Akharas at Kumbh: Parampara, Sampradaya and Purushartha

The religious festival of Maha Kumbh, which is held at 4 holy places Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik in India is one of the largest gatherings of devotees of Sanatana Dharma celebrate the occasion on basis of 12 years cycle associate with Nakshatras calculations based on Jyotisha system and participate with enthusiasm and take holy bath without observing any caste restrictions at Kumbh. The present paper will analyze the role and significance of Akharas the custodians of Sadhu Parampara(tradition) at Kumbh Mela. The theme will focus on historical journeys, organizational aspects, structure of knowledge and hierarchical order of Akharas in Sadhu Parampara. The ideology, monastic discipline and categories of different Akharas are highlighted in the paper will shed a viewpoint on the characteristics features of Dashnami, Juna, Niranjani and Nagas Akharas and their subsequent contributions in proliferation and assimilation of Sadhu Parampara of Sanatana Dharma. The Akharas are central to the Kumbh celebrations and their subsequent hierarchies at observance of Shahi Sanan Parampara are crucial for the maintenance of peace and social order at Kumbh. The paper will also discuss the process and development of the traditional order of these Akharas, the initiation ceremonies and training of the Sadhus of different Akharas and how these integrate the religious and mundane activities in their orders and what purpose the Akharas serves for Sanatan Dharma generally and at Kumbh specifically. The paper finally analyzed the system of mentioned Akharas and their specific contributions in the Maha Kumbh.