The long-standing demand for a separate Amrit Snan (royal bath) for women saints at the Maha Kumbh has taken a legal turn, with Pari Akhara filing a petition in the Allahabad High Court. The petition challenges the lack of representation for women in the traditional system of akharas (religious orders), questioning why there are 13 recognized akharas exclusively for men but none dedicated to women.
Pari Akhara, which was founded in 2013 by female saint Trikal Bhavta, has been advocating for gender-specific arrangements in the Kumbh Mela. Despite receiving government support in previous Kumbhs in Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain, they were not granted permission for a separate Amrit Snan. This year, the Pari Akhara has renewed its efforts for inclusion in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh.
In the ongoing Maha Kumbh, women saints associated with Pari Akhara have been vocal about their demand. Recently, they held discussions with senior figures, including the head of Niranjani Akhara, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri, and the Chief Patron of Juna Akhara, Swami Hari Giri. However, these talks failed to yield a resolution.
Faced with opposition from the established 13 akharas, Pari Akhara turned to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, but their plea resulted in mere assurances. Left with no other option, the group filed a petition in the Allahabad High Court on January 2, urging the court to mandate separate royal bathing arrangements for women saints. The petition has created ripples within the religious community, sparking debates about gender inclusivity in the age-old tradition of Kumbh Mela.
The 13 recognized akharas in India are divided into three sects: Shaiv Sanyasi (seven akharas), Vairagi (three akharas), and Udasi (three akharas). These akharas hold immense sway over Kumbh Mela rituals and receive special government facilities. Pari Akhara, despite its efforts, has not been officially recognized by the Akhara Parishad, the apex council formed in 1954 to oversee the functioning of these orders.
Speaking on the issue, Akhara Parishad President Ravindra Puri reiterated that only the 13 established akharas are recognized. He stated, “Women saints are respected in all akharas, and many of them, including Mahamandaleshwars, are part of the existing akharas. No new akhara can be granted recognition.â€
Saint Trikal Bhavta, founder of Pari Akhara, emphasized that the fight for separate Amrit Snan is symbolic of the struggle for gender equality within religious traditions. “Thousands of women saints from India and abroad are associated with Pari Akhara and aspire to participate in a separate royal bath during the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. We have faith in the court to deliver justice,†she said.
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Jagriti Chetna Giri of Pari Akhara added, “This is a fight for the very existence of women saints in religious traditions. We are raising our voices at every level and have received assurances of support from several senior saints. We hope for an expedited hearing so women saints can achieve their rightful place in the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh.â€
The issue has ignited a larger debate about inclusivity and equality in religious practices. As the Allahabad High Court deliberates on the petition, the demand for a separate Amrit Snan for women saints has already stirred the traditional structures of the Kumbh Mela.
The court’s decision could mark a significant shift in the centuries-old customs of the world’s largest spiritual gathering.
