- Friday, February 21, 2025
The sadhus of various ‘akharas’ have begun reaching the Triveni Sangam in run up to the grand religious congregation, which will held from January 13 to February 26
By: India Weekly
WITH less than a week for the Maha Kumbh to kick off, the sadhus of various ‘akharas’ have begun reaching the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj.
All ‘akharas’ are entering the Maha Kumbh Mela venue according to tradition and schedule in run up to the grand event, which will begin on January 13.
Continuing this sacred sequence, Shri Taponidhi Anand Akhara, devoted to Lord Surya as their ‘Ishtadev’, made its traditional cantonment entry on Monday (6).
The Shaiv tradition’s Shri Taponidhi Anand Akhara entered the Mela area with a majestic procession led by Naga Sanyasis, Acharyas, Mandaleshwars and Mahamandaleshwars, riding elephants, horses, chariots and camels.
As part of the ceremonial entry, the city and Mela administration welcomed the sadhus and sanyasis with garlands and floral showers, while the people of Prayagraj were blessed with the rare sight and blessings of the Naga Sanyasis, it added.
Throughout the journey, residents of Prayagraj and the city administration extended a warm welcome, showering flowers at multiple points.
In the grand procession, the ‘dharm dhwaja’ led the way, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and devotional music, it stated.
Following closely behind, the Naga Sanyasis, revered as protectors of Sanatan Dharma, marched with spears, lances and swords in hand, carrying the idol of their ‘Ishtadev’, Lord Surya, it added.
The chanting of Lord Surya’s name echoed throughout, while the Acharya, Mandaleshwar and Mahamandaleshwar of the Akhara, riding majestically on chariots, elephants and horses, added to the splendour of the cantonment procession.
During the procession to the camp, under the guidance of Akhada president Shankaranand Giri and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Balkanand Giri, Mahamandaleshwar Surendranand Giri, secretary Kalu Giri Maharaj from Bareilly, along with female Mahamandaleshwar Sadhvi Manju, Shri Ji and other saints and ascetics, entered the fairground while blessing the townspeople.
The entry of Shri Taponidhi Anand Akhara marked the final procession in the sequence of the Naga Sanyasis’ entries for the Maha Kumbh.
Next in line, according to the tradition and scheduled dates, are the entries of Vaishnav Bairagi Akhara, Udasi Akhara and Nirmal Akhara.
Upon reaching their premises in the Sangam area, the Akhara’s first act was the ceremonial hoisting of the ‘dharm dhwaja’.
Following this, the sadhus and sanyasis, amid the chanting of sacred mantras, established the temple of their revered deity, Lord Surya.
The gathering concluded with all the saints taking a solemn pledge to uphold and protect Sanatan Dharma and work for the welfare of the world, as they collectively hailed the glory of Lord Surya and Ganga Maiya.
The significance of the mela dates back to ancient texts, which talk about an Amrit that fell in 4 places – Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj.
It is for this reason sadhus prepare to take a dip in waters of the sacred sangam. The last Maha Kumbh Mela was held 12 years ago in 2013.
Tight security
The state government estimates around 400-450 million visitors, including foreigners, will turn up for the religious congregation that will be held from January 13 to February 26.
The Uttar Pradesh police has launched an intensive checking campaign in the Mela area, particularly around Sangam, to ensure the smooth conduct of the mela.
“The campaign focuses on heightened surveillance of suspicious individuals and activities at key locations such as Sangam Ghat, pontoon bridges and major intersections,” the government added.
The DIG instructed all station in-charges to enhance vigilance in their respective jurisdictions and maintain a proactive approach to security.
Transport arrangements
The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) will operate electric buses to facilitate the smooth movement of devotees.
“To manage the heavy influx of pilgrims, the Transport Corporation will deploy 7,000 rural buses and 350 shuttle buses within the Maha Kumbh area,” it said in a statement.
Additionally, during the primary bathing days, the buses arriving from districts adjoining Prayagraj will be operated from eight temporary bus stations set up in the outer fair area to streamline crowd management and ensure smooth transit, it said.
Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh announced that crores of devotees are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh, with extensive preparations in place to ensure their safety and convenience.
A Command Control Center has been established and is fully operational at the headquarters to provide real-time information and assistance to the devotees.
In case of any issue involving the buses operating during the Maha Kumbh Mela, 24×7 support will be available from the headquarters to assist the drivers, conductors and passengers.
Additionally, instructions have been issued to maintain regular communication with the Control Room at Jhunsi, Prayagraj, ensuring updates are provided to higher management every two hours, he said.
The passengers can seek assistance from the Command Control Center through the toll-free number 18001802877 and WhatsApp number 9415049606.
Puja items in demand
Shopkeepers in the Sangam and Maha Kumbh Mela areas are stocking up essential religious items, including puja materials, patra-panchang, Rudraksh, Tulsi garlands and sacred texts sourced from Nepal, Varanasi, Mathura and Vrindavan.
Puja materials, religious books, garlands and flowers are being decked up across the city, hotels, restaurants, food stalls and shops selling these items to cater to the needs of visitors, it added.
Wholesale traders are stocking up on goods from various cities, anticipating the high demand during the event.
“Rudraksh garlands are being sourced from Uttarakhand and Nepal, Tulsi garlands from Mathura-Vrindavan and puja items like roli and sandalwood from Varanasi and Delhi’s Paharganj,” the government said in the statement.
Sanjeev Tiwari, a religious book seller in Daraganj, Prayagraj, said books from Gita Press, Gorakhpur, are in highest demand, especially the Ramcharit Manas, Bhagwat Gita, Shiv Puran and collections of bhajans and aartis.
Priests performing rituals are also purchasing Patra and Panchang printed in Varanasi. Additionally, brass and copper bells, lamps and idols from Moradabad and Varanasi are being ordered in large quantities, according to the statement.
Devotees, sadhus and sanyasis participating in Kalpavas at the fair are demanding havan samagri, aasan, Gangajal, plates, urns and other items for worship, it noted.
Shopkeepers are stocking these items in large quantities to meet the anticipated demand, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve the spiritual and practical needs of the visitors, it added. (PTI)
