About Us
Akhara of Devotion, Renunciation, and Vedic Wisdom
History Of Udasin Panchayati Bada Akhara
The Udasin Panchayati Bada Akhara is one of the significant akharas (monastic orders) in Hinduism, rooted in the Udasin sect founded by Sri Chand, the elder son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. While Sikh in origin, the Udasin sect eventually aligned more closely with Sanatana Dharma (Hindu traditions) over time, especially in terms of rituals, temple worship, and philosophy.
Today, the Udasin Panchayati Bada Akhara has mathas (monastic centers) and temples across India, especially in North India, and continues to preserve ancient Hindu scriptures, rituals, and traditions.
Origin (16th century)
The Udasin tradition began with Sri Chand (1494–1643), who embraced a life of renunciation followers, known as Udasins, practiced asceticism and meditation.
Formation of Akhara
Over time, Udasins formed their own institutional structures, and during the Kumbh Melas, they became organized like other Hindu monastic orders.
Affiliations & Practices
Udasin Panchayati Bada Akhara known as Udasins follows Vedantic teachings with a strong emphasis on Bhakti (devotion) and renunciation.
Kumbh Mela:
The Akhara actively participates in Shahi Snan (royal bath) processions during the Kumbh Melas holds a respected place among the akharas
Founding and Lineage
Sri Chand became a revered ascetic and attracted many followers who practiced a blend of Vedantic philosophy, Nath yogic practices, and Bhakti traditions.
These followers came to be known as Udasins, meaning “those who are indifferent to worldly pleasures”.
Over generations, the Udasin order institutionalized itself, leading to the formation of organized akharas, especially to participate in religious assemblies like the Kumbh Mela.
- Sri Chand Ji
- Baba Gurditta Ji (son of Guru Hargobind Sahib, spiritual successor of Sri Chand)
- Almast Ji, Balu Hasna Ji, and other prominent early Udasin saints
A lineage of Mahants and Gurus continued to lead and expand the influence of the Akhara across India.
Guru Parampara
The Guru Parampara (spiritual lineage) of the Udasin Panchayati Bada Akhara is part of the broader Dashanami Sampradaya, established by Adi Shankaracharya. This tradition follows the Advaita Vedanta philosophy and places strong emphasis on the Guru–Shishya (teacher–disciple) tradition.
Sri Chand Ji Maharaj
Mahant
The spiritual head of the entire Akhara or a major divisionA senior saint with significant experience and spiritual attainment Sometimes synonymous with the chief Mahant in larger akharas. Deputy Mahant or successor-in-training Assists the Mahant and may handle specific administrative duties
Almast Ji Maharaj
Mahant
The spiritual head of the entire Akhara or a major divisionA senior saint with significant experience and spiritual attainment Sometimes synonymous with the chief Mahant in larger akharas. Deputy Mahant or successor-in-training Assists the Mahant and may handle specific administrative duties
Gurditta Ji Maharaj
Mahant
The spiritual head of the entire Akhara or a major divisionA senior saint with significant experience and spiritual attainment Sometimes synonymous with the chief Mahant in larger akharas. Deputy Mahant or successor-in-training Assists the Mahant and may handle specific administrative duties
Hasna Ji Maharaj
Mahant
The spiritual head of the entire Akhara or a major divisionA senior saint with significant experience and spiritual attainment Sometimes synonymous with the chief Mahant in larger akharas. Deputy Mahant or successor-in-training Assists the Mahant and may handle specific administrative duties
Mission and Vision of Udasin Panchayati Bada Akhara
Mission
To preserve, practice, and propagate the timeless values of Sanatan Dharma through renunciation (tyag), spiritual discipline (sadhana), and selfless service (seva), following the path shown by Sri Chand Ji Maharaj and the revered Udasin Guru Parampara. Spreading Vedic knowledge, Upanishadic wisdom, and Bhakti yoga Establishing and maintaining mathas, temples, and educational institutions Guiding spiritual seekers on the path of detachment and devotion Participating in religious festivals, especially Kumbh Mela, as custodians of dharma Serving society through charity, education, and spiritual upliftment
Vision
To preserve, practice, and propagate the timeless values of Sanatan Dharma through renunciation (tyag), spiritual discipline (sadhana), and selfless service (seva), following the path shown by Sri Chand Ji Maharaj and the revered Udasin Guru Parampara. Spreading Vedic knowledge, Upanishadic wisdom, and Bhakti yoga Establishing and maintaining mathas, temples, and educational institutions Guiding spiritual seekers on the path of detachment and devotion Participating in religious festivals, especially Kumbh Mela, as custodians of dharma Serving society through charity, education, and spiritual upliftment
Organizational Structure
The Udasin Panchayati Bada Akhara functions as a spiritual and administrative institution with a traditional yet democratic setup, guided by the principles of renunciation, collective leadership, and discipline. The structure ensures smooth functioning of its mathas, temples, and activities across India.
Panchayat (Akhara Governing Body)
The Panchayat is the supreme governing council of the Akhara. It ensures the continuity of tradition, discipline, and the Akhara’s values across its mathas and activities.
Peethadheeshwar (Spiritual Head)
The Peethadheeshwar is the highest spiritual authority and symbolic head of the Akhara. Role: Provides spiritual guidance and represents the Akhara in major events Presides over key rituals, initiations, and ceremonies Acts as the senior-most guardian of doctrine, discipline, and vision
Mahants (Heads of Mathas )
Each matha (monastery) or temple under the Akhara is managed by a Mahant, who is both a spiritual teacher and administrator. Duties: Conduct daily puja, satsang, and spiritual instruction Oversee property, finances, and affairs of their matha Mentor junior monks and disciples Represent their matha within the larger Akhara framework
Up-Mahant (Deputy Head )
The Up-Mahant is appointed by the Mahant or elected by consensus as a successor-in-training. Duties: Assist in administrative and spiritual tasks Learn the responsibilities of the Mahant Step in during absence or illness of the Mahant Often succeeds the Mahant upon their departure
Kothari / Bhandari
These are the financial officers of the Akhara or individual mathas. Responsibilities: Maintain financial records, donations, and expenditures Protect and maintain Akhara properties Organize events, supplies, and logistics Report to the Mahant and Panchayat on asset status
Panch (Council Members)
Selected senior monks who form a governing council, especially active during internal elections and decision-making. Responsibilities: Supervise conduct of monks Help resolve internal grievances or disputes Make decisions on initiation, expulsion, and governance matters Often serve as electoral members during Mahant selection
Sadhus and Sannyasis (Monks )
These are fully initiated ascetics who have renounced worldly life and serve under the Akhara. Duties: Follow daily routines of meditation, seva (service), study, and discipline Support temple duties, outreach, and rituals Engage in scriptural study and Bhakti Sadhana Some travel as Yatri Sannyasis spreading Udasin teachings