Female Naga Sadhu: What do female Naga Sadhus do and where do they live? Know what their mysterious world is like

How is the mysterious world of female Naga sadhus? – Photo: Adobe Stock

Female Naga Sadhu: Kumbh cannot be imagined without Naga Sadhus. The attire and food habits of Naga Sadhus are completely different from those of common people. Just like men, there are female Naga Sadhus as well.

Maha Kumbh 2025, Female Naga Sadhu: Maha Kumbh will start from January 13 in the Sangam city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. Maha Kumbh will start from January 13 and will continue till February 26. In the Maha Kumbh which will last for one and a half months, 40 crore devotees are expected to come to take a dip of faith at the Triveni Sangam of Ganga-Yamuna and Saraswati. A large number of saints are reaching from miles away to take a bath in the Sangam in Maha Kumbh.

Saints and sages have great importance in Sanatan Dharma. However, the Naga Sadhus who come to Kumbh are the center of attraction for the people. Kumbh cannot be imagined without Naga Sadhus. The dress and food of Naga Sadhus are completely different from the common people. Like men, there are also female Naga Sadhus. Female Naga Sadhus also dedicate their lives completely to God.

How is the mysterious world of female Naga sadhus? – Photo: Adobe Stock

Life is unique and different

Everyone must have heard about the mysterious world of Naga Sadhus, but the life of female Naga Sadhus is unique and different. The day of female Naga Sadhus, who have moved away from domestic life, starts and ends with worship. Their life is full of many difficulties. Naga Sadhus have nothing to do with the world and everything they say is unique.

How is the mysterious world of female Naga sadhus? – Photo: Adobe Stock

Who makes a Naga Sadhu?

After a woman becomes a Naga Sadhu, all the Sadhus and Sadhvis call her Mata. There are female Naga Sadhus in Mai Bada which has now been named Dashnam Sanyasini Akhara after expanding it. Naga is a title among Sadhus and Saints. There are Vaishnava, Shaiva and Udasi sects among Sadhus. Akharas of these three sects make Naga Sadhus.

How is the mysterious world of female Naga sadhus? – Photo: Adobe Stock

How do women become Naga Sadhus?

Male Naga Sadhus can remain naked, but female Naga Sadhus are not allowed to do so. Male Naga Sadhus are clothed and Digambaras (naked). Women are also initiated and made Nagas, but they are all clothed. Female Naga Sadhus are required to apply Tilak on their forehead. But they can wear only one ochre coloured cloth which is not stitched. This cloth is called Ganti.

How is the mysterious world of female Naga sadhus? – Photo: Adobe Stock

The process of becoming a Naga Sadhu is very difficult

After knowing about the process of becoming a female Naga Sadhu, you will be forced to think. The life of female Naga Sadhus is very difficult. To become a Naga Sadhu, they have to go through a tough test. To become a Naga Sadhu or Sanyasni, it is necessary to follow strict celibacy for 10 to 15 years. To become a Naga Sadhu, one has to convince his Guru that he is eligible for this and is now devoted to God. After this, the Guru gives permission to become a Naga Sadhu.

How is the mysterious world of female Naga sadhus? – Photo: Adobe Stock

Before becoming a Naga Sadhu, she has to get her head shaved

Before becoming a Naga Sadhu, the woman’s past life is known. It is seen whether she is devoted to God or not. After becoming a Naga Sadhu, whether she can do difficult sadhana or not. Before becoming a Naga Sadhu, the woman has to perform Pinddaan while alive and has to get her head shaved.

How is the mysterious world of female Naga sadhus? – Photo: Adobe Stock

Full respect is given in the Akhara

After this, the woman is made to take a bath in the river. The female Naga Sadhu chants the name of God the whole day and wakes up in the morning in Brahmamuhurta and chants the name of Lord Shiva. In the evening, she worships Lord Dattatreya. After lunch, she chants the name of Lord Shiva. The female Naga Sadhu is given full respect in the Akhara.

How is the mysterious world of female Naga sadhus? – Photo: Adobe Stock

During the Kumbh Mela, along with the Naga Sadhus, female Sadhus also take a royal bath. However, they take a bath in the river after the male Nagas have taken a bath. The female Naga Sadhvis of the Akhara are called Mai, Avdhutani or Naagin. But Mai or Naagins are not selected for any major post of the Akhara.