Juna Akhara expels Mahant over minor girl’s induction as Sadhvi

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Juna Akhara expels Mahant over minor girl’s induction as Sadhvi

Sunday, 12 January 2025 | Biswajeet Banerjee | Mahakumbh Nagar

In a shocking development just days before the Maha Kumbh 2025 begins, the Juna Akhara has expelled Mahant Kaushal Giri for seven years after allegations surfaced that he accepted a 13-year-old girl from Agra as “daan” (donation) and initiated her as a Sadhvi (female ascetic).

The decision was taken on Friday during a meeting of the Akhara’s top officials, held in the presence of the Ramta Panch. The girl, who had been seen in ascetic attire, was immediately sent back to her family.

The Maha Kumbh, starting on January 13 with the first holy dip on Paush Purnima, has already started drawing saints and devotees from across the country. While the Akharas have settled into their camps, creating grand and regal setups, this disturbing incident has drawn widespread attention.

According to reports, Mahant Kaushal Giri claimed that the minor girl, Rakhi, was given to him by her family as a “donation.” He initiated her as a Sadhvi and introduced her in the Akhara’s camp in religious attire.

He had planned to formally initiate her into ascetic life during the Maha Kumbh by performing rituals to dedicate her to the religious flag. Furthermore, he announced that, as per tradition, the girl would perform her own funeral rites (Pind Daan) while still alive.

Kaushal Giri had stated that the girl, now named “Sadhvi Gauri,” would completely renounce worldly life and dedicate herself to asceticism.

The incident has raised serious questions about the ethical practices of some religious traditions and the protection of minors in such settings. The leadership of the Juna Akhara acted swiftly to address the matter, expelling Kaushal Giri and ensuring the girl was returned to her family.

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