Sadhus & Saints of Kumbh: Meet These Unique Characters at the Mela

One of them has been standing and meditating since the last 12 years!

The different sadhus at the Quint

(Photo: The Quint) 

Video Editor: Ashutosh Bharadwaj

The Ardh Kumbh Mela is in full swing at Prayagraj, the heart of devotion. When we think of the Kumbh what is the first thing that comes to our minds? The conflux of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, Shahi Snan and sadhus, ie, the Naga sadhus. Today, I'll introduce you to a few such unique Naga sadhus of whom you have only heard.

We used to study in an ashram. It was an ashram for asceticism. I liked the facilities there. Found some spiritual companions. Gained some knowledge. I attained sainthood there.

Savan Bharti, Naga Sadhu

Sadhus and saints from different parts of the country have come together to celebrate Kumbh. These sadhus have unique lifestyles and colourful personalities.

The Sadhu Who’s Been Standing & Meditating Since 12 Years

Digambar Harvan Sigri is a sadhu whose meditation started around 12 years ago, and who will only sit after the Kumbh Mela in 2022.

This sadhu has been standing and meditating for 12 years. (Photo: The Quint)

Where have you come from?

“I am from Rajasthan. I am standing so that dharma prevails and adharma is banished. For the good of the world, sadhus meditate for years. I will keep standing till Kumbh 2022.”

Rudraksha Baba

Chetan Giri, a Naga sadhu, claims that he owns 7,500 Rudraksha beads.

This baba owns 7,500 Rudraksha beads.(Photo: The Quint)

For how many years have you been meditating?

“I have been meditating for 42 years. I am 53 years old. I left my house when I was 11.”

Do the Rudraksha you are wearing have any special significance?

“The special significance is that when Lord Shankar cried during the time of Sati, from his tears the beads of Rudraksha were formed. Wearing this will give you unflinching devotion.”

The Sadhu Who’s Been Meditating for the Last 50 Years

After him, we met Baba Amar Bharti, whose meditation will leave you awestruck. His meditation is called ‘Urg Bahu.’ He is 70 years old and has been meditating since the last 50 years.

This baba has been meditating for 50 years now. (Photo: The Quint)

“In my aarti, I have a special prayer for this. People meditated even in Satyug in Dwapar, Treta and now in Kalyug. I offer evening aarti. I offer morning aarti. This isn’t my meditation alone. It is a tradition that I have been carrying forward.”

Amar Bharti, Sadhu