The Ascetic Warriors of India

Glimpses of the ‘Snan’ on Makar Sankranti during Maha-Kumbh Mela 2025 at Prayagraj, in Uttar Pradesh on January 14, 2025.

Satish Singh Manhas
Naga Sadhus are an enigmatic sect of ascetics within the Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions. They are deeply rooted in India’s cultural and spiritual history. Revered for their austerity, devotion, and warrior-like qualities, these mystical figures hold a unique position in the tapestry of Indian spiritual and warrior life. While their sudden and dramatic but heavy presence at events like the Kumbh Mela, Mahakumbh captures public imagination but much about their lives remains shrouded in a mystery.
A brief about their Origins and Historical Warriorhood: The Naga Sadhus trace their origins back to ancient India when spiritual traditions were intertwined with the need for martial defense. Their establishment as a militarized monastic order is often attributed to Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE), who sought to protect Hinduism from external threats and internal disintegration. Over the centuries, the Nagas evolved as defenders of dharma, often engaging in combat against invaders. During the Mughal era, they played a significant role in protecting temples, pilgrims, and sacred places from destruction. Armed with tridents, swords, and other weapons, these ascetics showcased their dual identity as spiritual seekers and fierce warriors as well. One notable incident was their resistance against the Mughal forces in the 16th and 17th centuries. Historical accounts suggest that their guerrilla tactics and unwavering commitment to their faith enabled them to repel Mughal attacks on several occasions, particularly in northern India.
Their Life Beyond the Kumbh Mela: Naga Sadhus are most visible during events like the Kumbh Mela and Maha Kumbh, where they lead processions, perform rituals and display their spiritual might. However, after these grand gatherings, they seemingly “disappear,” retreating to secluded ashrams, forests, and Himalayan caves.
Their secluded life is a testament to their commitment to renunciation (vairagya). Living in isolation allows them to focus on meditation, scriptural study, and ascetic practices. While some choose permanent residence in Himalayan monasteries, others lead nomadic lives, moving from one sacred site to another. Their life and practices had always been a matter of study and research.
The Harvard University Study about Naga Sadhus: In the recent past some years, the Naga Sadhus have attracted the attention of international researchers, including scholars from Harvard University. The research explores the physiological and psychological aspects of their lifestyle, particularly their ability to endure extreme weather conditions and sustain themselves on minimal resources. Many videos of theirs go viral on social media while meditating on snow and in sub zero temperatures. This unique tolerance to extreme cold and heat, achieved through rigorous yogic practices and meditation generates inner body heat. Their mastery of breath control and mental focus also contributes to their physical resilience, making them subjects of interest in neuroscience and thermoregulation studies. The research seeks to understand how such ancient techniques can have modern applications, such as improving mental health, resilience, and physical endurance.
Their Strength and Distribution within the country: The total strength of Naga Sadhus in India is estimated to be around 400,000, organized under various akharas. These akharas, such as Juna Akhara, Niranjani Akhara, and Mahanirvani Akhara, serve as their spiritual and administrative hub bases. Each akhara has its own hierarchy and rituals where they undergo rigorous training before being formally inducted as Naga Sadhus. This initiation, marked by rituals such as the renunciation of worldly ties and ceremonial nudity, symbolizes their complete detachment from material life.
Gender Dynamics: While the Naga Sadhus are predominantly male, there is also a small number of female Naga Sadhus, known as Naga Sadhvis. These women undergo the same initiation process and live by the same strict code of conduct. Despite their shared spiritual goals, societal attitudes towards female Naga Sadhus often differ. While male ascetics are celebrated as spiritual warriors, female ascetics sometimes face additional scrutiny due to societal norms. Nevertheless, within their akharas, gender distinctions are minimal, and all members are treated as equals in their pursuit of moksha. One of the most striking aspects of Naga Sadhus is their practice of living naked, symbolizing their renunciation of material attachments. This lifestyle demands exceptional physical and mental fortitude, especially in India’s varied climate. Many naga sadhus are standing at one place for years together, the others doing same work at same place with same intensity for years together, others have become a Skelton but still determined in their selfless pursuits. This is because of their ability to withstand heat, cold, fatigue and is attributed to their rigorous yogic practices. Life long performance of techniques like pranayama (breath control), asana (posture), and dhyana (meditation) enable them to regulate their body temperature and energy levels. Over time, their bodies adapt to the elements, allowing them to endure conditions that would be unbearable for most people.
Public Perception about Naga sadhus: For the common man, the Naga Sadhus evoke a mix of awe, reverence, and curiosity. Their unorthodox appearance, ascetic lifestyle, and fierce demeanor set them apart from other spiritual practitioners. During events like the Kumbh Mela, Maha kumbh, they are celebrated as spiritual icons, drawing massive crowds eager to witness their rituals and seek their blessings. However, in everyday life, their secluded existence keeps them distant from mainstream society. In modern times, the perception of Naga Sadhus is evolving. While some admire their spiritual dedication and historical contributions, others question their relevance in contemporary society. This dichotomy reflects the broader tension between tradition and modernity in India. The modern generation needs to understand it from spiritual angles.
Naga Sadhus are guardians of a unique tradition: The Naga Sadhus represent a unique blend of spiritual rigour and warrior spirit. Their history, lifestyle, and practices offer a glimpse into an ancient world where faith and valor went hand in hand. As custodians of a rich and complex tradition, they continue to inspire both reverence and intrigue. Whether as defenders of dharma in the past or as practitioners of extreme asceticism today, the Naga Sadhus stand as a testament to the enduring power of spiritual devotion and discipline. Even, in a rapidly changing world, their existence challenges us to reconsider the boundaries of human endurance, the meaning of renunciation, and the timeless quest for liberation.
(The author is Prant Prachar parmukh Saksham)