Imagine you visit the world-renowned Maha Kumbh Mela. What do you see? Thousands of people wearing saffron-colored dhotis and clad in nothing else but Rudraksha malas and ash. They twist their long hair into knots, which they believe hold their power. These men, away from worldly pleasures and materialistic things, carry nothing but devotion and a calm aura of mystery with them. These are the devotees, the Naga Sadhus who come from all over the country to bathe in the Holy confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.

But, who exactly are Naga Sadhus? Where do they come from? Why don’t they wear clothes? Why do they look so different? And, what is so special and unique about them? They live so fascinating yet mysterious lives that they have attracted the World’s attention way too much recently. So, let’s discover and learn all about them. 

Who exactly are Naga Sadhus?

‘Naga’ means ‘naked’ which describes why they are always fully naked, except when meeting commoners. So, are they not commoners themselves? No. They are people who wish to change their lives and become saints, but not regular saints. The journey from wanting to be a Naga Sadhu to actually becoming one is very difficult. Only strong commitment, dedication and devotion can lead one to become a highly acclaimed saint. It requires giving up of all worldly possessions and pleasures. In fact, one must sacrifice himself and perform his own last rites to begin a new life free from worldly pleasures.

Their History

Ancient Indian history, including Mohenjo-daro coins and images, reveals the origins of Naga Sadhus. They worship Lord Shiva in Pashupatinath form. Originally, they served as warrior ascetics, formed to protect Hinduism during foreign invasions. History has it that Alexander also met them during his stay in India. When the Mughals invaded India, it was the Naga Sadhus who carried out a massive exercise to organise strength and form Akhadas to protect Hindu culture. People see them as representatives of God. While most are males, a few female representatives, called Sadhvis, also exist. These women undergo the same tiresome and difficult process to gain permission to join the Akhada.

The Rigorous Procedure

The path to becoming a Naga Sadhu is not easy and certainly doesn’t happen overnight. It may take months and even years for one to rise to the highest position in the hierarchy. It involves a lot of sacrifices and overcoming all hardships. It is so tough that a person who cannot give up worldly pleasures, cannot become a Naga Sadhu. People compare it to army training, but they consider it even tougher.

Here’s a little glimpse into the process:

1. When a person first shows interest in becoming a Naga Sadhu, the Akhara does not immediately permit him to join. Instead, they investigate the aspirant’s background properly and only upon their satisfaction, they let him in.
2. Upon entering, the first and foremost thing one must give up is family and all social ties. Aspirants must even perform self’s last rites to give up the life so far lived and be spiritually reborn. One must also give up his lust and sexual desires.
3. The Naga Sadhus cannot live in cities or populated areas. They, instead, reside in a place which is far away from the touch of a common man.
4. Giving up on social ties is of no use if the aspirant doesn’t love God and country. He must love and devote himself to God and the country in order to worship and protect.
5. One must also give up his clothes. At most, they can wear a saffron cloth, that too must not cover the entire body. However, Sadhvis must cover their body with a yellow cloth which must not be removed even while bathing.
6. A Naga Sadhu cannot also adorn his body with worldly things. He can only rub his body with ashes and wear Rudraksha beads.
7. What do they eat? Only one meal a day, that too earned out of begging.
8. They can also not use a mattress or a cot to sleep on. They must lay on Mother Earth, and can only cover the floor with a piece of cloth to sleep on.
9. The most difficult and torturous part, though, is when the Naga must stand empty stomach for 24 hours under the Akhada flag. During this, a dand is kept on his shoulders and water pots in his hands. This is aimed at weakening his phallus and destroying his sex drive. Then the phallus is beaten slowly with Vedic mantras to make it completely inactive.
10. Once the aspirant is able to survive all of these, the Gurus who constantly observe their penance, give them permission to become a Naga. This permission is called Diksha.

Their Designations

The Nagas operate at a well-organised and structured level within the Akaharas, with each designation having its set of responsibilities. The aspirant yearning to be a Naga Sadhu, must train well under the designated guru’s guidance first. These senior Sadhus ensure proper transmission of spiritual knowledge onto the younger ones before their entry into the Akhara. Above these Gurus are the Mahants who are responsible for overseeing the Akhara’s activities.

Similarly, there are Shree Mahants, Jamatiya Mahant, Thanapati Mahant, Peer Mahant, Digambarshree, Mahamandaleshwar and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar. As one gains more knowledge and experience, he keeps on rising in the hierarchy. This structured system reflects the discipline and organization that defines their way of life, ensuring that their ancient traditions are preserved for generations to come.

What their daily life is like

One who has given up all societal links, what else could his daily life consist of if not spirituality? Meditation and yoga form the most important aspect of their spiritual journey. Their practices involve such exercises, mastery of which could take even years.

They carry out their daily activities covered in ashes obtained from cremation grounds.

They lead a very simple life, surviving on bare minimum. Yet, they are ferocious and fearless, live in extreme climates like in the Himalayas and are completely devoted to God.

Their Role in Indian Culture

Naga Sadhus plays a very important role in Indian culture. Their ash-smeared bodies remind one of life’s impermanence. They also inspire commoners to lead a simple life of detachment, away from materialistic and worldly things. Their existence along with deep devotion and spirituality makes us pause and question what is it that truly matters.

They also play a very important role in preserving India’s traditions. During the Kumbh Mela, the largest human gathering that happens every 12 years, they are seen gathering in flocks to bathe in the Holy river. This Shahi Snan is believed to wash away all of one’s sins. It is a sight to behold with the Nagas chanting the spiritual mantras in unison and first taking the Holy dip. The remaining devotees follow them. The Nagas appear either fully naked covered in ash, or wear just a loin cloth.

Their Importance Today

Today, they hold more importance than they ever have simply because the world is most materialistically driven right now. Everyone just wants the best of everything that comes from money. Anything materialistic is the most prized possession. People see luxury as a necessity nowadays and pity those who can’t afford it. In such a fast-paced and dramatic world, the Naga Sadhus remind us that everything is temporary. Life is not permanent but connecting with God can bring inner peace. One can lead a simple life and attain what money can never buy. They may lead a very hard life and have sacrificed a lot, but at least they are self-reliant and self-sufficient. They possess the courage and fearlessness that is lacking amongst the nation today. 

Conclusion

The Naga Sadhus are not just mystic saints; they are the living super humans coexisting with us commoners. Their discipline, dedication and devotion serve as an inspiration to many. Their way of living may seem uncanny to many, but their existence is a reminder to pause and reflect. In this fast-paced world, we need these Naga Sadhus to remind us of the importance of discipline, and simple living.

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