Sādhus

Sādhus are wandering Hindu holy men whose only goal is to achieve moksha. In order to do this, they leave behind all

material attachments and live in caves, forests, and temples where they meditate and contemplate Brahman.

Hindus believe that the spiritual power of sādhus can help to erase negative

karma throughout a village. In exchange for this service, villagers will support their

local sādhu with small donations of food or gifts

which help sustain the sādhu.

Meditation is often done next to a duhni (a sacred fire).

The duhni ashes are used to cover their bodies. This ritual is a reminder that their bodies will turn to ash after they die.

Reminding themselves of this helps them to detach themselves from everything physical while meditating.

Many sādhus are also yogis.

They refrain from cutting their hair and often wear

nothing but ashes on their bodies or a small loincloth. If clothing is worn, it is usually saffron colored. This color

represents sannyasa which is the last stage of life before

reaching moksha. In this stage of life, Hindus completely

withdraw from everyday life and focus totally and

completely on achieving Moksha.

In order to become a sādhu, one must give up

all ties with worldly things. In many cases, they will attend their own funeral before leaving to begin their meditation. Under Indian law, sādhus are

dead. They are not part of the human world any

more as they have given up all human possessions. It is estimated that there

are between 4 and 5 million sādhus in the

world today.

Kumbh Mela

Every twelve years, hundreds of thousands of sādhus and millions of Hindu pilgrims meet in the city of Allahabad to

bathe in the Ganges River. The 2013 Kumbh Mela lasted 55 days and was the largest gathering in human history with an

estimated 100 million attendees.

Ganges River

Yamuna River

Sarasvati River

Allahabad is located at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers in northern India. Hindus believe that a mystical

river of enlightenment (the Sarasvati) also converges here.

The convergence of these three rivers is one of four locations where Hindus believe that Lord Vishnu dropped a drop of the

nectar of immortality during a battle between the Gods.

Bathing in the river during the festival is believed by many to guarantee their soul’s release from the cycle of rebirth.

This promise of achieving Moksha makes it an extremely joyous occasion for the millions attendees.

In addition to bathing, other religious rituals are practiced.

Temporary bridges are placed across the Ganges to accommodate the massive crowds.

When the festival finishes, the sādhus wander off again and the pilgrims joyfully return to their homes with the knowledge

that their souls will be released from samsara.