Story By: Dr. Sanjay Singh, Haridvar

KHADAS IN MAHA KUMBH

The ongoing Maha Kumb Mela in Haridwar brings a number of Naga Sadus and various other sages practicing certain values, performing various rituals, staying and accommodating themselves in different camps or Akhadas. Akhadas literally mean "wrestling arena.

Origin of Akhadas

Akhadas came into existence in 8th century AD when Adi Shankaracharya established seven Akhadas namely Mahanirvani, Niranjani, Juna, Atal, Avahan, Agni and Anand Akhara with an aim to strengthen the Hindu religion and unite those practicing different rituals, customs and beliefs. At present, there are 3 major Akharas: Sanyasi, Bairagi and Nirmal and 3 minor Akharas (Atal affiliated with Mahanirvani, Anand affiliated with Niranjani, Avahan affiliated with Juna). Furthermore there is one small Brahmachari Akhara named Agni, affiliated to Juna. Akharas are divided into different camps according to the concept of God they worship. Shaiva Akharas for followers of Lord Shiva, Vaishnava or Vairagi Akhara for followers of Lord Vishnu and Kalpwasis for followers of Lord Brahma.An Akhara is further divided in 8 davas (divisions) and 52 marhis (centers). Each Marhi performs its spiritual activities under a Mahant. The top administrative body of the Akhara is Shree Panch (the body of five), representing Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. Shakti and Ganesha. The biggest Akhara - regarding the number of the Sadhus in it - is Juna, then Niranjani and then Mahanirvani. The head of an Akhara is regarded as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar, followed by other Mahamandaleshwaras, Mandaleshwaras and Shree Mahants. On the main bathing dates, These sadhus, belonging to various camps take dip at holy Ganga ji first and then the ordinary pilgrims are allowed to take bath in the river. During the ‘Shahi Snan’ thousands of devotees assemble near the road sides to get a glimpse of the procession of ascetics parading amid tight security as they make their way to the ghats.
List of Akhadas

- Sanyasi
· Shri Taponidhi Niranjani Akhada Panchayati
· Shri Panchayati Anand Akhada
· Shri Panchadashnam Juna Akhada
· Shri Panch Ahvan Akhada
· Shri Agni Akhada
· Shri Panchayat Akhada Mahanirvani
· Shri Panch Atal Akhada
- Bairagi Akhada
· Shri Nirvani Akhada
· Shri Digambar Akhada
· Shri Nimrohi Akhada
- Nirmal Akhada
· Shri Panchayati Akhada
· Shri Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhada
· Shri Nirmal Panchayati Akhada