With Shahi Snans over, Akharas leave for Varanasi

Ardh Kumbh Nagar, Jan 24 (UNI) As the Shahi Snans got over on Basant Panchmi yesterday, the 13 major akharas who participated in the royal bathing, are packing their bags.

While most of the Akhara members will leave for varied destinations beginning today, a selected few from each of the akharas will proceed to Varanasi, to take a holy dip in river Ganga.

Before the Mahamandaleshwars leave, they are treated with 'karhi and pakori' by their followers. Earlier, when they had reached the 'Sangam' they were given 'khichri-dahi'. ''It is an age old tradition which akharas follow,'' Mahant Gyan Das, head of Akhara Parishad told UNI here.

Maintaining peace amongst the various Akharas is a big challenge for the mela administration. A separate ghat is set up at the Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, for the royal bath.

The royal procession of sadhus, sants and mahamandaleshwars of Akharas on the Shahi Snans usually begins at 0515 hrs. The mahamandaleshwars of various Akharas sitting in gilded chariots and palanquins and Naga Sanyasis wielding tridents, swords and spears are the cynosure of all eyes.

The various akharas are divided into different types are per the God they worship.

The Shaiva Akharas are the followers of Lord Shiva, although some also show respect for Lord Vishnu. Some of these are also known as 'Nagas'-- known for their celibacy and renunciation of material possessions, and are good in the use of arms for the defence of the religion. The Nagas are naked and lead a very austere life. The Shaiva sects are divided into further groups or Akharas which are called Dashnami Akharas -- Mahanirvani, Atal, Niranjani, Anand, Bhairav, Awahan and Agni akhara.

The Vaishnava or Vairagi Akharas are the wandering mendicants.

These include Nirmohi, Nirvani, Digambar, Udasin -- Udasin Panchayati Bara Akhara and Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhara and the Nirmal Panchayati Akhara.

UNI