About NAGA BABA

During the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, the Naga Babas could be seen performing different types of yogasanas. These sadhus make a pilgrimage to the Kumbh Mela to perform various types of Yogic asanas, Sashtang Dandthvad being a most prominent one. The purpose of this Yogic asana is to let the whole body prostrate. The Naga Babas are also seen wearing numerous Rudraksha beads, believed to posses positive healing powers according to the Hindu mythology. These are in actuality the beads of the Rudraksha tree. They believe that wearing 11,000 Rudraksha beads will help them attain the form of Lord Shankara. In the akhada (or camp) of Naga Babas, they indulge in smoking 'chilum', a pot of clay to hold bhang, the narcotic marijuana. The consumption of bhang is also considered to be a part of the rituals performed by the Naga Babas. The sadhus hold the view that doing so will lead them to nirvana, meaning the final emancipation of the soul. Pilgrims also flock to the akhadas of Naga Babas in large number.