VR Devotee's video: Kumbh Mela 2019: The Secret s behind Akhadas and Naga Sadhus

What is Akhadas? Who are Naga Sadhus? What they do? During ancient times a need arose to protect the temples, ashrams, matths and spiritual leaders. This gave rise to a tradition of warrior saints who protected the faith. Warrior saints are actually very ancient, an example being Lord Parshuram. A group of warrior saints were called as Akhada. The word Akhada is commonly used to mean a place where martial arts are practiced. Thus the saints were divided into two parts. The first were the Shastradhari or the saints who learned the scriptures and the astradhari or the saints with weapons. A saint in the Akhada is called a Naga Sannyasi. The Naga Sadhus are Digamber (or naked) saints. The earliest example of a sky clad (naked) saint is Lord Dattatreya. There are seven Shaiva Akhada’s, these being Atal Akara and Mahanirvani Akhara; Anand Akhara and Niranjan Akhara; Avahan Akhara, Juna Akhara and Agni Akhara. There are three Vaishnav Akhada’s, these being Nirmohi, Nirvani and Digamber. There are two Udaseen Akhada’s, these being Bada Udaseen Akadha and Naya Udaseen Akhada. There is one Akali (Sikh) Akhada, this being Nirmal Akhada. Each Akhada has a Isht devata and an astra or a weapon. These weapons are mantrik weapons. For example, earlier in the Mahanirvani Akhada the Saints would chant a certain mantra and blow up a handi through its power as a demonstration. Now this practice is discontinued. . . OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS: YouTube (click on the ‘Subscribe’ button above): https://www.youtube.com/vrdevoteeapp . Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vrdevoteeapp/ . Twitter: https://twitter.com/vrdevotee . Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vrdevotee/ KUMBH MELA 2019 - SNAN / HOLY DIP DATES: Makar Sankranti - 15 Jan, 2019: This day marks the entry of Sun in its next astronomical position as per the Hindu calendar. This day marks the beginning of donations at Kumbh Mela. It is customary for pilgrims to donate as per their will. . Paush Purnima - 21 Jan, 2019: Paush Poornima is the 15th day in the month of Shukla Paksh of the Hindu calendar month Paush. Poornima signifies the rise of the full moon. The Kumbh Mela’s unofficial beginning is marked by this day. This day also marks the beginning of Kalpvasa. . Mauni Amavasya - 4 Feb, 2019: It is widely believed that on this date the planetary positions are most favourable for bathing in the holy river. On this day, Rishabh Dev, considered as the first sage broke his long vow of silence and bathed in the holy waters at Sangam. The maximum number of pilgrims are found in the mela on this day. . Basant Panchami - 10 Feb, 2019: This day is indicative of the changing of seasons and marks the arrival of Goddess of Knowledge Saraswati as per Hindu Mythology. Kalpavasis wear yellow colored clothes this day to mark the importance of Basant Panchami. . Maghi Purnima - 19 Feb, 2019: This day is known for its association with the worship of Guru Brahaspati and the belief that Hindu god Gandharva travels from the heavens to Sangam. This day sees a surge in pilgrims at the holy ghats owing to the belief that they will be guided to heaven in their humanly form. . Mahashivratri - 4 Mar, 2019: This day is symbolic of the last holy bath of the Kalpvasis and is directly related to Lord Shankar. As per mythology, this day is awaited in the heavens as well. . To experience as if you are present there, download the mobile app now (Android, iOS). . To download the VR Devotee mobile app | Give a missed call on +918367797007 OR Click https://a7cwk.app.goo.gl/social01