During the ongoing Maha Kumbh, more than 7,000 women have taken sanyas initiation in various akharas, pledging to uphold and protect Sanatan Dharma, according to a statement released by the Uttar Pradesh government.
A significant number of these initiations have taken place under the leadership of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri of Juna Akhara, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Arun Giri of Shri Panchdashnam Awahan Akhara, and other prominent Vaishnav saints.
Dr. Devya Giri, president of Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, revealed that 246 women were initiated as Naga Sanyasinis during this Maha Kumbh, an increase from the 210 initiations recorded in the 2019 Kumbh Mela. She also noted that many of the newly initiated women are highly educated.
Ipsita Holkar, a research student from Delhi University conducting a study on youth participation in Maha Kumbh, stated that surveys at various entry gates showed that out of every ten visitors to the festival, four were women.
The sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati at the Maha Kumbh hosts a diverse array of sadhu camps, drawing significant attention from devotees. Among these camps is a unique gathering of saints from various foreign countries who have embraced Sanatan Dharma and dedicated themselves to spreading its teachings globally.
This international contingent includes doctors, engineers, and teachers from nations such as Japan, France, the United States, Russia, and Israel. One such influential figure is Sai Maa, who was born into a Hindu Brahmin family in Mauritius. She has committed her life to promoting Sanatan Dharma and holds the distinction of being the first woman in the 2,700-year-old Vishnuswami lineage to receive the title of Jagadguru.
Sai Maa has established an ashram in Varanasi and spiritual centers in the USA, Japan, Canada, Europe, Israel, and South America. Holding a PhD in spirituality, she has inspired numerous disciples to dedicate themselves to lifelong sadhana and service.
Currently, more than 100 foreigners are residing in her camp at Maha Kumbh, actively participating in the 45-day Kalpavas in adherence to Sanatan traditions. Remarkably, this camp includes 12 Mahamandaleshwars, all of whom are foreigners with backgrounds in various professional fields.
Among them, Mahamandaleshwar Mahant Swami Parmeshwar Das Maharaj serves as a spiritual advisor and has worked closely with Sai Maa for three decades. Holding a PhD in psychology, he has published six books and conducts training sessions worldwide.
Mahamandaleshwar Mahant 108 Shri Devi Maa Chilika, inspired by Sai Maa’s teachings, is the founder of America’s first spiritual school, Vidalinada. She spreads the message of Sanatan Dharma among Spanish-speaking communities through online programs, workshops, and pilgrimages to India.
Mahamandaleshwar Mahant Triveni Das Maharaj serves as the Managing Director of Sai Maa’s global organization, MAA, based in Florida. Similarly, Mahamandaleshwar Mahant Jayendra Das Maharaj manages an ashram in France, where he teaches Vedic wisdom through Tai Chi workshops and transformational sessions.
Lalita Shri Maa, based in Colorado, USA, is a healer and spiritual guide with over two decades of expertise in self-discipline and trauma healing. Meanwhile, Mahamandaleshwar Mahant Rajeshwari Maa, based in Tokyo, Japan, leads the Jagadguru Sai Maa community and works as a transformational teacher and energy healer.
Jeevan Das Maharaj, another Mahamandaleshwar, is a licensed psychotherapist and spiritual coach based in Florida.
Reflecting on his spiritual journey, Triveni Das Maharaj shared that he once focused solely on his career but, after meeting Sai Maa, realized he could serve humanity in a greater way. “For the past 23 years, I have devoted my life to this path, and I have found immense joy in it,” he said.
Swami Parmeshwar Das Maharaj, who oversees the US Ashram, recalled how he once lived in ignorance but, after earning his PhD, chose to dedicate himself to Sanatan Dharma.
Jayant Das Maharaj of France, once an engineer, left his career behind to follow the Sanatan path, ultimately becoming a Mahamandaleshwar. Similarly, Rajeshwari Maa of Japan transitioned from being a teacher to embracing spirituality.
Acharya Dayanand Das, who manages the Israel Ashram, was initially a yoga instructor but, influenced by the philosophy of yoga, chose to dedicate his life to spreading Sanatan Dharma after taking sanyas.
These foreign Mahamandaleshwars stand as a testament to the global reach of Sanatan Dharma, carrying its teachings to different parts of the world and integrating their spiritual wisdom into diverse communities.
