Akhada Sampradaya

Bhagavān Sri Paramashiva, the ultimate Divinity, institutionalized the constitution, administration and protection of the enlightened ecosystems on the planet by establishing the ‘Akhāḍās’ (Traditions within Hinduism) with His direct disciples and descendants called the Paramashiva Gaṇas and Nāgās (warrior ascetics) from Varanasi, the most ancient living city of earth. Under His divine ordainment, the spiritual, religious, historical, political, economic and social ecosystems were formally established. Each of the Enlightenment Ecosystems listed below have their own set of ‘Orders’, who are responsible for keeping the Ecosystem alive and flourishing.

Akhāḍās form the core body of the Hindu tradition, they are the oldest and largest Apex body of Hinduism. As of now at least 1 million Sādhus (saints) are dedicated and live under the Akhada Parishad, which is the apex council body of Hinduism with a democratic selection structure of its spiritual leaders, where all the fourteen Akhadas are members.

14 Akhāḍās are accepted widely, as main stream Akhāḍās, but there are many minor Akhāḍās affiliated to these, which function as the sister organizations or subsidiaries, carrying ideological connection yet having their independent identity.

The Kashi Sarvajnapeetham is an ancient seat of traditional learning that comprises many temples such as Mahakal temple at Manikarnika Ghat and Shri Jagadhatri temple at the Dashashwamedha Ghat.

The Atal Peetham is one of the oldest Akhāḍās established by Paramasiva and is affiliated to the Mahanirvani Akhada. It runs the famous Mahakaleshwar temple and the Annapurneshwari temple.