Varanasi: Following the sacred Amrit Snan on Vasant Panchami during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, the next spiritual halt for the saints and Naga sadhus of all 13 Akharas, including the Kinnar Akhara, will be the holy city of Kashi. Traditionally, after Vasant Panchami, camps begin to disband at the Triveni Sangam, and Varanasi gears up to host a “Mini Kumbh” along the banks of the Ganga.
The riverbanks, from the ghats on one side to the sandy stretches across, along with various monasteries, ashrams, and dharamshalas, will be adorned with tents, transforming the city into a saffron-hued spiritual hub. The aura will be filled with the chants of holy men, their ash-smeared appearances, matted locks, and an air of profound spirituality. The gathering of thousands of Naga sadhus will continue in Kashi until the festival of Holi.
Preparations in Full Swing
The local administration, along with temple trusts and monastic organizations, has started preparations for the Mini Kumbh. Varanasi is home to the headquarters of four major Shaivite Akharas, including the prominent Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, which was established by Adi Shankaracharya for the protection of Sanatan Dharma. The headquarters of these Akharas are located at key ghats:
- Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara at Hanuman Ghat
- Shri Panchdashnam Avahan Akhara at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Shri Panch Atal Akhara at Hanuman Chauk, Kapildhara
- Mahanirvani Akhara at Shivala Ghat
In addition to these, branches of 13 Akharas are situated across the city, including Shri Agni Akhara at Rajghat, Anand Akhara at Kapildhara, and prominent Vaishnavite Udaseen Akharas near Kurukshetra Pokhara.
Grand Processions and Rituals
According to Santosh Mishra, the priest of Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, Naga sadhus from the Juna, Agni, and Avahan Akharas will leave for Kashi after taking the holy dip on Vasant Panchami. Saints from the Atal and Niranjani Akharas will follow shortly after. Traveling by foot, on horses, and in decorated vehicles, the saints will make their grand entry into Varanasi on February 8, led by the revered Ramta Panch. A majestic procession featuring elephants, horses, and chariots will mark their arrival, with local saints, administrative officials, and residents welcoming them near Mohan Sarai.
Most of the sadhus will camp at Japeshwar Math in Baijnath. On February 12, coinciding with Maghi Purnima, another vibrant procession will proceed from Japeshwar Math to Hanuman Ghat, with saints carrying their traditional weapons and ceremonial flags.
Royal Procession on Mahashivratri
As per tradition, a royal procession of the Juna Akhara’s Naga sadhus will be held on Mahashivratri. Starting from their headquarters at Hanuman Ghat, the saints, including Acharya Mahamandaleshwar and other dignitaries, will ride chariots and horses towards the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Approximately 5,000 to 6,000 Naga sadhus from Juna, Agni, Avahan, Niranjani, and Atal Akharas will participate.
During this time, the temple will be cleared for the exclusive rituals of the Naga sadhus. After an hour-long ceremony, including special prayers and abhishek, the procession will conclude, with the saints continuing their spiritual practices in Kashi until Holi. The period will be marked by holy dips in the Ganga, temple visits, meditation, and intense spiritual activities, adding to Varanasi’s vibrant religious tapestry.
