Mahamandeleshwar Avdeshnandji of Juna Akhara blesses the Kotwals and reads out chants to begin the proceeding of initiation of renunciation from the material world â€“ a Sanatan Dharm ritual termed as â€˜Sanskarâ€™

The initiates are paired in two's and post the Guru's blessings are taken to the Ganges Bank to take a holy dip post which the Guru gives them a guru mantra and takes their choti(tuft of hair left behind in the head shave). The guru keeps this â€˜chotiâ€™ with himat all times.

The initiates undertaking 16 generations of Pind-dan, where they renounce material relationships and attachments including attachment to the self on the banks of river Ganges at the Kumbh Mela only. Post this ritual, these â€˜shishyasâ€™ (students) are called â€˜Avdhootsâ€™ (Neither Man or Woman, God Like), and can get themselves worshipped.

Women Initiates of Juna Akhara return to their camp area post the Holy Dip. Men folk are generally kept at a distance in this process.

A kotwal (administrator), helps tie the langot to a woman initiate of Juna Akhara by the Ganges.

Men initiates from Juna Akhara chant holy chants by the fire while fasting. They are given milk and water to combat their hunger pangs. These â€˜shishyasâ€™ chant the holy chants 108,000 times

Juna Akhara initiates receiving the Guru Mantra from Mahamandeleshwar Avdeshanandji.

Post the Pindan Process, the initiates undergo a ritual of being blessed with a â€˜Langotâ€™ which covers their body. Itâ€™s a single piece of cloth given by the â€˜Langotâ€™ Guru.

Women Initiates undertake the task of "Dand-kamandal" at Avahan Akahara, where they are given earthen utensil and a peepal tree branch and they are not supposed to put it on the ground for the 24 hours process of â€˜sanskarâ€™ where they are fast during this period.

A Young boy donated to the faith decorated in Garlands heads for the Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) perched on his guruâ€™s shoulders. This completes the â€˜sanskarâ€™ process of renunciation from the material world and spreading the Faith.

Sanskaar : Rite of Passage

Rituals of Renunciation to become an Ascetic per Sanatan Dharma in Hinduism.

Sanatan Faith or Hinduism talks about renunciation as one of the 4 stages in a human being's life.
The fourth stage is that of 'Sanyaas' (Renunciation) and this is a ritualistic process termed as 'Sanyaas'

While the reasons of renouncing the material and personal and many, most of these renouncers are called 'Udhasheen' - a term that signifies rejection of the worldly ways.

Wherever each one's spiritual journey takes him/her, it is said one often achieves the goals with which he renounces the material world.

The ritualistic Process that lasts around 24 hours turns a religious follower into a renunciate via this set of ritualistic ceremonies thereby becoming a sadhu (ascetic)

Photo Feature Essays

Kumbh Mela : The Largest Gathering of Faith

Currently in Agra (Uttar Pradesh), India

Base: New Delhi & Agra, India

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