Akhara Parishad prioritizes young seers for Mahamandaleshwar title | Prayagraj News

tnnPrayagraj: The 13 Akharas are set to give greater prominence to young seers by prioritising them for the prestigious Mahamandaleshwar title during the upcoming Kumbh gatherings in Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain.The move is aimed at strengthening the propagation of Sanatan Dharma and increasing the involvement of senior religious functionaries in social and educational activities.Under the new approach, around 80% of Mahamandaleshwar positions are likely to be given to seers in the 35-45 age group. Akhara authorities have started identifying suitable candidates and will assess them on the basis of their qualifications, religious activities and social involvement rather than influence or age alone.The proposed criteria include a minimum graduate qualification, knowledge of Sanskrit and English, active involvement in religious and social activities and a clean record without controversies. The akharas believe younger seers would be able to devote more time to field activities, including promoting Vedic education, running gurukuls, gaushalas and Sanskrit schools, besides supporting healthcare and employment initiatives.The move comes against the backdrop of the traditional practice of appointing influential and learned seers as Mahamandaleshwars without giving age a specific weightage. A significant number of those appointed were aged 60 years or above. Akhara representatives said many elderly seers remained largely confined to their ashrams and discourses and were less active in remote and socially disadvantaged areas.According to the akharas, tribal and hilly regions continue to face challenges related to education, healthcare and employment, making them vulnerable to religious conversion. Younger Mahamandaleshwars are expected to undertake greater outreach in such areas and strengthen grassroots religious and social initiatives.Mahamandaleshwars hold an important position in the akharas and occupy chariots during peshwai and Amrit Snan at Kumbh and Mahakumbh events. The akharas also provide them land and facilities for camps during these religious gatherings.All India Akhara Parishad president and Mansa Devi Temple Trust chief Mahant Ravindra Puri said, “Until now, age was not considered while giving the Mahamandaleshwar title. Learned and influential saints were selected. Since elderly seers are less active in backward, hilly and tribal areas, the decision has been taken to give preference to learned young seers. This will help check religious conversion.”