A Kumbhfluencer: Meet Maha Kumbh Mela’s ‘most beautiful sadhvi' Harsha Richhariya

Social media has been buzzing with stories of unique monks and saints making their mark at the Maha Kumbh Mela. Among these viral moments, one stands out for reasons beyond the spiritual journey—Harsha Richhariya, a young woman from Uttarakhand.

Clad in traditional attire, with a Rudraksha rosary and a tilak adorning her forehead, the 30-year-old quickly caught the eye of attendees and online users alike. At the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, she was widely regarded as a young sadhvi, and her photos and videos quickly spread across social media, earning her titles such as “Beautiful Sadhvi” and “Viral Sadhvi.”

But who exactly is Harsha Richhariya, and what led her to this spiritual transformation? Here’s a closer look at her story.

‘Left everything to seek inner peace’

In the viral video, Richhariya can be heard saying that she started living as a Sadhvi for peace and resentment.

According to an interview, Richhariya transitioned from a career in anchoring, acting, and modelling to spirituality two years ago, in search of “sukoon,” or inner peace. “I left everything behind to adopt this new identity,” she told a reporter during a conversation that has since gone viral.

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She identifies as a disciple of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj of the Niranjani Akhara.

Richhariya views the Maha Kumbh Mela as a major part of her spiritual journey. The ceremonial dip at the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers meet, was deeply symbolic for her, as per a report.

“I never imagined something like this would happen to me on such a significant level. I have done this for peace.” Richhariya told India Today, expressing awe at the impact of the event.

‘Not a Sadhvi, but an influencer’

After the videos of Harsha Richhariya went viral, several social media users began sharing photos from her past—ones in Western attire and from private vacations. Following this many users questioned her authenticity, calling her a ‘fake’ sadhvi’ and highlighting her use of heavy makeup at Maha Kumbh.

“If she has become a sanyasini at the age of 30, then what is the need for so much pomp and show and over make up at the Kumbh. Is she going to Indra’s court?” commented a user while sharing her video.

Harsha Richhariya is a fake Sadhvi as she is still active in the glamour world.
She is clearly lying in her interview.

She is making innocent hindu people by using their religious sentiments during Maha Kumbh Mela💔

Absolutely disgusting 😑 https://t.co/h5dC3FykLA pic.twitter.com/Te2aLAsfF7

— Bruce Wayne (@_Bruce__007) January 13, 2025

However, in an interview with a news channel, Richhariya cleared the air and said that she is not a true ascetic and has never claimed to be one. In fact, she is an Instagram influencer and a former actress who has embraced certain elements of spirituality.

“I have never said anywhere that I am a sadhvi since childhood, I am not a sadhvi even now. I am repeatedly clarifying that I have only taken mantra initiation,” she explained.

Richhariya’s Instagram bio describes her as an anchor, social activist, and influencer. With 1.3 million followers on Instagram, most of her posts are on Sanatam Dharma, youth power and Ayodhya temples.

“I hope media understands this that all those who wear Bhagwa is not Sadhvi and stops taking interviews in #MahaKumbh. This lady Harsha Richhariya is professional model & anchor and not Sadhvi [sic],” a user wrote.

Despite the viral attention, Richhariya remains focused on her spiritual journey, saying she is moving towards “Sanatan culture and religion”.

“Whatever is written in one’s fate, reaches there even if one wanders a million times,” she told ABP News.

With input from agencies