Spiritual Travel

Deep dive into a sacred realm

Published

6 months ago

February 2, 2025

Categorisation of akharas

The akhara system (see graphic) initially founded with four akharas, grew into 13 by and by. All of them are classified in three major categories — Shaiva, Vaishnava and Udasin.

The Shaiva Akharas comprise the Mahanirvana, Atal, Niranjani, Anand, Juna, Avahan, and Agni sects. The Vaishnava Akharas have Digambara, Nirmohi and Nirvani sects, while the Udasin Akharas comprise Bada Akhara and Naya Akhara. The Nirmal Akhara, which was established on the virtues propagated by Guru Gobind Singh, comes under the Udasin group. All akharas are identified by their flags and dress code.

Akhara Parishad and hierarchy

The first Kumbh in independent India was held in 1954. On Mauni Amavasya that year, an unprecedented crowd descended on the Sangam leading to a stampede that claimed 800 lives and left 2,000 injured. After a probe into the incident, the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) was formed. Since then, it has been playing an important role in organising the Kumbh Mela. The ABAP includes representatives of all 13 akharas and serves as the apex body of monastic orders. It takes important decisions on the Kumbh and addresses matters related to monastic orders. It also solves disputes (if any) among the akharas.

Vedic scholars attribute the origins of akharas and their way of life to the Sannyasa Upanishads, which focus on renunciation, monastic practice and asceticism. Within each akhara, sadhus are graded into four classes based on their spiritual progress: Kutichak, Bahudak, Hansa and Paramhansa. A Kutichali is a seer living in a forest hut, surviving on unasked alms. A Bahudah is a wandering sadhu collecting alms in kind. Both bear the tridandi title, symbolising control over speech, thought and action.

H S Bhakuni, a faculty member at the department of history, MB Govt PG College in Uttarakhand, says in his paper titled Akhara System in Kumbh Mela that an ascetic is acknowledged after a religious practice of at least 12 years. There is no minimum age for renunciation, and even children could be appointed as ‘mahant’. The paper was published in the International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research.

The Akhara hierarchy includes a spiritual head (Mahamandaleshwar) and administrative units. Ranks include Mandaleshwars, Mahants, Karbaris and others. The administrative body, ‘panch’, comprises five persons, with a president called Sabhapati. Each akhara has its own Naga sadhus and Hatha Yogis.

Naga tradition

The term Naga refers to the practice of renouncing material possessions, including attire, symbolising detachment from worldly life. Draped in ash from head to toe, adorned with intricately braided locks, kohl-lined eyes, many embodying their deity Lord Shiva in all his glory carrying tridents, damrus, and kamandals, Naga sadhus are steeped in mystery.

They trace their roots to ancient India, when ascetics were also warriors entrusted with protection of temples and sacred sites from invaders. Their martial tradition is said to have been formalised by Adi Shankaracharya.

The initiation process is rigorous and can take years for one to become a Naga sadhu. After renouncing worldly pursuits, the aspirant is required to undergo an intense spiritual and physical training under a guru. The training includes meditation, yogic practices, studies of scriptures and martial arts.

Naga sadhus are known for their austere practices, such as meditating in extreme weather conditions, performing penance in caves, forests and secluded places and living a life of celibacy. In their Digambar (unclothed) attire, Naga sadhus undergo a detailed 21-step adornment process to sanctify their body, mind, and spirit while taking the first dip in the Kumbh.

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Related Topics:maha kumbh prayagraj Samudra Manthan

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Spiritual Travel

Shiva Tribe Debuts in Gurgaon’s Tikli-Raiseena: IMPC’s Bold Step to Merge Spirituality, Rural Tourism, and Modern Family Wellness

Published

6 hours ago

August 4, 2025

ANI

VMPL

New Delhi [India], August 4: In the lush rural landscape of Tikli-Raiseena near Gurgaon, a new chapter in India’s spiritual and rural tourism ecosystem quietly unfolded. The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC) launched its ambitious spiritual wellness initiative–Shiva Tribe–an experience-driven, immersive space designed to reconnect Gen Z and modern families with India’s timeless spiritual roots.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of Haryana’s Aravalli fringes, Shiva Tribe is more than a mandir–it is a curated journey of self-discovery, holistic wellness, and cultural revival, seamlessly merging ancient wisdom with modern aspirations. The inaugural three-day Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav was held in July, graced by spiritual luminaries including Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj, Pujya Shri Dayanand Ji Maharaj, and dignitaries such as Haryana’s former Minister Shri Om Prakash Dhankar. Business leaders, rural development advocates, and spiritual patrons attended in significant numbers–signaling a rising interest in faith-based tourism models.

Spiritual Tourism: India’s Growing Wellness Sector

India’s spiritual tourism market is undergoing a silent revolution. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the wellness and spiritual tourism segment is projected to reach USD 30 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of over 10%. With over 330 million domestic religious tourists recorded annually and rising international interest in authentic Indian experiences, initiatives like Shiva Tribe have the potential to create high-value, low-impact tourism models in rural belts–generating employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and revitalizing local economies.

“In today’s fragmented lifestyle, families are searching for meaningful escapes–not just vacations. Shiva Tribe is that sacred pause–a place to reconnect, reflect, and realign, together,” said Dr. Preet Sandhuu, mentor of the project and a key voice in India’s contemporary spiritual movement.

A New Blueprint: Spirituality Meets Community Living

Unlike traditional spiritual centers, Shiva Tribe offers a complete spiritual-eco retreat–including weekend live devotional music by its in-house ‘Shiva Tribe Band’, yoga sessions, mantra-infused meditations, Vedic rituals, and stay facilities for families. It’s a full-circle experience designed to inspire urban youth and families alike to step into a more conscious, value-driven lifestyle.

“Here, spirituality is not a sermon–it’s an experience,” said Shri MP Singh, project visionary and founder of ShivaTribe. “We want to build a network of such community-driven centers across rural India, using temple heritage as a catalyst for rural rejuvenation and youth engagement.”

Rural Regeneration Through Faith

The Tikli model aligns with India’s rural tourism policy goals by transforming underexplored rural regions into mindful tourism destinations. With over 60% of India’s population residing in villages, initiatives like this leverage India’s spiritual capital to promote rural entrepreneurship, handicrafts, organic farming, and ecotourism–creating a sustainable rural economy rooted in culture and community.

IMPC’s Broader Mission

The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC), known for initiatives like the Mahasangam Yatra, Trisul Yatra and Shiv-Shakti Kendras, is rapidly becoming a bridge between India’s ancient temple traditions and its digital future. Its work focuses on temple modernization, spiritual leadership development, and community revival–backed by collaborations with scholars, saints, and civic leaders.

By anchoring the Shiva Tribe initiative in Tikli, IMPC demonstrates how faith-based community models can attract tourism, foster economic inclusion, and support national goals like ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Digital Bharat’.

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