Haridwar: 'Naga sadhus', the moment the term is heard one has pictures of naked sadhus come alive in his/her mind. Most of us, however, would not know much about them and just has certain images of them stored in our hearts and minds.
Nagas, who are an integral part of 'Sanatana Dharma' (eternal order), were prepared by Adi Shankaracharya, who established various 'akharas' and trained young Naga sadhus in using weapons such as sword, spear, axe and 'khukuri' (a curved steel knife with a razor-sharp edge) to defend 'dharma' and the nation.
Therefore, as a part of their tradition, they are generally trained in using all sorts of weapons. In these modern times too, the Nagas are trained to handle and use the modern weapons "to defend dharma and the country".
Adi Shankaracharya, who was against superstitions and scriptural misinterpretations, prepared a team of young sadhus, who would defend the 'Sanatana Dharma', and trained them in using all available weapons to oppose who were destroying the essence of Sanatana Dharma.
The Naga sadhus could be seen displaying their expertise in dealing with all kinds of weapons during a Kumbh Mela, which is a major pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism and celebrated in a cycle of approximately 12 years at four river-bank pilgrimage sites -- Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.
It's believed that Nagas would fight till their last breath to defend the dharma and the country, and people those who follow the path are known as Naga Sadhus. The hermit, who is fully trained in using the weapons, would always fight with bravery for the cause without worrying about his own life.
This tradition has been there since ancient times.
READ: Uttarakhand: Chamoli district admn decides to conserve yaks
Ravinder Puri of Mahanirvani Akhara says that India was under the influence of the 'Bodh tantric' and it was Adi Shankaracharya who came forward and prepared the sadhus, which later got famous as Nagas, against the practice.
Puri says that they have made a number of sacrifices at various occasions.
India is a democratic country hence there is no need to use arms but Nagas fought invaders when they attacked temples or tried to misbehave with Hindu women, he said, adding that they have sacrificed a lot for dharma and the nation, which is recorded in the history of India.
Apart from the Nagas, the Sikhs also have this tradition of being trained to use weapons. Guru Govind taught them to use weapons to fight to save dharma of 'Khalsa'.
Kothari Mahant of Panchayati Nirmal Akhara Jasvinder Singh says the life of great men inspires society and brings it to the way of truth.
Dharma could be either saved through shastra or shastra, he said.
Shastra and shastra are co-related but saints say that first shastra should be used and one does not understand then only comes the use of Shastra.
Jasvinder Singh says that shastra should be learnt otherwise if one just has knowledge of Shaastr untoward incident would bound to happen. That's why we learn about both.
Shastra is also a means to bring people on the path of dharma, he opined.
Sikhs like Nagas worship their weapons. Nagas have been worshipping their weapons for over 2500 years and follow the tradition even today.
'Surya Prakash' and 'Bhairav Prakash' spears are worshipped as 'Dev' (God).
During Kumbh Melas, these spears are allowed to take a holy dip before all others. Following them, other Nagas of different akharas go for the holy dip.
READ: 13-year-old green urges PM to protect Shivalik Reserve
Akharas that have sadhus trained to handle and use weapons given importance during Kumbh Melas, he said, adding that Juna Akhara is considered the most significant followed by Niranjani, Mahanirvan, Atal, Aavhan, Anand, Panchagri, Nagpanthi Gaurakhnath, Vaishnav, Udasin, Nimal Panchayati and Nirmohi Akharas.
Initially, there were only four akharas but later, due to differences among them, the number has gone up to 13.
All these have their own heads and laws and their majesty is something worth to see during the Kumbh Melas.
There are four kinds of Naga sadhus - Rajrajeshwari, Barfhani, Khooni, Khichdiya Naga sadhus.
Naga sadhus, who get inducted in the group in Haridwar are known as Barfani sadhus. The ones who join the group in Ujjain are Khooni Naga sadhus and who get inducted in the group in Nasik are known as Khidiya Naga sadhus.
Naga sadhus living in Haridwar are known as Barfani sadhus because there is snow in the area. They are believed to be of peaceful nature Nagas of Allahbad behave like kings and that why they are known as Rajrajeshwari. Sadhus from Ujjain are hot-tempered
Hence, they are known as Khooni Nagas. Whereas Nagas from Nasik, who take 'Khichdi' as 'prasad' (offering), are known as Khichdiyas.
READ: Uttarakhand govt revokes Har ki Pairi's escape channel status
