Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Why Hindu akharas that lead Amrit Snan are significant

Millions of devotees have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam since the Maha Kumbh Mela kickstarted on Monday (January 13) in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj. The 45-day religious gathering, concluding on February 26, has attracted a sea of devotees from India and across the world.

On Tuesday, the Maha Kumbh Mela witnessed its first ‘Amrit Snan’ on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, with seers from several akharas taking a dip in the sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati in Prayagraj. As per PTI, Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara were the first to participate in the ‘Amrit Snan’, earlier known as ‘Shahi Snan’.

Akharas, or warrior-saint sects or groups, hold a special importance in Hinduism and at the Kumbh Mela. Sadhus or seers from the akharas take the first dip at the Kumbh Mela after an elaborate procession to the sangam.

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Let’s take a closer look.

Origin of akharas

Akharas are believed to have been established by the eighth-century Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. The word akhara means a wrestling arena, and it was started as a group of monks and seers belonging to a warrior class who could fight for Hinduism against foreign invaders, as per Indian Express.

There are 13 recognised akharas, which are divided by their belief systems. The Sanyasi sect has seven akharas – Juna Akhara, Awahan Akhara, Agni Akhara, Niranjani Akhara, Anand Akhara, Nirvani Akhara and Atal Akhara. These akharas primarily worship Lord Shiva.

The Vaishnav sampradaya, followers of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, consists of three akharas: Nirmohi Akhara, Digambar Akhara and Nirvani Ani Akhara.

The remaining three akharas, namely Bada Udasin Akhara, Naya Udasin Akhara and Nirmal Akhara, worship Guru Nanak Dev.

In 2019, the Kinnar Akhara, comprising 15-20 transgender saints were added to the Shahi Snan order. First recognised by the Juna Akhara, they have since become a part of the Kumbh celebrations, reflecting the inclusivity of the religious congregation.

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The 13 akharas

Juna Akhara:  It is the largest akhara, which aligns with the Dashnami sect.

Niranjani Akhara: Headed by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Kailashanandji Maharaj, it is the second largest akhara. It is known for its focus on education, along with spiritualism.

Atal Akhara: Founded in 646 AD, it is among the oldest religious sects. Its seers are famous for their extreme discipline, as per Times of India (TOI) report.

Mahanirvani: This akhara spread the concept of Mahamandaleshwar or spiritual head. It was also the first to pick a woman ‘mahamandaleshwar’.

Awahan: It is believed to have introduced Naga Sadhus, ascetics who cover their naked body with ashes and carry weapons like tridents, swords, etc.

Anand Akhara: Founded in 1856 AD, the akhara promotes discipline and nationalist cause, noted TOI.

Agni Akhara: This akhara is committed to social causes like free education and serving cows.

Digambar Ani: The naga sadhus of this akhara wear only white and are always prepared to fight for the religion.

Nirvani Ani: It places importance on wrestling and its seers have been a part of national-level wrestling competitions.

Nirmohi Akhara: Linked to the Ram Temple movement, this akhara has six lakh seers across the country.

Bada Udasin: The akhara, which believes in devotion, knowledge and renunciation, played a role in India’s freedom struggle.

Naya Udasin: Led by Mahant Jagtar Muni, the akhara believes in serving society, including by distributing free food.

Nirmala Akhara: Home to Nihang Sikhs, the akhara is associated with Sikhism, especially Khalsa Sikhs.

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Akharas lead Shahi Snan

Ascetics from the Akharas, usually headed by a Mahant or Acharya, take the holy dip at a certain time on auspicious days at the Kumbh Mela.

Led by the Naga Sadhus, the saints and monks from these akharas participate in traditional processions to the holy river for a royal bath or shahi snan.

The Mahamandaleshwars (chief monks) of the akharas sit on chariots, palanquins, elephants, or horses to lead the shahi snan, now known as the amrit snan, on special days, according to The Hindu report.

From the ninth to 18th Centuries, the month-long Kumbh Mela was organised by akharas, with the order for the Shahi Snan triggering a rift.

The akharas have engaged in violent clashes over this hierarchy even resulting in deaths. Today, the order is still decided by akharas but has been institutionalised by authorities, the newspaper noted.

The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), the highest governing body of Hindu saints and seers, was established in 1954 to organise and oversee the Kumbh Mela, as well as settle disputes between the multiple akharas.

Importance of akharas

Akharas and the sadhus heading them are highly revered by Hindu devotees.

For centuries, these religious groups have played a key role in preserving Hindu rituals. The seers from these akharas contribute to promoting various Hindu religious events, festivals, and pilgrimages.

The akharas also have the power to shape public opinion on social issues. They have been involved in martial training to prepare their members to defend Hinduism.

The heads of the akharas reportedly deliver spiritual teachings during the Kumbh celebrations, fostering devotion and self-realisation.

With inputs from agencies