In a historic shift, the Vaishnava Digambar Ani Akhara has abandoned its 550-year-old tradition of lifetime appointments and introduced a democratic structure for electing its office bearers. For the first time, all key positions within the Akhara will now be decided through elections, with a fixed tenure of 12 years.
Previously, office bearers, including the President, General Secretary, and other key officials, held their positions for life. A new member would be appointed only upon the death or resignation of an existing office bearer. While the Ani Nirvani and Nirmohi Akharas already had a 12-year election cycle for management, Digambar Ani Akhara had continued with its age-old system until now.
National Vice President Srimahant Madhav Das Mouni Baba announced that, for the first time, elections were held for the posts of President, Vice President, two ministers, Treasurer, and Mahant. Vaishnav Das from Ayodhya was elected as the National President, while Balram Das from Ujjain became the General Secretary. Other elected members include Minister Janaki Das (Faridabad) and Priest Sitaram Das (Chhattisgarh). The newly elected office bearers will serve until the next Prayagraj Kumbh, when fresh elections will be conducted.
Established in 1475 by Swami Balanandacharya, Digambar Ani Akhara follows unique traditions. Its religious flag incorporates five colors-red, yellow, green, white, and black-representing different sects. Saints and Mahants of the Akhara worship Lord Ram and Krishna, while Hanumanji Maharaj is regarded as the patron deity. Unlike other sects, saints in this Akhara wear white clothes and apply the Tripund mark.
Massive Influence and Wealth
Digambar Ani Akhara is the largest among the Ani Akharas, with six key centers in Ayodhya, Puri, Nashik, Chitrakoot, Ujjain, and Vrindavan. The Akhara commands a significant following, with lakhs of sadhus and mahatmas associated with it and crores of devotees across the country. The institution owns numerous monasteries, temples, and large tracts of cultivable land, making its assets worth billions.
The adoption of a democratic framework marks a significant transformation for the Akhara, aligning it with modern governance practices while maintaining its deep-rooted spiritual traditions.
