Bizarre babas of Maha Kumbh: Growing crops in beard, no bath in decades

Gangapuri Maharaj, who is also known as Chhotu Baba, is from Assam's Kamakhya Peeth.

The Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, is set to take place from January 13 to February 26, bringing together saints, sages, and Sanyasis from every corner of India—and even beyond. Among the throngs of devotees, a select group of ascetics stands out, not just for their spiritual fervour but for their unconventional and awe-inspiring practices, each carrying a message of devotion, discipline, and social welfare.

From a Baba who hasn't bathed in decades to another who starts his day with a bath using 51 pots of Ganga water, their practices defy ordinary logic. One saint, known as the "Tea Baba," consumes nothing but tea—ten cups a day. Meanwhile, an environmentally conscious Sadhu grows grains on his head, symbolizing the need to protect nature.

Some Babas express their devotion through silence, believing that speaking wastes energy meant for world welfare. Others make bold statements through sheer endurance—like a saint who wears a 45-kg crown of 2.5 lakh Rudraksha beads, or a Sadhu who walked 750 kilometers from Nepal to Prayagraj, undeterred by challenges, to take part in this sacred event. Then there are Hatha Yogis – some of whom are standing on one leg or have raised their one arm skywards for years together leading to deformities.

Each of these Babas, with their bizarre yet meaningful practices, contributes to the diverse spiritual tapestry of the Maha Kumbh. Through their actions, they not only captivate the imagination of the onlookers but also carry profound messages for humanity—be it conserving nature, achieving inner peace, or embracing determination in the face of adversity.

Welcome to the world of Bizarre Babas, where spirituality meets the extraordinary!

The Baba who has not bathed for 32 Years

Gangapuri Maharaj who has not taken a bath for 32 years has become the centre of attraction in Maha Kumbh Mela, Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. Gangapuri Maharaj, who is also known as Chhotu Baba, is from Assam's Kamakhya Peeth.

"This is Milan Mela. Soul to soul should be connected and that's why I'm here," Baba said. The 57-year-old has become the centre of attraction in Maha Kumbh Mela due to his height, which is three feet. "I am 3 feet 8 inches. I am 57 years old. I am very happy to come here. You people are also here.  I am happy about that also," he added.

Gangapuri Maharaj has not bathed for the last 32 years and said, "I do not take a bath because I have a wish which has not been fulfilled in the last 32 years. I will not take a bath in the Ganga."

Rudraksha Baba: The 45-kg Crown of Devotion

Geetanand Giri Maharaj, famously known as Rudraksha Baba, has become a fascinating figure at the Kumbh Mela due to his extraordinary penance. Every day, Baba performs 12 hours of meditation wearing a 45-kg crown of Rudraksha beads on his head. Originally pledging to wear 1.25 lakh Rudraksha beads, he now claims to have 2.25 lakh beads adorning his head, thanks to offerings from devotees.

A Naga Sanyasi from Shri Shambhu Panchdashnam Awahan Akhara, Geetanand Giri hails from Kot Kapura, Punjab. He recounts leaving home at the tender age of two and a half years to dedicate his life to spiritual practices. After embracing the life of a Sanyasi, he pursued his education up to 10th grade at a Sanskrit Vidyalaya.

In Ardh Kumbh 2019, Baba took a solemn vow at the Triveni Sangam to wear a crown of 1.25 lakh Rudraksha beads for 12 years as part of his spiritual practice. Six years into this journey, his dedication has inspired many, leading devotees to gift him additional Rudraksha garlands, increasing the number of beads to 2.25 lakh.

Baba begins his day at 5 a.m. with a sacred bath, after which the Rudraksha crown is placed on his head amidst the chanting of mantras. For the next 12 hours, he remains in deep penance, meditating until 5 p.m., when the crown is removed with another round of mantras.

Baba plans to complete his resolution during the next Ardh Kumbh, following the Maha Kumbh. Once fulfilled, he intends to immerse his Rudraksha crown in the Triveni Sangam, marking the culmination of his spiritual vow.

Anaaj Wale Baba: The saint who grows crops on his Head

In the vast expanse of the Maha Kumbh, where saints and ascetics showcase their unique practices, Anaaj Wale Baba has become a topic of much discussion. Known for his unconventional commitment to the environment, Baba has grown crops on his head, blending spirituality with ecological awareness.

Originally from Markundi in Sonbhadra, Anaaj Wale Baba’s real name is Amarjeet, and he adopted the life of a Sanyasi 28 years ago. A self-proclaimed Hatha Yogi, Baba explains that his unique penance is aimed at promoting world peace, welfare, and environmental conservation amidst rampant deforestation.

Baba has cultivated crops like gram, wheat, barley, and millet on his head as a symbolic gesture of greenery. His barley plants have grown nearly a foot long, causing him daily pain. However, Baba sees this discomfort as part of his spiritual practice, stating, "This is Hatha Yoga, and only a saint can endure this." For the past 14 years, he has tirelessly carried out this extraordinary endeavor.

Baba reveals that the crops will be harvested on Mauni Amavasya, and the grains will be distributed to devotees as prasad. He believes that those who receive this prasad will be blessed with prosperity and good fortune.

Baba’s unique appearance, complete with a "living crop crown," has drawn crowds eager to take selfies and learn the secret behind his practice. He gladly shares his message, urging people to promote greenery and avoid cutting trees. Baba emphasizes, “Greenery is life. Protecting the environment is our duty.”

Mahakal Giri Baba: The one-handed tapasvi

For the past nine years, Mahakal Giri Baba of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, has kept his left hand raised in an extraordinary act of tapasya. His overgrown nails, longer than his fingers, and his hand, now resembling a piece of dried wood with crooked and tangled fingers, are a testament to his unwavering resolve. "I took sanyas at the age of seven and am now 30," he shared. Baba has dedicated this penance to global welfare, world peace, and the preservation of Sanatan Dharma.

Naga Swami Bhagirathi Giri: The one-legged Yogi

Known as Naga Baba Khadeshwari of the Atal Akhara, Naga Swami Bhagirathi Giri has taken Hatha Yoga to incredible heights by standing on one leg continuously for three years. Day and night, he leans on a swing and even sleeps on it, vowing to maintain this penance until atrocities against women and terrorism cease. "I became a sanyasi at seven and have practiced Khadeshwari tapasya for 12 years. After a two-year break, I resumed and have now been standing on one leg for three years," he explained.

Naga Baba Pramod Giri: The 51-pot ritual of devotion

In Sector-20 of the Kumbh Mela, Naga Baba Pramod Giri Ji Maharaj from Rajasthan, representing the Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara, performs a remarkable and unique ritual for world peace and the welfare of India. Baba’s daily sadhana involves bathing at precisely 4:15 a.m. with Ganga water stored in 51 earthen pots.

Devotees play an integral role in this practice. Each night, they fill the 51 pots with Ganga water and prepare a special seat for Baba. At dawn, they pour the water over him as part of the sacred ritual. This unique sadhana continues for 21 days, with the number of pots increasing incrementally.

Baba explains that the ritual began this year on January 3, with 51 pots on the first day. Each subsequent day, two or three pots are added, culminating in a total of 108 pots on the final day.

What makes Baba’s devotion even more extraordinary is his steadfast commitment to the practice for the past nine years. Regardless of the season, he bathes with cold water in winter and hot water in summer, demonstrating unwavering dedication.

Walking 750 km for faith: Vishnu Giri Maharaj's journey to Maha Kumbh

On the sacred sands of Sangam, saints and spiritual leaders from across India and abroad gather to take pledges for public welfare during the Maha Kumbh. Among them is Vishnu Giri Maharaj, a saint of the Niranjani Akhara from Nepal, who walked an incredible 750 kilometers over nine months to reach Prayagraj for the event.

A resident of Muktinath in Nepal's Gorkha district, Vishnu Giri Maharaj began his journey on April 1, 2024, as part of a vow he took a year ago to reach Prayagraj on foot during the Maha Kumbh. His path, however, was not without challenges. At one point, he lost his way and found himself in Shimla. Realizing the mistake, he corrected his course and headed back toward Uttar Pradesh.

During the arduous journey, Maharaj narrowly escaped accidents on multiple occasions and faced numerous hardships. Despite these obstacles, his determination kept him going, covering the 750-kilometer distance entirely on foot. Upon arriving in Prayagraj, he took a holy dip in the Sangam, which he described as rejuvenating and capable of washing away all his fatigue.

Following the ritual bath, Maharaj visited the Niranjani Akhara to reunite with fellow saints. Reflecting on his journey, he said, "If you are determined to achieve something, all difficulties become manageable."