Naga Sanyasi and their Kumbha Mela connection

Recently when I posted photographs of some Naga Sanyasis after my Haridwar Kumbha Mela -2021 visit, one of friends asked a question “ why I am so interested on them” I had lot of curiosity about Naga Sadhus or sanyasis since my college days. They used to attract me  for two reasons i) They avoid  coming to the society normally and appear once in 10 years in Khumbha mela ii) Their unique appearance: They don’t put clothes on them even in winter. I did some search in literature to know about them and become fascinated.  Let’s know about them. Hindu dhrma promotes peaceful life taking into cognizance human relations with the nature. Cycle of birth and death is only a medium for the soul to reside in a human body, to elevate the consciousness to reach God. People ignorant of great Hindu bhakti and traditions only make fun of Hindu ethos and rituals   without knowing that Sadhus and monks who practice these high consciousness take penance to an impossible level that is unimaginable to common people even they take hundreds of  birth in human form. What Nag means? Naga in Sanskrit means mountain, people residing in and around mountain are called Naga or Pahadi.   Histories of Naga Sadhus are stressed back to Manjodoro Harrapa civilization. It is found in coins and images where Naga Sadhus are shown worshiping Lord Sivha in Pasupatinath form. Alexander and his solders also encountered Naga Sadhus during their stay in India. Buddha and Mahavir were very much impressed by the penance of Naga Sadhus, their devotion for the people and motherland. Jains Digambar tradition has the roots in Naga rituals. Naga Sadhus protected ancient Hindu temples from Invaders. Only a few people have knowledge about them. What makes them unique?  How actually they become a driving force for the world to stay in synchronization to the nature? Naga Sadhus are equipped with various arms such as Talwars, Trishuls, Gaddas, etc to fight for protection of temples. Aurangazeb and his terrorist army was defeated  by Naga sadhu in 1664 when they assaulted Kashi Vishwanath temple. Naga Sadhus killed the army of looters that shocked Aurangazeb such an extent that he stopped the destruction of the temples for few years. This thrashing of Mughals was well documented in a book  “Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Hinduisim”  Volume –I by James G. Lochtefeld. It was illustrated as “Great fightback”. William R Squeeze in his book “Solder Monks and Militant Sadhus” has depicted another incidence of heroic resistance of Naga Sadhus in the period of cruel Akabar. As you know that there are many types of Sadhus or saints in Hindu religion. Of these, Naga Sadhus  are seen in Kumbh Mela. In fact, they are the  first to take bath in Kumbh Mela. Even, during Kumbh festival several people visit to the Akhara’s of Naga Sadhus to take their blessings. The Naga Sadhus are followers of the Lord Shiva and known as Shaivites. They live in the Himalayas.    One can become a Naga Sadhu only during Kumbha Mela. This initiation ritual takes place during the Kumbh Mela and is attended by different people of various age groups. How one can  become Naga Sadhus? It is  a mandatory to be a member of any “akhara” for three years before a sadhu qualifies to become a Naga sadhu. The considerations for selection include their health and approach towards their fellow men and women living in the akharas’ ashrams.  Process of becoming Naga Sadhu and their activities  1. Naga Sadhus have to undergo very difficult Examinations and practice of difficult “tapasya” to become a monk. It takes about 12 years to become a Naga Sadhu. Naga Sadhu stay in the Akhara’s. 2. It is compulsory to make Guru in the Akhara for becoming a Naga Sadhu. The Guru may be the head of the Akhara or any big scholar in the Akhara itself. The process of becoming a Naga Sadhu is said to be completed when Guru’s teachings are gained in a proper way. After serving the Guru, they can reach to the next step of becoming Naga Sadhu. No doubt Naga Sadhus are trained warriors too. 3. Naga Sadhus are both vegetarian and non-vegetarians also. 4. The Naga Sadhus in appearance usually wander around naked. 5. We see most of the Naga Sadhus in Kumbh Mela or in their Akharas.   Naga Sadhus take part in Kumbh Mela and then move to the Himalayas. So, Naga Sadhus live either in Akharas or himalayas and usually visit the civilisation during the Mahakumbh festival in India to take part in the holy dip. It is said that  seeing Naga Sadhus   are equivalent to seeing the Lord Shiva. 6. As hard as the austerity of Naga Sadhus, they have many wonderful powers too. Naga Sadhus preaches and teaches humans about the special grace of God.     Naga Sadhus   through their austerities have spiritual powers which they use to help and heal people   Nagas are also usually known as warrior Sadhus and are ready to fight intellectually or wrestle anytime. 7. There is no doubt that Naga Sadhus  adhere to the complete “Brahmacharya”, staying away from the family. Even in the process of becoming a saint, they have to sacrifice their families and  they make their own “Shraadh” before joining. During their austerities, they never meet their families. Because it is said that during the course of meditation they don’t want any type of disturbances and so they never meet their family members. Therefore, one can understand the mental strength they have to pass through the austerities. Satyabrta Maiti References:   Disclaimer:No part of this article is my own work. Information has been collected from various internet sources. I have only the copyright of the photographs.

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