‘Deeksha’ program of Shri Panchadashanam Akhara for becoming Naga Sadhu
Ujjain : Main attractions of Simhastha Parva are Sadhus- Saints following various paths of ‘sadhana’ and their ‘akharas’. Lifestyle of Sadhus-Saints and way of worshipping is different. A person has to undergo difficult process for becoming a ‘Sanyasi (hermit)’. Devotees were surprised to witness such process. Recently, 1000 people were initiated by ‘Shri. Panchadashanam Akhara’ to be ‘Sanyasis’; including 24 women. They had to go through difficult examination before getting initiated.
Treasurer Mahant Shri. Kailashgiri Maharaj of Shri. Panchadashanam Akhara said that heads were shaved off of people wishing to adopt ‘Sanyas’ at the bank of River Kshipra and ritual of ‘Pinda-daan’ was performed for all of their ancestors including own selves. After having bath in River Kshipra, their recluse life started. All ‘sanyasis’ went to the tent of ‘Akhara’ in a line. ‘Havan’ was performed for persons wishing to get initiated as hermits; amidst recitation of ‘Veda-mantras’. They were finally initiated by Peethadheeshwar Acharya Swami Shri. Shivendragiri Maharaj by giving ‘mantra’ to all of them. These ‘Sanyasis’ will also be given ‘Digambar –deeksha’; ‘Digambar’ i.e. for whom direction (Disha) is only their clothes. These people will then become Naga-sadhus and will get associated with new ‘Sanyasi Akhara’ after undergoing ‘Sanyas-deeksha’. After Simhastha, Sanyasi will take penance going to own ashram, or mountain and forests. They will spread Dharma and contribute in social welfare.
Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat