Joona-Awahan Akhara feud crops up at Maha Shivaratri

Varanasi, Feb 16 (UNI) The feud between the Joona Akhara and Awahan Akhara, which saw the latter boycott all three 'shahi snans' at Ardh Kumbh in Allahabad recently cropped up again on the festive occasion of Maha Shivaratri here today.

Awahan Akhara, which has its office at the Dashwashamedh Ghat here blocked the road at Godowlia for an hour one being denied permission by administration to take out separate 'shahi darshan' procession for offering 'jalabhishek' at the world famous Kashi Vishwanath temple.

The administration had fixed a time of two hours between 0730 and 0930 hrs for the akharas to take out their procession and perform exclusive jalabhishek of the 'jyotirlinga' at Kashi Vishwanath.

The period was used by the Joona Akhara and Agni Akhara only. The Awahan Akhara, which traditionally takes to temple with Joona and Agni akharas, however, stayed away from utilising the period and instead demanded separate time for its rituals.

When denied permission by the administration, Awahan Akhara 'sadhus' blocked the road at Godowlia for an hour. The deadlock ended only with the administration finally providing them extra time to perform the rituals with general devotees.

Awahan akhara had boycotted the three 'shahi snans' (royal bathing) festivals at Ardh Kumbh -- Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya and Basant Panchami -- demanding separate time for bathing in the Triveni Sangam. Traditionally, Awahan and Agni Akharas participate in the royal bathing alongwith the Joona Akhara.

Meanwhile, the colourful royal prayer procession of Joona Akhara led by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar and Joona Peethadhishwar Swami Avdheshanand Giriji Maharaj was the mainstay of the Maha Shivratri celebrations here.

After taking holy dip in Ganga at Bada Hanuman Ghat, Joona and Agni Akhara sadhus, including 'naga sadhus', perched atop horses and tractors went in a procession amid drum beats to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

The sadhus forming the procession carried the ceremonial flag, banners and arms, besides indulging in traditional martial arts on way to the famous temple.

After perfoming the 'jalabhishek' at Kashi Vishwanath, the akhara sadhus also participated in a 'Holi' of ash and flowers at Goddess Annapurna temple.

UNI