The 13 akhadas & sadhus
A simple guide to the 13 akhadas of the Kumbh Mela: Shaiva, Vaishnava, Udasin and Nirmal orders, where they bathe in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, and how to visit their camps respectfully.
What is an akhada?
Akhadas are traditional orders of sadhus, each with its own lineage, leaders (Mahamandaleshwars) and customs. Thirteen akhadas are recognised by the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad. At every Kumbh they lead the Amrit Snan in grand processions, and ordinary pilgrims bathe after them.
The 13 akhadas
| Tradition | Akhadas |
|---|---|
| Shaiva (Sannyasi) · 7 | Juna, Niranjani, Mahanirvani, Atal, Avahan, Anand, Agni |
| Vaishnava (Bairagi) · 3 | Nirmohi Ani, Digambar Ani, Nirvani Ani |
| Udasin · 2 | Bada Udasin, Naya Udasin |
| Nirmal · 1 | Nirmal Panchayati |
Unique to Nashik: two snan places
Nashik's Simhastha is the only Kumbh held in two towns. By long tradition the Vaishnava akhadas bathe at Ramkund in Nashik and the Shaiva akhadas at Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar, which is why the third Amrit Snan has a Nashik day and a Trimbakeshwar day.
Visiting the camps respectfully
- Dress modestly and remove footwear where asked.
- Always ask before taking photos, especially of Naga sadhus.
- Do not touch ritual objects or enter tents uninvited.
- Offerings are personal; never feel pressured to pay anyone claiming to arrange ‘special blessings’.
Sources
Kumbh Path is an independent guide with no paid listings in this article. For official rules, routes and timings, follow notices from the Kumbh Mela authority, Nashik Police and Indian Railways.