From growing crops on scalp to donning 45-Kg Rudrakshas, these babas are turning heads (and cameras) at Maha Kumbh

Sanyasi Geetanand Maharaj, famously known as ‘Rudraksha Baba’, has been wearing 1.25 lakh Rudrakshas on his head, weighing 45 kilograms, for the past 6 years. (News18)

The sacred banks of the Sangam are witnessing an unparalleled convergence of faith, devotion, and spirituality, with Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj rolling out the red carpet for the grand spectacle of Maha Kumbh 2025.

Among the sea of saints and devotees, there lies a unique group of mystics and ascetics whose enigmatic appearances and extraordinary rituals have made them the centre of attraction at the religious congregation, adding a diverse spiritual essence to the mega event.

Meet Rudraksha Baba

At Maha Kumbh, Sanyasi Geetanand Maharaj, famously known as ‘Rudraksha Baba’, is a crowd-puller. For the past six years, he has been wearing 1.25 lakh Rudrakshas on his head, weighing 45 kilograms. These sacred beads were gifted to him by his devotees, symbolising their faith and devotion. Baba is associated with the Juna Akhara and hails from Kot ka Purwa village in Punjab.

Geetanand’s journey is steeped in spiritual devotion. Born as the second of three children after his parents received their Guru’s blessings, he was dedicated to his Guru at a young age. He was brought to Haridwar, where he studied Sanskrit and embraced monkhood at the age of 12-13.

Renowned for his austere practices, Rudraksha Baba has bathed with chilled water from 1,001 pots in winter and performed Dhuni rituals in summer.

Starting Out Young

Among the youngest saints at Maha Kumbh, Sadhu Gopal Giri and Nagar Jeetu Giri Maharaj shine as remarkable figures of devotion. Associated with the Aawahan Akhara, Gopal Giri embraced monkhood at just 7-8 years old after being entrusted to his Guru by his parents. Despite his tender age, his dedication to meditation and penance astonishes all.

Gopal Giri’s life is defined by immense discipline and asceticism. While children of his age engage in games, he practices rigorous spiritual routines—meditating in extreme cold without clothes or slippers, walking barefoot, and adhering to austere practices. This Maha Kumbh marks his first participation, where he has arrived with his Guru and Guru brothers.

His innocence, humility, and wisdom radiate the aura of a Siddha Mahatma, drawing devotees in large numbers.

A 14-Year-Long Penance

Yogi Rajendra Giri Baba, who attained renunciation at the early age of 12, has been performing penance for the past 14 years in Shri Panchdas Naam Juna Akhara by standing on one leg. Re-named ‘Khadeshwari Baba’ for his feat, the seer took the initiation of Sanyas from his Guru at the age of 12. After six years of penance, he started Hatha Yoga for the welfare of the people.

According to Baba Khadeshwari, after taking initiation from Guru Maharaj, he practised Hatha Yoga for the welfare of mankind. This Tapa Yagya of his is for six years.

The ‘Key’ To Moksha

Chabhi Wale Baba, the seer who carries keys weighing 20 kilograms in order to spread the message of spirituality and social reform, features next in the list. Harischandra Vishwakarma of Raebareli, also known as Kabira Baba or Chabhi Wale Baba, believes that his key “opens the doors inside our mind, leading to spiritual knowledge".

The seer left home at the age of 16 to fight the evils and hatred in society and has walked across the country. Baba, who considers Swami Vivekananda his ideal, says spirituality is within a human being and self-reflection is necessary to understand it.

Driving To Spirituality In An Ambassador

Mahant Rajgiri, alias Ambassador Baba or Tarzan Baba, has come all the way from Haridwar. Baba is said to have covered nine Kumbhs in his saffron-coloured ambassador car. This is his third Kumbh in Prayagraj, while he has already covered Kumbh Melas in Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik.

Baba has made his home in a 52-year-old Ambassador and given it the status of a mother. This Ambassador was gifted to Baba by the RTO of Moradabad district in 1998 and now, the seer says he finds spiritual peace in the vehicle.

“The saffron colour of the car is a symbol of purity and sacrifice. I have all the documents except the car registration," he says. No one stops Baba whose unique car remains parked in front of his hut on the banks of Sangam.

No Winter Woes For This Saint

Naga Sadhu Pramod Giri Maharaj has become a central figure at Maha Kumbh with his remarkable daily ritual of bathing with freezing cold water from 61 pots at 4 am. He then applies sacred ash on his body and meditates by the fire, symbolising deep spiritual commitment. Maharaj, associated with rigorous Hatha Yoga practices, dedicates these austerities to the welfare of humanity and society, devoid of any personal motives.

For the past nine years, Pramod Giri has followed this disciplined routine, typically lasting 41 days. However, during Maha Kumbh, it has been condensed to 21 days, culminating in a grand ritual of bathing with 108 pots on the final day.

The Shahi Snan on January 14 poses the greatest challenge as Giri must complete these demanding rituals before participating in the royal bath.

Anaaj Wale Baba
Amarjeet, known as ‘Anaaj Wale Baba’ from Sonbhadra, has been growing crops like wheat, gram, and millet on his head for the past 14 years as a form of Hatha Yoga. Spreading the message of greenery and world peace, Baba plans to harvest these crops on Mauni Amavasya and distribute them as prasad, symbolising virtue. Devotees are captivated by his unique sadhana, often taking selfies and appreciating his eco-conscious message.

Raising His Hand For World Welfare

Radhe Puri Baba from Ujjain, associated with the Juna Akhara, has garnered attention with his extraordinary penance. Since 2011, he has kept his right hand raised as a gesture of world welfare. His hand, now numb and adorned with nails over a foot long, remains a symbol of unwavering resolve.

Height No Bar

Gangapuri Baba, famously known as ‘Chhota Dadu’ in Assam, is associated with Juna Akhara. The 57-year-old, measuring 3 feet 8 inches in height, embraced monkhood at the age of nine. Since then, he has devoted his life to Aghora Sadhna, practising intense meditation and penance in crematoriums.

Baba’s life story is both poignant and inspiring. His parents tragically lost seven children before his birth, and his mother passed away shortly after he was born. Abandoned by his father, Baba was raised by his mother’s friend, who became his Guru Mata.

For the past 32 years, Baba has not bathed as part of his spiritual vows, maintaining his health through his Guru’s blessings. At Maha Kumbh, however, he will perform a symbolic cleansing by bathing his matted locks, signifying a profound spiritual renewal.