How Does One Become a Naga Sannyasi? Where Do They Come From? What Is the Mystery?

During the initiation of a Naga, two types of Naga ascetics are prepared. One is the Digambara Naga Sannyasi, and the other is the Shridigambara Naga Sannyasi. The Digambara Naga Sannyasis wear no clothing except for a loincloth, whereas those initiated as Shridigambara Naga Sannyasis remain completely naked. Becoming a Shridigambara Naga Sannyasi is the most arduous path.

The grand Maha Kumbh Mela is about to commence in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This year, more than 400 million people are expected to gather at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Alongside the devotees, ascetics have already started arriving in Prayagraj, and the Kumbh Mela is considered incomplete without the Naga Sannyasis. There is no end to the curiosity surrounding these Naga Sannyasis. When does an ascetic become a Naga Sannyasi, and when did this tradition begin?

The Prominence of Naga Sannyasis at the Kumbh

During the Kumbh, the Naga Sannyasis perform the Amrit Snan (nectar bath) at various Akharas (monastic orders). Here, female Naga ascetics wear saffron robes, unlike male Naga ascetics, who are never naked in public. Male Naga Sannyasis grow long hair, whereas the female Naga Sannyasis shave their heads and strictly follow celibacy. The Kumbh also witnesses the gathering of female ascetics from India and abroad.

According to Mahant Divya Giri, a female ascetic at the Kumbh, there is a rich tradition of female Naga Sannyasis. Earlier, female Naga ascetics were part of the Juna Akhara, but now they have formed a separate branch. The rules for female Naga Sannyasis are just as stringent as those for their male counterparts. As always, all Nagas will participate in the Amrit Snan, which is considered the most significant attraction of the Kumbh.

The Austerity of Divya Naga Sannyasis

The Divya Naga Sannyasis elevate their lives through rigorous penance. Their identity lies in the ashes of cremated bodies smeared on their skin and a strip of saffron cloth. Additionally, their foreheads bear the Tripundra (three horizontal lines of sacred ash), they wear Rudraksha beads around their necks, and carry a trishul (trident) in their hands, signifying their presence.

Most Naga Sannyasis are devotees of Shiva and Shakti, whose practices begin where worldly ties end. One by one, they renounce their families, relatives, and all worldly luxuries to earn the title of Naga. It is a life bound by extreme discipline.

When Did the Naga Tradition Begin?

At the Kumbh, Thanapati Ghananand Giri of the Juna Akhara explains that only those who receive the title of Naga from the saintly community and Shankaracharya can remain Naga. This means that while the Digambara Nagas step forward to propagate dharma when the time arises, the Shridigambara Nagas remain unclothed at all times. But what is the purpose of the life of an ascetic who performs his own funeral rites while alive?

Though the mention of Naga ascetics as warriors in books may be sparse, history bears witness to their role in defending dharma. When all other efforts to protect religion failed, Naga ascetics not only wielded weapons but also sacrificed their lives—or took the lives of others—to safeguard the faith. To preserve Sanatana Dharma, Naga ascetics have fought in many significant battles.

Historically, it is noted that in the 8th century, when the beliefs and temples of Sanatana Dharma were being systematically destroyed, Adi Guru Shankaracharya established four monasteries. He took upon himself the responsibility of preserving Sanatana Dharma. At that time, Adi Shankaracharya realized that sacred texts alone were insufficient to protect the tradition; weapons were also necessary. Thus, he initiated the Akhara system, where ascetics who died in the cause of protecting dharma began receiving training. The Naga ascetics are regarded as the guardians of dharma within these Akharas.

Naga Sadhus Are Called Protectors of Dharma

The Naga Sadhus have rendered their lives exceedingly austere to walk the path of protecting dharma, enabling them to face adversities effortlessly and tackle challenges with resolve. For how can one safeguard dharma if one does not endure struggles in life?

It is also said that in the 18th century, when the Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Abdali set out to conquer India, his barbarity caused such widespread bloodshed that history still refers to him as a beast. When he seized spiritual cities like Gokul and Vrindavan and unleashed his atrocities, even kings lacked the power to confront him. In such a dire situation, it was the Naga Sadhus, emerging from the caves of the Himalayas, who challenged Abdali's forces.

Historical records further state that around 1751, Nawab Ahmad Khan of Bengal attacked and besieged the Allahabad Fort during the days of the Kumbh. At that time, thousands of Naga Sannyasis were bathing in the sacred waters. They first completed all religious rituals and then took up arms to attack the Bengali troops. The fierce battle raged for three months, ultimately securing the holy city of Prayagraj and forcing Ahmad Khan's forces to retreat in defeat. Across India, wherever efforts failed, the Naga Sadhus intervened and ensured success—be it through their spiritual powers, mystical practices, or even their physical bodies.

Around 1666, during the Kumbh, the army of Aurangzeb attacked Haridwar. Even then, the Naga ascetics led the fight against him. Tales of their valor surface occasionally, such as in Jodhpur, where thousands of Naga ascetics sacrificed their lives to protect dharma, or in Haridwar during the era of Timur's invasions. The Naga Sadhus have always fought fiercely for dharma while continuing their rigorous penance.

After India’s independence, however, the Naga Sadhus decided to relinquish weapons, entrusting the defense of the nation to the brave soldiers of the armed forces. Yet, even today, these ascetics are taught the use of weapons by their gurus, maintaining the tradition as a form of discipline and preparedness.

Cremation Ash Is Applied to the Body

During Naga initiation, two types of Naga ascetics are prepared: Digambara Naga Sadhus and Shridigambara Naga Sadhus. The Digambara Naga Sadhus wear no clothing except for a loincloth, while those initiated as Shridigambara remain completely naked. Becoming a Shridigambara Naga Sadhu is the most arduous path, as it requires the complete annihilation of all senses, ensuring perpetual abstinence and strict celibacy. The ascetics who remain naked smear ashes over their entire bodies for two reasons: first, ashes symbolize mortality, and second, they act as a covering, eliminating hesitation among devotees when approaching them.

Even during the Kumbh, Naga ascetics are initiated, and their names vary based on the location. In Prayagraj’s Kumbh, they are called Naga, in Ujjain Khuni Naga, in Haridwar Barfani Naga, and in Nashik Khichadiya Naga. After initiation, ascetics are assigned positions based on their preferences. These positions include Kotwal, Purohit, Bara Kotwal, Bhandari, Kothari, Bara Kothari, Mahant, and Sachiv. Among these, the position of Sachiv is considered the most significant. Nagas reside in the ashrams and temples of their Akharas, while some choose to live in mountain caves. According to the instructions of the Akhara, these ascetics travel on foot, building makeshift huts and maintaining sacred fires (Dhuni) along the way.

The ashes with which the Naga Sadhus coat themselves often come from cremated human remains, while at other times, they use the ashes from the sacred Dhuni they sit before. When traditions are not fully understood, various speculations arise due to misconceptions. One such misunderstanding revolves around the Nagas’ nudity and their connection to ascetics in the Naga community. These ascetics not only follow the traditions of the Nagas but also embody the spiritual practices upheld by this unique community.

What Is the Life of a Naga Sadhvi Like?

A question arises: why are only male Naga ascetics commonly seen, and why are there also female Naga Sadhvis? In response, Mahant Divya Giri of the Juna Akhara explains that while there are female Naga Sadhvis, including Digambar Sadhvis, societal norms and decorum prevent their public initiation as Naga Sadhvis. Due to societal constraints, female Naga Sadhvis lead solitary lives. Although women have a place in the Naga tradition, it is not made public. This is why Naga Sadhvis are not seen in public during the Kumbh. The tradition of female Akharas began at the Kumbh in 2013, and since then, Sadhvis have consistently participated in this grand festival.

Performing Their Own Last Rites

Naga Sadhu Maniraj Puri, who arrived from Haridwar for the Kumbh, recounted his journey. He left home at the age of 13 and began living in the mountains of Uttarakhand. He shared that he underwent three phases of initiation to become a complete Naga Sadhu. He further deepened his knowledge under the guidance of sages. Having completed all the rites of becoming a Naga Sadhu, he has now renounced everything for the cause of Sanatan Dharma and the welfare of humanity.

Maniraj Puri emphasized that becoming a Naga is no easy feat. The process begins with performing one’s own cremation and offering Pind Daan (funeral offerings for the soul). After going through various rigorous rituals, the final process—breaking the lingam—is the most critical. This ritual is meant to control one’s physiological functions by breaking the lingam. However, he declined to reveal details about this practice, describing it as a secret ritual that cannot be disclosed publicly.

The Sacred Bath and Renunciation

The Amrit Snan (sacred bath) at the Kumbh begins with the Naga ascetics of all Akharas. Naga Sadhus are considered the most devout because they have renounced everything in life through strict penance. Only after the Nagas complete their sacred bath do other ascetics and devotees partake in the Kumbh Snan.

After the Kumbh concludes, the Naga Sadhus purify their bodies with sacred earth and either return to their ashrams or retreat to secluded lives. They re-emerge at the next Kumbh to once again participate in the grand assembly.