The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, set to commence on January 13, will host an extraordinary congregation of saints, each with their unique lifestyles and practices that captivate devotees and visitors alike. From technology-savvy babas to those making spiritual statements with physical feats, these saints embody diverse facets of devotion.
Tech Enthusiast: Computer Baba
Known for his love for gadgets, Das Tyagi, famously called Computer Baba, always carries a laptop. A saint from Narsinghpur bestowed him the title in 1998 due to his passion for technology. His fondness for watching cartoons on his device has made him a standout figure among the saintly crowd.
Environment Guardian: Environment Baba
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Aruna Giri of Awahan Akhada earned the title “Environment Baba” after distributing 27 lakh plants from Vaishno Devi to Kanyakumari in 2016. This year, he aims to plant 51,000 trees during the Mela, furthering his commitment to environmental conservation.
Physical Devotion: Saints with Unique Feats
- Hand-Raised Baba: Digambar Harivansh Giri from Prayagraj has kept his hand raised for five years, with a promise to continue for a total of 12 years.
- Baba with Long Nails: Mahakal Giri Baba from Jodhpur has a hand raised for nine years, and the nails on that hand have grown longer than his fingers.
- Beard of Strength: Baba Janakidas, the head priest of Bharatpur’s Hanuman temple, boasts a 21-foot-long beard. At 66 years old, he has lifted heavy objects, including cylinders, using his beard strength.
Ambassador of Simplicity: Ambassador Baba
Mahant Rajgiri Naga Baba, or Ambassador Baba, is a familiar face at the Kumbh Mela. For 35 years, he has traveled in his iconic 1972 Ambassador car, which serves as his living space. His unique mode of transport draws attention from devotees and the media alike.
Spiritual Symbols: Jangam Saints
A group of saints from Kurukshetra, Haryana, wear peacock feather crowns to symbolize Lord Vishnu’s plume. Their vibrant attire and devotion bring a touch of visual grandeur to the Mela.
Saints Supporting Others
- Silent Teacher: Digital Mouni Baba from Udaipur has observed silence for 12 years, communicating through a digital board.
- IAS Mentor: Dinesh Swaroop Brahmachari Baba from Pratapgarh provides free coaching for IAS aspirants while maintaining a vow of silence.
- Chabi Wale Baba: Harishchandra from Raebareli carries a 20-kilogram “Ram Nam Ki Chabi” on his spiritual journeys.
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 celebrates not just spirituality but the diversity of devotion, showcasing saints like Rudraksh Baba, who wears 11,000 beads weighing over 30 kilograms, and Bavander Baba, who travels to promote Sanatan Dharma. Each saint’s story enriches the cultural and spiritual fabric of this grand event.
