New Delhi: The holy city of Prayagraj is buzzing these days with preparations in full swing for the upcoming Mahakumbh festival. The Mahakumbh is scheduled to be held from January 13 to February 26, 2025 and one of its main participants will be the Shri Panchdashnam Pracheen Juna Akhara, the largest and most revered among the seven Akharas of the Shaivite ascetic tradition.
The Juna Akhara, with most members being Naga Sadhus, was founded by Adi Shankaracharya in Uttarakhand. It is also known as the Bhairav Akhara with Lord Dattatreya being its presiding deity. Its headquarters is in Varanasi and is currently led by Prem Giri Maharaj, with Mahant Hari Giri Maharaj as its patron. The Acharya Mahamandaleshwar, the highest position within the Akhara, is held by Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj.
History of Juna Akhara
The term Juna means “ancient”, befitting the Akhara’s legacy. The Akhara traces its origin to the Sannyasi Rebellion of 1780. During that time, over 500 princely states existed in the country but there was no unity among the Hindus. The lack of unity left the faith vulnerable to oppression under foreign rule. Faced with challenges, ascetics formed groups to protect their religion and homeland, engaging in guerrilla warfare, armed with both shastra and shastra. The movement, named the Sannyasi Rebellion, was important in the emergence of ascetics as warrior-saints.
According to legends, one of the rebellion’s most defining moments took place during a Mahakumbh in Prayagraj when news of Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s visit reached the sadhus. In a symbolic act of resistance, an ascetic managed to stab Jahangir with a dagger. These episodes established the Akhara’s reputation as protectors of country’s religious and cultural identity. Some historians consider the Sannyasi Rebellion as the country’s first struggle for independence.
The structure of Juna Akhara
The Juna Akhara is regarded as the world’s largest religious order, with membership in lakhs. Its influence extends beyond India and has members from across the world. The Akhara has hierarchical positions, including Naga ascetics, Mahamandaleshwars, and Mahants, with each role represent specific spiritual and administrative responsibilities.
