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Do you know about type of Akhara in Kumbh!

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There are 13 major Akharas that participate in the Kumbh Mela, primarily representing different sects of Hinduism.

They are broadly categorized into three groups based on their traditions Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Udaseen Akharas. Shaiva have 7 Akharas , Vaishnava & Udaseen have 3 Akhara

Lets know about them in next slide

SHAIVA AKHARAS

The Shaiva Akharas are primarily composed of Naga Sadhus, who are known for their extreme asceticism and warrior traditions. These Akharas also train their members in self-defense, scriptures, and spirituality.

1. Mahanirvani Akhara
•Established: 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya
•Headquarters: Prayagraj (Allahabad)
•Specialty: Known for their strict discipline and spiritual knowledge.
•Traditions: Focuses on renunciation and liberation . They emphasize studying ancient scriptures like the Upanishads and Vedanta.
•Role in Kumbh: One of the first Akharas to take the Rajsi Snan (Shahi Snan)

2. Atal Akhara
•Established: 14th century
•Specialty: Known for their deep knowledge of Vedas and Sanskrit texts.
•Traditions: Focuses on meditation and yoga practices.
•Significance: Atal Akhara is known for having strict initiation rites for new members, requiring them to live an austere lifestyle.

3. Niranjani Akhara
•Established: 904 AD
•Headquarters: Haridwar
•Specialty: It is one of the largest and wealthiest Akharas.
•Traditions: Primarily focused on spiritual and philosophical teachings. They also promote education through schools and institutions.
•Role in Kumbh: Niranjani Akhara takes a prominent position during the Rajsi Snan.

4. Juna Akhara
•Established: 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya
•Headquarters: Varanasi
•Specialty: Largest and most influential Akhara.
•Traditions: Juna Akhara consists mainly of Naga Sadhus, who are trained in martial arts and self-defense.
•Significance: The Juna Akhara plays a key role in organizing the Rajsi Snan and leads the procession.

5. Anand Akhara
•Specialty: Known for their spiritual knowledge and teachings.
•Traditions: Focuses on spreading spirituality and promoting Vedic education.
•Role in Kumbh: They actively participate in the religious processions and rituals during the Kumbh Mela.

6. Avahan Akhara
•Specialty: Primarily composed of Naga Sadhus.
•Traditions: Focuses on austere practices, including meditation in harsh weather conditions.
•Role in Kumbh: Avahan Akhara has a large following of Naga Sadhus, and they participate prominently in the Kumbh processions.

7. Agni Akhara
•Specialty: Known for their association with fire rituals.
•Traditions: Their spiritual practices involve invoking fire deities and performing yajnas (fire sacrifices).
•Role in Kumbh: They participate actively in ritualistic bathing and fire ceremonies during Kumbh.

VAISHNAVA AKHARAS

Vaishnava Akharas focus on spiritual teachings, devotion , and social service. They are followers of Lord Vishnu and his avatars.

8. Digambar Ani Akhara
•Specialty: Known for their strict ascetic practices.
•Traditions: Focuses on meditation, spiritual discourses, and social service.
•Role in Kumbh: They participate in the Rajsi Snan and other Kumbh rituals.

9. Nirmohi Ani Akhara
•Specialty: Known for their devotion to Lord Rama.
•Traditions: Focuses on bhakti and social upliftment. They are deeply involved in promoting education and social welfare.
•Significance: Played a key role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

10. Nirvani Ani Akhara
•Specialty: Focuses on spiritual knowledge and rituals.
•Traditions: They emphasize meditation and philosophical teachings.
•Role in Kumbh: Participate in the Rajsi Snan and religious processions.

UDASEEN AKHARAS (Followers of Guru Nanak and Shiva-Vishnu teachings)

The Udaseen Akharas are non-sectarian and promote harmony between different sects. They follow a blend of Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.

11. Bada Udaseen Akhara
•Specialty: Known for promoting education and social welfare.
•Traditions: Focuses on spreading spiritual knowledge and philanthropy.
•Role in Kumbh: They actively participate in processions and charity events.

12. Naya Udaseen Akhara
•Specialty: A relatively newer Akhara.
•Traditions: Similar to the Bada Udaseen Akhara, focusing on education and social welfare.
•Role in Kumbh: They are involved in community services and spiritual discourses.

13. Nirmal Akhara
•Established: By Guru Gobind Singh in the 17th century
•Specialty: Known for their emphasis on education and spirituality.
•Traditions: Focuses on promoting knowledge of scriptures and philosophical texts.
•Role in Kumbh: They are actively involved in charity and spiritual education programs.

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