13-year-old IAS aspirant 'renounces world' to become sadhvi at Maha Kumbh 2025

13-year-old IAS aspirant 'renounces world' to become sadhvi at Maha Kumbh 2025

A 13-year-old girl from Agra, who once aspired to become an IAS officer, has chosen to renounce worldly life and embrace spirituality at the Maha Kumbh Mela. Her parents, accepting this decision as divine will, have entrusted her to the Juna Akhara, a prominent Hindu monastic order.

The teenager, Rakhi Singh, experienced a profound sense of detachment during the Kumbh, her mother Reema Singh shared. "Mahant Kaushal Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara has been visiting our village for years, conducting Bhagwat Katha sessions. During one such session, Rakhi took her guru diksha," Reema said, currently staying at the Juna Akhara camp.

Last month, Mahant Kaushal Giri invited the family to serve at the Kumbh camp. It was during this period that Rakhi expressed her desire to become a sadhvi, a female ascetic. "We believe this decision is God's will, so we raised no objections," Reema added.

The family, who moved to Agra to educate their daughters, now sees Rakhi's choice as a divine calling. Sandeep Singh, her father, runs a confectionery business and fully supported her decision.

Mahant Kaushal Giri confirmed that Rakhi has been willingly accepted into the ashram and will now be known as Gauri Giri. Her initiation rituals, including "pind daan," are scheduled for January 19, marking her formal entry into the spiritual order.

"As a mother, I worry, but this is her path," Reema said, addressing concerns from relatives about their decision. "We trust in God's plan."

(with inputs from PTI)