The Maha Kumbh is attracting global attention as the world’s largest gathering, with news buzzing about the increasing daily participation and the unique events taking place. In addition to the impressive crowds, another fascinating development is unfolding at the Kumbh: the recruitment of Sadhus and Sanyasis as Naga Sadhus, adding yet another distinctive aspect to this spiritual gathering.

What Exactly Is Naga Sadhu Recruitment?

The recruitment of Naga Sadhus is a unique process where the Juna Akhada inducts them into its ranks through a religious initiation. As the largest Hindu monastic order in terms of the number of Sadhus, Juna Akhada is central to this sacred tradition. The recruitment is taking place in Sector 21 of the Mahakumbh tent city. According to reports, approximately 1,000 Naga Sadhus have been initiated since yesterday. The ceremony began early Saturday morning and continued well past midnight. It reached its peak when each sadhu received their certificate, following a sacred initiation by the Akhada head, Acharya Maha Mandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, at the stroke of midnight. This process will take place five more times leading up to Basant Panchami (February 3), with different batches of Sadhus from the Akhada being initiated.

About The Process

The Akhara issues registration slips to those eager to become Naga Sadhus. Along with the slips, candidates are discreetly interviewed, and their forms are carefully reviewed. Those who meet the criteria in Juna, Shri Niranjani, Shri Mahanirvani, Awahan, Atal, and Anand Akharas will receive the sacred initiation into Naga Sannyas. The initiation of the first batch of Naga Sadhus took place on the serene banks of the Ganga. On Saturday, the sannyasis of Juna Akhara underwent tonsuring, symbolizing a step closer to their spiritual journey. The Naga initiation will be completed on the night of Amrit Snan.

Registration, Back Ground Check?

The process has started in the akharas, where individuals are registering to become Naga Sadhus. Along with the registration slips, aspiring candidates are also undergoing discreet interviews, and their forms are being carefully reviewed. Those who meet the criteria in the Juna, Shri Niranjani, Shri Mahanirvani, Aawahan, Atal, and Anand akharas will be blessed with initiation into Naga Sanyas, marking the beginning of their spiritual journey. During the ceremony, after the selection process, the sannyasis also perform their own pind daan, a ritual honoring departed souls. This symbolizes their declaration that, although they are still living, they have severed all ties with the materialistic world.

Application Scrutiny

Around 2,000 people will be initiated into Naga Sanyas in Juna Akhara, while 1,100 sadhus will be made Naga Sanyasis in Shri Niranjani Akhara. Similarly, the process has also begun in Shri Mahanirvani, Atal, Anand, and Awahan Akharas. During the scrutiny of applications, 53 candidates from Juna Akhara and 22 from Niranjani Akhara were deemed ineligible. The selection process is thorough and takes place in three stages, beginning six months in advance.

The Thanapati of the Akhara, Ashtakoshal Mahant, reviews the candidate’s profile and activities. This report is then submitted to the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Akhara, who conducts a further verification through the Panchas (elders) of the Akhara.

Who Does the Scrutiny?

According to The Times Of India Report , The thanapati of the akhara, Ashtakoshal Mahant, investigates the candidate’s profile and activities. The report is given to Acharya Mahamandleshwar of the akhara. The Acharya Mahamandleshwar gets the investigation done again by Panchs of the akhara.

‘The Appointment- Amrit Snan

After the mundan and pind daan rituals, the full initiation to become a Naga will take place on the night of the Amrit Snan festival during Mauni Amavasya. All candidates will stand naked under the Dharma flag, as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar conducts the sacred initiation rituals to transform them into Naga Sadhus. The Sabhapati, who presides over the ceremony, will brief them on the Akhara’s rules and regulations, and they will take a pledge. Once the initiation is complete, all the newly initiated will proceed for the Amrit Snan.