With the male sadhus traditionally dominating the akhadas, the mahant of the all-women akhada is fighting for space for her group in the Kumbh Mela.
Jagatguru Shankaracharya Trikal Bhawanta Sarswatiji Maharaj set up the Shree Sarveshwar Mahadev Vaikunthadham Akhada Pari in Allahabad.
"The Pari akhada was registered in 2014. During the last Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, we were in the formation stage, so we could not ask for arrangements. But now we are registered and have many participants; hence, we are asking for special arrangements," said Mahant Trikal Bhawanta.
Initially, her demand was for about 10 acres land in Sadhugram, along with special time for the holy bath. Meetings later, she now wants a place for her akhada and is ready to accept wherever the administration gives it. "We don't mind space even between Trimbakeshwar and Nashik," she said.
"All I ask for is safety and security of women who will participate in the Kumbh snan (holy bath). The women sanyasinis, sadhus and mahants, who are part of the Pari akhada, want to take part in the Kumbh Mela and for that we need some arrangements."
She also warned that if her demands are not considered, then she, along with other women sanyasinis and women organisations, will stage an agitation. "We will stage an agitation and go on a fast, if we are not considered seriously. However, I sincerely hope that such a time does not arise," she added.
Earlier, when the demand was being discussed, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad Mahant Gyandas Maharaj had dismissed the participation of the Pari akhada in Nashik. "They belong to the sanyasi cult and hence should go to Trimbakeshwar. We respect women but they do not belong here," the mahant had said.
Mahant Trikal Bhawanta then visited Nashik and Trimbakeshwar multiple times. While in Nashik on Monday, she also met politicians, including BJP MLA Balasaheb Sanap and Shiv Sena leader Ajay Boraste. Both, she claimed, have extended support to her in her effort to get the women's akhada its place of respect.
She also met Mahant Gynadas and said that he has extended support too. "Mahant Gynadas has told us that we are welcome and that he will help us," she said.
Considering the space limitation at Sadhugram, the administration has taken a stand that first the allotment will be discussed in a meeting with the sadhu mahants and only then considered. "It is a sensitive matter and will have to be dealt with thoughtfully," officials in the administration had said.
"Women have always had to struggle... The gracious and giving nature of a woman has been wrongly considered as submissive. It is now time for women to unite and show their strength. My shastra puran speak of goddess as a symbol of strength and that has to be shown," Mahant Trikal Bhawanta said.
