Lord Ram's sakhiya also come to every Kumbh. They consider Kumbh as their maternal home. Hence, they come here well-dressed on every such occasion. They take part in four royal baths in Kumbh. They are well-dressed but there is one thing about them that surprises everyone and a question arises in the mind why are these friends men and why do they come here dressed as women? Then from where do they come and where do they go?
When Trijata Snaan is done in Kumbh, Lord Ram's friends also leave. This time also, like always, Ram's friends took leave from their maternal home after taking a bath. While leaving, they tie the sand of Ganga in the knot of their saree. Now all of them will come here again in Ardh Kumbh.
What is Trijata Snaan?
The importance of Trijata Snaan is for those devotees who follow their religious beliefs by taking a bath in Sangam even after Magh Purnima. It is believed that bathing in Trijata gives the virtue of bathing in the entire month of Magh.
Who were Ram's friends in reality?
Ram's friends are those women who were with Ram in his life journey. These included Sita, Lakshman's wife, and Sita's sisters Urmila and Shringi. Apart from this, there were many women whose life was connected with Ram and his family. It is also said that eight women born from the earth along with Sita are Sakhis. These include Charshila, Chandrakala, Roopkala, Hanumana, Lakshmana, Sulochana, Padgandha and Batoha. In this sense, they are Sita's sisters.
Who are Ram's friends who come to Kumbh?
For the last month, the bhajans of these friends were resonating in the Akharas. The friends included in the Sakhi sect are physically men but because of worshipping Ram with the feeling of a friend, they decorate themselves like women. With colorful bangles on her hands, and laali and kajal in her eyes, she paints her feet red with alta. She considers Ram as the groom. She considers the relationship between Lord Ram and her sister-in-law as that of a brother-in-law. Because of this relationship, she does not hesitate to tease the Lord. In her bhajans also, there are many incidents of teasing Ram.
Kumbh is like her maternal home. She stays here for a month and sings and dances to please her brother-in-law Ram. After taking Trijata's bath, she also takes Vidja. While leaving, she takes blessings from Maa Ganga and bids farewell singing Ram's bhajans.
What is Ani Akhada, to which these friends are associated?
Ani Akhada is a special type of religious and cultural organization, which is mainly associated with Hinduism and especially Shaiv and Nath traditions. It is a part of religious, social, and cultural activities in Indian society.
What is the Sakhi sect?
Sakhi sect is a special devotional tradition that is mainly associated with love and devotion towards Lord Shri Krishna. Only men are involved in it. However, there is also a Sakhi sect associated with Ram. After being initiated into the Sakhi sect, one has to follow it for the whole life. After this, there is no home. So this Sakhi sect is both Ramanandi and Krishnanandi.
How do you know who is Ramanandi Sakhi and who is Krishnanandi?
Sakhis have been recognized in all the sects of Bairagis. Their sect is known by the way they apply tilak on the forehead. Sakhis of the Ramanandi sect apply red tilak while Sakhis of the Krishnanandi branch apply a bindi named Radha on the forehead.
Lord Rama is the center of devotion in Ramanandi Sakhi sect. In this sect, Ram is worshipped but devotees also see him as a dear friend or friend. Devotees feel their relationship with Lord Rama as a Sakhi, which is associated with deep soulful love.
In the Krishnanandi sect, male devotees consider themselves as Gopis and immerse themselves in the pastimes and love of Krishna. They consider him as a lover, friend, or beloved. In the Krishnanandi sect, devotees give priority to Raasleela and the essence of love. In this, devotees consider themselves like Radha or Gopis.
