Meet the women Naga Sadhus at Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest and most revered religious gatherings, kicked off on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Millions of devotees have gathered at the sacred confluence of the Saraswati, Yamuna, and Ganga rivers, seeking blessings and the purification that comes from a holy bath.

Among the sea of worshippers, the Naga Sadhus stand out. These mystics, with their ash-smeared bodies, dreadlocked hair, and minimal clothing—wearing only beads, garlands, and often smoking wooden pipes—capture the attention of visitors from all over the world.

While much of the focus is placed on their male counterparts, the lesser-known but equally fascinating community of female Naga Sadhus, or Naga Sadhvis, are also making their presence felt.

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Here’s a closer look at their unique and powerful role.

The story of Naga Sadhus

Naga Sadhus are male ascetics who have renounced all worldly attachments in their quest for spiritual liberation.

Their origins can be traced back to ancient India, where they were integral to the fabric of the country’s religious history. Evidence of their existence has been uncovered in the form of Mohenjo-Daro coins and artwork depicting them praying to Lord Shiva’s Pashupatinath avatar.

It is said that when Shankaracharya established the four monasteries, he became increasingly concerned about their safety. To address this, he formed seven groups of fearless, detached individuals who would protect the Sanatan Dharma. This group of warrior-ascetics eventually came to be known as Naga Sadhus.

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The word ‘Naga’ in Sanskrit means “mountain,” signifying those who either live on or around mountains, often in complete isolation, in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

These ascetics were also armed, carrying weapons such as swords, tridents, maces, arrows, and bows, and possessed the skills necessary to protect temples and sacred sites. In fact, Naga Sadhus are believed to have played a pivotal role in defending Shiv temples from the Mughal army and other invaders.

One of the most famous accounts of their warrior spirit is recorded in the Battle of Gyan Vapi, where Naga Sadhus are said to have defeated Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s special army.

According to James G. Lochtefeld, in his book ‘The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Volume One’, “The Battle of Gyan Vapi was fought in 1664 by the Naga ascetic warriors of the Mahanirvani Akhara, who were victorious against the forces of ‘the Sultan,’ believed to be Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.”

According to a local folklore that recounts Aurangzeb’s second attack on Varanasi, it says around 40,000 Naga Sadhus sacrificed their lives defending the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga.

The Naga Sadhus follow a strict regimen of meditation, yoga, and chanting, and live without material possessions. Their lifestyle is focused solely on spiritual growth, often in isolated settings, like caves or ashrams.

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What we know about female Naga Sadhus

The Naga Sadhus are not just male. There are also female Naga Sadhus or ascetic women who dedicate their lives to spiritual pursuit and complete renunciation of worldly existence.

Much like their male counterparts, female Naga Sadhus sever all attachments to family and material possessions, embracing a life of asceticism. They devote themselves entirely to their spiritual path, leaving behind everything from their previous life.

According to an Outlook report, the initiation process for female Naga Sadhus is just as rigorous as it is for males. They must demonstrate unwavering commitment to their gurus and undergo intense spiritual tests and training before being accepted into the fold.

Female Naga Sadhus are required to observe strict celibacy for a period of six to twelve years before initiation. During their sadhana, or intense penance, they often retreat to isolated places such as caves, forests, or mountains.

They live within akharas, or monastic orders, where they follow strict rituals and practices. Unlike male Naga Sadhus, female ascetics do not remain unclothed. Instead, they wear an unstitched saffron cloth called “Ganti” and are distinguished by their dreadlocks and the tilak on their foreheads.

As part of their renunciation, female Naga Sadhus perform their own ‘Pind Daan’ — a traditional ritual usually performed after someone’s death — symbolising the end of their past life and their rebirth as ascetics.

Female Naga Sadhus hold a revered position within the community. They are addressed as “Mata” (mother), a title reflecting their esteemed role, and they receive the same respect as their male counterparts.

What is the role of Naga Sadhus in Kumbh Mela?

Naga Sadhus hold a special and deeply symbolic connection with the Maha Kumbh Mela.

According to The Telegraph, India is home to approximately 4 lakh Naga Sadhus, and they are honoured with the first bathing rights at the Maha Kumbh Mela.

A grand procession marks their journey to the riverbanks, led by Naga Sadhus riding elaborately decorated chariots. As they make their way, they display their martial skills and chant sacred mantras, creating a charged and spiritual atmosphere.

Once at the riverbanks, the Naga Sadhus take their sacred dip in the holy waters, a ritual believed to cleanse sins and foster spiritual growth. Only after this do other devotees proceed to take their holy baths.

The Naga Sadhus are revered for their extraordinary spiritual powers and unwavering devotion, inspiring millions of devotees. Their presence at the Maha Kumbh Mela is considered a blessing and serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual growth and self-realisation.

With input from agencies