After Allahabad Kumbh, Juna Akhara peshwai comes to Varanasi

VARANASI: The Peshwai of Panch Das Naam Juna Akhara was carried out in Varanasi after their deity’s idol Lord Dattatreya reached the city from Kumbh in Allahabad on Wednesday.

Hundreds of Naga sadhus gathered for the procession. Though Naga sadhus had already started thronging Ganga ghats after third Shahi Snan at Kumbh, the idol of Juna Akhara’s presiding deity reached its ‘chhavani’ in Kamaksha area on Wednesday morning.

Peshwai was carried out from the chhavani to the Akhara’s main Math at Hanuman Ghat. Apart from Sri Mahant Prem Giri other mahamandaleshwars, mahants and sadhus participated in the colourful procession.

“As per the tradition of Juna Akhara, all Naga sadhus associated with it start gathering in Kashi after attending Kumbh fair. Their arrival in the city starts after third Shahi Snan but the Peshwai procession is carried out when idol of Lord Dattatreya reaches here,” said Swami Avimuktanand Giri of Juna Akhara.

While majority of Naga sadhus prefer to stay at ghat steps and platform along river Ganga installing their tents, their main Bhandara takes place at Hanuman Ghat Math. Seer Avimuktanand said, “Main celebration of Naga sadhus takes place here on the occasion of Mahashivratri. As per the timing fixed by the local administration, Juna Akhada carries out a grand procession of Naga sadhus in the presence of Sri Mahant, mahamandaleshwar and other mahants from Hanuman Ghat Math to reach Kashi Vishwanath temple for ‘Shahi Darshan’.”