In a groundbreaking move, 370 Dalit saints will be appointed to prestigious religious positions such as Mahamandaleshwar, Mandaleshwar, Mahant, and Peethadheeshwar in Juna Akhara during the upcoming Maha Kumbh at the Sangam.
This historic decision is part of a broader initiative to promote the protection and preservation of Sanatan Dharma, with a special focus on including saints from deprived and marginalized communities.
The list of these 370 Dalit saints has been finalized, and they will be formally anointed under the religious flag of Juna Akhara on the banks of the Sangam, in Prayagraj marking a significant step towards their active involvement in the promotion of Sanatan Dharma. Following their anointment, each will be assigned specific responsibilities to further the cause of Sanatan culture and spiritual practices.
This initiative is being led by Mahant Hari Giri, the General Secretary of the Akhara Parishad and Patron of Juna Akhara, alongside Jagadguru Mahendranand Giri, the Gujarat Peethadheeshwar of Junagadh.
Mahendranand Giri has been instrumental in this process, having already given Sanyas Diksha (spiritual initiation) to 907 people from various backgrounds, including 370 from Dalit communities. These newly initiated saints have undergone rigorous training on the purity and conduct of Sanatan Dharma, including understanding its rituals and practices.
Swami Mahendranand Giri, himself from the Dalit community, emphasized that the inclusion of Dalit saints is a crucial step in uniting all sections of society for the preservation of Sanatan Dharma. “To preserve Sanatan Dharma, we are connecting the deprived from across the world,” he said. “It is essential to involve them in this sacred cause to safeguard our spiritual heritage.”
Earlier this year, Dalit saint Kailashananda was appointed Mahamandaleshwar in the Maujgiri temple complex on the banks of the Yamuna. This marked another milestone in Juna Akhara’s efforts to empower Dalit saints within the spiritual fold. Mahendranand Giri noted that in the current era, people who believe in Sanatan Dharma, regardless of their religious or sectarian affiliations, face challenges and attacks. “In such times, it is vital to raise awareness among Sanatanis and introduce future generations to the deep-rooted significance of our ancient traditions,” he added.
In a related event, the Girinar Parikrama will begin on November 12 in Junagadh, Gujarat, and will continue until November 16. This four-day religious gathering is expected to attract lakhs of devotees from across the country.
The Parikrama of Lord Girinar is considered a spiritual pilgrimage, where devotees will offer prayers and partake in prasad offerings. Mahendranand Giri, the manager of the fair organizing committee, explained that performing the Parikrama not only brings immense spiritual merit but also fulfills all wishes of the devotees. “Girinar is a land of Lord Krishna’s leela, and people from every corner of the country will gather here to experience its divine blessings,” he said.
The upcoming events reflect Juna Akhara’s commitment to fostering unity and spiritual growth, while making significant strides in social inclusion and the promotion of Sanatan Dharma.
