Who Was the Only Female Naga Sadhu Who Never Wore Clothes?
They reject the world and engage in intense spiritual activities in order to fulfill their main goal of self-realization and emancipation.
The existence of female naga Sadhus adds mystery and intrigue to this realm, which has always been ruled by men. Examining their customs and regulations is crucial to comprehending the world of female naga Sadhus. In addition to being mysterious, the world of female naga Sadhus is also governed by rigid rules and customs that specify their place and autonomy in society.
Permission to Stay Naked: Sadhvi Brahma Giri, the sole female naga Sadhu, was permitted to stay nude. This permission has not been given to any other female naga Sadhu after her. In contrast to their male colleagues, female naga Sadhus have historically played a different and more constrained role.
Clothing Requirements: Female naga Sadhus are permitted to dress in a particular kind of unstitched saffron garment tied in a single knot. This represents the fact that they just conceal their bodies. They are only permitted to wear this attire, though, on their own arena (Akhara). They must adequately conceal themselves in public areas.
Initiation as a Sadhu: A lady is given a new identity when she is initiated as a naga Sadhu. She is referred to as "Mata" (Mother) by all male and female Sadhus after initiation, a term that denotes her spiritual status and accords her respect, enabling her to engage in austere activities.
Public Presence during Kumbh and Mahakumbh: Only during the Kumbh and Mahakumbh festivals, which draw millions of devotees, do female naga Sadhus often make public appearances. They use these events as a chance to make their presence known in society. They then withdraw to their woodlands, or Akharas, to go on with their spiritual activities.
Spiritual Practices: A lot of women look for a greater purpose in life and use penance to achieve self-realization. They can live an austere life and separate from worldly attachments by becoming a naga Sadhu.
Social Distancing: Female naga Sadhus frequently aspire to live a self-sufficient existence free from social expectations. They have a sense of independence and freedom in this life.
Dedication to Spirituality: women who become naga Sadhu devote their life to meditation, penance, and disengagement from material temptations.