrobatics are displayed. Today we will talk about the history of this Akhara called Math of Hindu religion and we will know how this Akhara started? What is its secret? Why do lakhs and crores of people have faith in Akharas?
Founded by Adi Shankaracharya
The history of these Akharas is also interesting. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya had established Akharas centuries ago to stop the increasing spread of Buddhism. It is said that those who did not agree with the scriptures were persuaded with weapons. It is believed that the purpose of the Akharas was to save Hindu religion and culture. Centuries ago, when anti-religious forces were rising in the society, it was not enough to meet these challenges through spiritual power alone. Adi Shankaracharya stressed that the young sages should make themselves strong by exercising. Acquire skill in handling weapons so that one can fight the opposing forces.
Adi Shankaracharya built monasteries for this and these monasteries were called Akhara. Although there are many stories and claims about the establishment of Akharas, there is no historical evidence to show that Adi Shankaracharya started the Akharas.
Initially there were only four major Akharas, but later there were ideological differences. Division continued and at present there are 13 major Akharas. Of these, seven Akharas belong to the Sanyasi sect i.e. Shaiva tradition or worshipers of Shiva and these are seven Akharas.
Akharas of Sanyasi sect
1. Juna Akhara
2. Avahan Akhara
3. fire ring
4. Niranjani Akhara
5. Mahanirvani Akhara
6. Anand Akhara Panchayati
7. Atal Akhara
People of Vaishnav sect consider Vishnu as God. There are 3 Akharas of Vaishnav sect.
3 Akharas of Vaishnav sect
1. Nirmohi Akhara
2. Digambar Akhara
3. Nirvani Ani Akhara
There are three Akharas which worship Guru Nanak Dev.
3 arenas of indifferent sect
1. big sad arena
2. new nostalgic arena
3. Nirmal Akhara
Shemale arena is not recognized
In the year 2015-16, a new Akhara came into existence, which was named Kinnar Akhara. Although All India Akhara Parishad has not recognized this Akhara, at that time the President of Akhara Parishad was Mahant Narendra Giri. He had said that there is no recognition of any Kinnar Akhara. There are 13 Akharas and there will remain only 13. In response, Lakshmi Tripathi, who formed Kinnar Akhara, had said that Ujjain is the city of Shiva and there is no need to seek recognition from anyone for the Akhara in Shiva's city.
Kinnar Akhara was established in October 2015 before the 2016 Simhastha Kumbh. This year itself, this Akhara had set up its own camp in the Kumbh of Ujjain. Although the existence of eunuchs is as old as the history of human civilization, but when it comes to this Akhara, it has been 9 years since its formation, but it has not been recognized yet.
How are the Akharas operated?
The management of all the Akharas and the work of creating harmony between them and resolving disputes is done by the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, which was established in the year 1954. The president of the Akharas is elected by voting among all the 13 Akharas. Mahamandaleshwar has the highest position in any Akhara.
How Mahamandaleshwar is selected in the Akharas
The post of Mahamandaleshwar has been said to have great importance in the Sant Samaj. Before making anyone Mahamandaleshwar, it is seen which group or monastery he is associated with. Also, whether social welfare work is done in any place where he is associated or not. If you are an Acharya or a Shastri then they will also get the benefit of this and will be eligible for selection. After the completion of the selection process of Mahamandaleshwar, he is given Sannyasa. They have to perform Pind Daan with their own hands. After this, Pattabhishek of Mahamandaleshwar takes place. The entire process is completed in the presence of the Sant-Mahant of 13 Akharas. Mahamandaleshwar is also able to make his disciples. In the royal bath of Kumbh, these sadhus come riding on chariots and are also given VIP treatment.
Akharas have also been associated with controversies
It is believed that these Akharas and the saints living here remain engrossed in spiritual work, but on the other hand, these Akharas also have an old association with conflicts and controversies. Be it the suspicious death of Mahant Narendra Giri or any mutual dispute within the Akharas. The Akharas have thousands of acres of land, which they use to earn profits and there are many internal disputes in the Akharas regarding this. There are many Mahants of the Akhara, against whom cases of rape and even murder are registered. Many Mahants are not limited to just Akhara, now their interest in politics is increasing which is also increasing mutual rivalry.
This news has been taken directly from Bhasha Syndicate. This has not been edited by Jbt.
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