Mahanirvani Akhara
Mahanirvani Akhara or Shri Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani (श्री पंचायती अखाड़ा महानिर्वाणी in Sanskrit and Hindi) is a Shaivite shastradhari (spiritual script bearer) Akhada. It is one of the three major (of seven total) shastradhari akhadas in Hindu tradition.
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Introduction
Although according to tradition the heritage of Mahanirvani Akhada is ten thousand years old, it was formally organized in 748 CE.[1][2]
In that year, a group of seven sadhus of Atal Akhada performed tapas (intense spiritual disciplines) at a place called Gangasagar. They were graced with the darshan (divine vision) of saint Kapila Mahamuni. With his blessings, they revived the naga tradition with an official name – Mahanirvani Akhada – near Neel Dhara in Haridwar. Even today, the chief deity (upaasyadev) of the Mahanirvani Akhada is the legendary saint Kapila Mahamuni.
It was formally organized by Adi Shankaracharya[3] during his lifetime.
In 2013 during Prayag Kumbh Mela Swami Nithyananda was conferred the title of 'Mahamandaleshwar' in presence of representatives of all the 13 akharas.[4][5]
References
- "History – Maha Nirvani Akhada". USA Kumbh mela.
- A history of Dasnami Naga Sanyasis http://dspace.wbpublibnet.gov.in:8080/jspui/handle/10689/9526 Jadunath Sarkar (c. 1952). A History of Dasnami Naga Sanyasis. Allahabad: Sri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani.
- What Is Hinduism?. Himalayan Academy Publications. 2007. ISBN 9781934145272.
- "Nithyananda conferred 'Mahamandaleshwar' title".
- "Paramahamsa Nithyananda: Living Incarnation".