Shree Shambu Panch Dashnam Avahan Akhada

Shree Shambu Panch Dashnam Avahan Akhada, a photo by firoze shakir photographerno1 on Flickr.

The AKHADA is an armed outfit of the Sampradayas. Avahan Akhada was the first one to come into existence in 547 AD.

There are 14 Akhadas recognised by the Akhil Bhartiya Akhada Parishad.
13 of them participate in the Kumbha Melas (Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain & Nashik).
Shaiva Sampraday8 Akhadas AVAHAN, ATAL, ANAND, NIRANJANI, MAHA-NIRVANI, AGNI, JUNA, GUDAD
Vaishnav Sampraday3 Akhadas NIRMOHI, DIGAMBAR, NIRVANI
Udasin Sampraday2 Akhadas BADA UDASIN, NAYA UDASIN
Nirmal Sampraday1 Akhada NIRMAL

The word “Akhada”, according to one historical version is originated from Sanskrit word “Akhanda” (constant / continuous / undivided). Its usage started from the need to maintain continuous vigil against the adversaries by the group / outfit of armed Sadhus and Sants specially established to protect their own faith and traditions. Small section / wing of the Akhada is called ANI or KHALSA.

Foreign aggressions as well as intra-sampraday differences caused growth of the Akhadas (6th century onwards). Over the years, these Akhadas have grown up into an institution like the Mutts and they are managed and run by the office-bearers like Shri Mahant, Mukhya Mahants, Sthaniya Mahant (Thanapati), Sachiv, Adhikari, Karbaris, Kothari, Pujari, etc. The members of the Akhadas practice ‘Bramhacharya’ and ‘Virakti’ and they propagate their faith to instill moral, cultural and spiritual values in the society.

Shahi Snan Procession during Kumbha
Nashik Kumbha
At Nashik, the procession for Shahi Snan of Vaishnava Sect Akhadas is led by the Nirmohi Akhada. The Digambar Akhada stays in the middle and Nirvani Akhada remains in the back side. Other small Akhadas of Vaishnava Sect join these three major Akhadas as per their old customs. On return journey, Nirvani leads and Nirmohi remains on the back side.

At Tryambakeshwar, the composition of Shaiva/Sanyasi, Udasin and Nirmal Sampradaya Akhadas in the 3 separate processions is as follows : (1) Juna Akhada, Avahan Akhada, Agni Akhada, Anand Akhada and Niranjani Akhada. (2) Maha-Nirvani Akhada and Atal Akhada and (3) Bada Udasin Akhada, Naya Udasin Akhada and Nirmal Akhada.

Violence during Shashi Snan in 1790 AD and 1872 AD and ban on Nashik Kumbha from 1872 to 1932
It may be mentioned that in 1790 AD, hundreds of Sadhus were killed at Nashik Kumbha (then held near the present site of Gangapur dam) following a quarrel between Sadhus of Shaiva and Vaishnva Sects over the issue of leading Shahi Snan procession and differences over observing their traditional customs and privileges. The Peshwa had intervened and shifted the Nashik Kumbha site to Tryambakeshwar for Shaivas and to Nashik for Vaishnavas to segregate Akhadas of these 2 major sects. Tryambakeshwar is 28 kms from Nashik. The recurrence of violent incident at Tryambakeshwar over their traditions and customs had also led to a ban on holding any congregation at Tryambakeshwar from 1872 to 1932.