45 kg 'crown', 2.25 lakh beads: 'Rudraksha' baba steals attention at Maha Kumbh!
Rudraksh Baba, also known as Geetanand Giri Maharaj, has become a prominent figure in the Maha Kumbh Mela due to his unique sadhana. He has worn a crown of 2.25 lakh Rudraksh beads weighing 45 kg on his head as a pledge taken at Triveni Sangam during Ardh Kumbh in 2019. The pledge is to wear the crown for 12 years and he has been on this journey for six years. Rudraksh Baba, a resident of Kot Kapura in Punjab, left his home at the age of two and a half years to devote his life to spiritual sadhana. He studied till class 10 from Sanskrit Vidyalaya and later adopted the life of a sanyasi. His daily routine includes a holy bath at 5 am, after which a Rudraksh crown is placed on his head amid chanting of mantras. He then gets immersed in rigorous penance till 5 pm. His rigorous sadhana has inspired many devotees who have gifted him extra Rudraksha malas, The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world's largest spiritual gathering, is being held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh from January 13 to February 26, 2025. The event is attended by millions of devotees and saints from across the country and abroad. Rudraksha Baba's extraordinary penance has brought him to people's attention, leading to massive crowds of devotees and media coverage. His dedication and unique sadhana have earned widespread admiration and curiosity.
Rudraksha Baba's journey is steeped in spiritual devotion. Born the second of three children, he became devoted to his guru at a young age. He was brought to Haridwar, where he studied Sanskrit and became a sadhu at the age of 12-13. Famous for his rigorous sadhanas, Rudraksha Baba is said to have bathed with cold water from 1,001 pitchers in winters and lit dhuni in summers. His spiritual practices include rigorous routines such as meditating in extreme cold without clothes or slippers, walking barefoot and following rigorous practices. The Maha Kumbh Mela is not only a religious event but also a significant economic activity. According to various estimates, the event is expected to generate revenue of Rs 25,000 crore to Rs 2 lakh crore for the state. The economic impact includes an increase in transactions done by small-scale vendors such as tempo operators, rickshaw pullers, flower vendors, boat operators and hotels. The entire ecosystem around the Kumbh Mela is expected to witness a massive economic boom.
The practice of Rudraksh Baba wearing a crown of Rudraksh beads is a testimony to his spiritual dedication and the faith of his devotees. Each bead is believed to represent Lord Shiva and the crown symbolises Baba's commitment to his spiritual vows. The Maha Kumbh Mela provides a platform for such unique practices to be showcased and appreciated by millions of devotees and visitors.
Baba plans to fulfil his Sankalp during the next Ardh Kumbh after Maha Kumbh. Once this Sankalp is completed, he intends to immerse his Rudraksha Mukut in the Triveni Sangam, symbolizing the culmination of his spiritual vows. This practice is part of a larger fabric of spiritual and unconventional practices that define the Maha Kumbh Mela, contributing to its significance as a global spiritual event.
Ultimately, Rudraksha Baba's 45 kg crown made of 2.25 lakh Rudraksha beads has captured the attention of everyone at the Maha Kumbh Mela, reflecting the extraordinary spiritual practices and devotion that define this grand event. His dedication and the faith of his devotees have made him a focal point of admiration and curiosity, contributing to the diverse spiritual fabric of the Maha Kumbh Mela.