Maha Kumbh 2025 | Here's how Naga Sadhus defended the timeless tradition

The 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious events of the world began on Monday and will culminate on February 26 with crores of devotees taking a dip into the sacred waters of Sangam - the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

Spread across four thousand hectares of land and divided into 25 sectors, this year's Maha Kumbh is considered to be very auspicious as, according to the astrologers, there is going to be a rare celestial alignment happening after 144 years.

The Naga Sadhu's were a captivating sight with displays of spiritual fervor to martial artistry, discipline, and mastery over traditional weaponry, among the throngs of devotees. Smeared in ashes they skillfully wielded spears and swords, and played the Damru.

Members of various akharas or monastic orders, Naga Sadhus have dedicated their lives to spiritual enlightenment. Their distinctive appearance is marked by their naked bodies, covered in ash which symbolises their renunciation of worldly possessions and desires.

According to the report by The Daily Guardian the heritage of the Naga Sadhu's can be traced through ancient artifacts, including coins and paintings discovered at Mohenjo-Daro, where Naga Sadhus are depicted worshiping Lord Shiva in his Pashupatinath form.

The Naga Sadhus play a pivotal role at the Maha Kumbh, they are seen leading the sacred procession, particularly during the Shahi Snan or royal bath where they take a dip in the holy river to purify themselves.

The Kumbh has faced attacks and exploitation over the years, from Mughal rulers to the British.

According to a report by Times Now, Abdali a tyrant tried to desecrate sacred cities like Gokul and Vrindava and no rulers dared to face Abdali's forces. It is believed that the Naga Sadhus descended from their Himalayan retreats to challenge his army. When Ahmed Khan Bangash beleaguered the Allahabad Fort during the Kumbh thousands of Naga Sadhus took up arms and fought fiercely against Bangash's forces. The battle has been recorded by the 1791 Gazetter. The battle raged for three months, ultimately forcing Bangash to retreat.

Another example when Naga Sadhu's bore arms to defend the Kumbh was when in 1666 Aurangzeb's forces attacked Haridwar when the Kumbh was under way.

During the British era, the magnitude of the Kumbh made them skeptical of the potential for it to spark an uprising, especially after the 1857 revolt. In order to prevent any untoward incident strict surveillance and restrictions on pilgrims were imposed.

However on realising the revenue potential of the Kumbh, the British began to levy taxes on the pilgrims. In 1796 the first official report on the Haridwar Kumbh was prepared by Major General Hardwick. When the crowds did not dwindle inspite of the harships, British saw the Kumbh as a lucrative iniciative and by 1810, they officiallt started collecting taxes under the Regulating Act.

A R Reed's 1882 report on the Prayagraj Kumbh states that the mela cost Rs 20,228—amounts that would be millions of rupees today. Taxes on barbers, gardeners, boatmen, and sellers brought in money. In order to increase their revenue and advance their rule, the British acquired control of Kumbh's administration by 1870.

Post independence the first Kumbh was held in 1945. The Maha Kumbh that is underway is being held after 12 years, though seers claim the celestial permutations and combinations for the event are taking place after 144 years, making the occasion even more auspicious.