Life of Naga Sadhu: The Saints Who Defeated Human Limits!

On hearing the name of Kumbh Mela, a divine scene appears before our eyes, a crowd of lakhs of devotees at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati chanting incense sticks, lamps and unique of all, the Naga Sadhus.

These sadhus, whose life is a symbol of austerity and sacrifice, with their ash coated bodies, matted hair, and they become the center of attention in their naked form.

But have you ever wondered where these Naga Sadhus come from, where do they go after the fair, and the biggest question is what is the process of becoming a Naga Sadhu?

Come, let us know about these mysterious things today.

Who is a Naga Sadhu?

Naga Sadhu is not just a sadhu, they are more than it. Their life begins with sacrifice and penance. This sacrifice starts from the body and reaches every material thing in the world.

The first step of a Naga Sadhu is Pind Daan, which is a symbol of one’s own last rites. After this, they break the worldly bonds and move towards renunciation, but do you know how difficult the process of becoming a Naga Sadhu is?

Ordinary people cannot bear it. This process is full of penance and Hatha Yoga. To become a Naga Sadhu, the seeker has to prepare his body and mind to such an extent It happens that they do not even experience cold, heat, hunger and thirst.

Where do the sadhus come from?

The arrival of Naga sadhus in the Kumbh Mela seems no less than a miracle. They live in the inaccessible mountains, caves and forests of India.

In the heights and deserted areas of the Himalayas, These sadhus, engrossed in their penance at the sites, are not visible to anyone for years, but during the Kumbh Mela, they reach the Sangam with their Akharas.

Do you know that there are a total of 13 major Akharas in India which are the centers of Naga Sadhus.

These Akharas are located in Prayagraj The Akharas are headed by gurus and without the permission of these gurus no sadhu can participate in the Kumbh Mela.

When there was a threat from the invaders, to protect the Sanatan Dharma, Adi Shankaracharya organized the Naga Sadhus as warrior saints.

The Naga Sadhus are not just ascetics, but also skilled warriors. It is recorded in the pages of history that in 1748, during the invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali, During this the Naga sadhus of Allahabad was protected.

Why do Naga Sadhus remain naked?

This question arises in everyone’s mind. Naga Sadhus express their complete dedication towards nature and God by remaining naked.

They believe that the natural form of me as we are at the time of birth is a symbol of being close to God.

Why does their body not feel cold and heat?

The penance and sadhana of Naga sadhus make them strong to such an extent that they can cross the limits of the body. The tolerance of their body keeps them stable in any weather.

Why are ashes rubbed on the Naga Sadhus?

Naga Sadhus rub ashes on their bodies, which symbolize victory over death. Bhasma is the ashes of the dead body and by applying it on themselves, they show that they believe that they have conquered death.

Where do they go after the Kumbh Mela?

After the Kumbh Mela, the Naga Sadhus return to their Akharas or caves. They spend their lives in penance. For them, the Kumbh Mela is a karma bhoomi where they Naga Sadhus gather to protect and propagate religion.

What does the life of Naga Sadhus teach us?

They are an example of sacrifice and will power. They teach us that happiness is not in material things but in self-control and mental peace. Their every act is a symbol of penance and sadhana.

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