Mahakumbh 2025: The mystical powerhouses behind the grand Kumbh spectacle
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Ash Guardians
Naga Sadhus, covered in ash and minimal clothing, embody the essence of renunciation and are central to the Kumbh Mela’s Shahi Snan, symbolizing spiritual purity and detachment.
Royal Rituals
Naga Sadhus lead the Shahi Snan, the Kumbh’s sacred royal bath, believed to cleanse sins and end the cycle of rebirth, marking them as spiritual trailblazers.
Female Presence
Naga Sadhvis, rare but increasingly visible, participate alongside male counterparts, adding a progressive layer to the ancient ascetic traditions at the Kumbh.
Fierce Devotees
Aghori Sadhus, followers of Shiva in his Bhairava form, meditate in cremation grounds, using human skulls and bones in rituals to transcend societal norms and dualities.
Order Keepers
Dashnam Juna Akhara Sadhus, adherents of Adi Shankaracharya’s monastic system, follow ten distinct spiritual paths, preserving Vedic traditions through disciplined lifestyles.
Enlightened Souls
Paramahamsa Sadhus, seen as spiritually liberated beings, transcend norms and conventions, offering rare wisdom during the Kumbh’s spiritual gatherings.
Faithful Custodians
Udasin Sadhus, followers of Guru Nanak’s teachings, are recognized by their saffron robes and are vital in preserving Sikh-Hindu syncretic spiritual heritage.
Ascetic Unity
The Kumbh unites diverse ascetic orders, from Bairagi Sadhus to Naga warriors, creating a vibrant tapestry of Hindu spiritual practices rarely seen elsewhere.
Cultural Icons
The visual and cultural impact of Sadhus, especially the ash-clad Naga Sadhus, draws millions of devotees and onlookers, making the Kumbh Mela a global spiritual spectacle.