Mahakumbh 2025 : 52 Shrines of Akharas Represent 52 Shakti Peeths: Mahant Yamunapuri Ji Maharaj
Mahakumbh Nagar (UP): Along the sacred confluence of the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, the tents of the Akharas have been set up, heralding the spiritual fervor of the Mahakumbh. On one side, devotees from across India eagerly await their turn to take a holy dip in the Triveni, while on the other, saints from the Akharas have settled in their huts, engaged in deep meditation near their sacred fires. The mere sight of these saints is considered a divine blessing by the pilgrims. But what exactly are these “shrines” or “Madhis”? Let us understand from the words of a saint.
Entering the tradition of asceticism begins with initiation in these shrines, marking the first step toward becoming a sanyasi (ascetic). These 52 Madhis of the Akharas symbolize the 52 Shakti Peeths and are intrinsically linked to the four main monasteries of India. These Madhis correspond to the four Vedas and the four Amnayas (sacred traditions) and are bound together as symbols of power and spirituality. In contemporary times, these Madhis are like battalions dedicated to the preservation and protection of Hindu dharma.
These insights were shared by Mahant Yamunapuri Ji Maharaj, secretary of Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani, during a special interview with Hindusthan Samachar. He elaborated on the role of these Madhis, stating that in earlier times, they served distinct purposes. The Akharas were originally formed for armed ascetics (Nagas) who not only mastered scriptures like the Vedas, Vedanta, and Upanishads but also took up arms to defend dharma. Sanyasis who chose the path of warfare for the protection of Sanatan Dharma were inducted into the Akharas from monasteries.
Protectors of Dharma During Foreign Invasions
Mahant Yamunapuri Ji Maharaj recounted how, during foreign invasions, Hindu society faced extreme atrocities, including the destruction of temples, monasteries, and Gurukuls, and the violation of the honor of women. In such dire circumstances, saints and ascetics had no choice but to take up arms. These Nagas protected countless temples and monasteries, earning the title of “Dharma Yoddhas” (warriors of dharma) even today.
Neglect of Saints’ Sacrifices in Post-Independence History
He lamented that even after India gained independence, the sacrifices of saints and ascetics were not documented appropriately. “Pandit Nehru handed over the task of writing history to communists, who distorted India’s glorious past. Foreign invaders were glorified, while the brave warriors who dedicated their lives to the nation were ignored,” he said. This distorted history was imposed on children, who were taught to believe it as truth. He questioned the narrative built around iconic figures like Maharaja Vikramaditya, Chhatrapati Shivaji, Rani Lakshmibai, and Tatya Tope, emphasizing that their stories have been preserved only through oral tradition.
Mahant Yamunapuri also highlighted the contribution of the saints of Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani in protecting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple from Mughal invaders.
Modern Relevance of Madhis
He explained that the system of Madhis is still functional today, serving as the foundation of Akhara hierarchy. Saints of the Madhis elect officials for various positions, with the president being the highest authority, akin to the role of a president in contemporary governance.
A Call for Spiritual Pilgrimage
Describing the Mahakumbh as a confluence of devotion, knowledge, and action, Mahant Yamunapuri urged devotees to visit with a sense of spiritual pilgrimage rather than as tourists. “Absorb the immense spiritual energy flowing here and incorporate it into your life,” he said.
The Mahakumbh is not just a gathering; it is a sacred opportunity for devotees, householders, and saints to immerse themselves in the eternal stream of bhakti (devotion).