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.

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

1. "History – Maha Nirvani Akhada". USA Kumbh mela.
2. 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.
3. What Is Hinduism?. Himalayan Academy Publications. 2007. ISBN 9781934145272.
4. "Nithyananda conferred 'Mahamandaleshwar' title".
5. "Paramahamsa Nithyananda: Living Incarnation".