The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is witnessing the convergence of various spiritual resolutions and rigorous sadhanas. Among them, the ‘panch dhuni tapasya’, also known as ‘agni snan sadhana’, commenced with the amrit snan on Basant Panchami.

Maha Kumbh is an occasion of chanting, penance and sadhana, during which ascetics can be seen deeply immersed in their spiritual practices in every corner of Mahakumbh Nagar. A unique and intense sadhana has begun in Tapasvi Nagar on the occasion of Vasant Panchami, sparking great curiosity among devotees.

This sadhana, called ‘panch dhuni tapasya’ or ‘agni snan sadhana’, is an extraordinary practice where the sadhak (ascetic) surrounds himself with multiple circles of fire and meditates at the center. The intensity of the flames, which can scorch human skin in an instant, is multiplied several times, making this a supreme test of endurance and spiritual discipline.

There is a tradition of this ‘agni snan sadhna’ in Khalsa of Vaishnav Akhara, which is done after reaching a state of extreme sacrifice and restraint. Mahant Raghav Das of Shri Digambar Ani Akhara explains that this practice is a special sadhana of the All India Panch Terah Bhai Tyagi Khalsa of Digambar Ani Akhara, the principal akhara of Vaishnav tradition.

The sadhana follows a rigorous cycle lasting eighteen years, with practitioners enduring the extreme heat and flames for five months every year. This extended period of penance is not only a spiritual pursuit but also a test of endurance and ascetic capability. Upon successfully completing this arduous journey, the ascetic earns the revered title of ‘vairagi’.