Initiation Rites of Passage

Meera Puri, one of the greatest sadhavi alive today from Juna Akhara initiated the female rites of passage of becoming a female saint known as a sadhvi.

In contrast with the many young male sadhus, a beautiful young woman is but rarely seen in the brotherhood. About ten percent of sadhus are women, called sadhvis, but most of them are old, having become sadhvi after they were widowed. This reflects the generally subordinate position of women in Indian society -- the popular belief is that women have to be born again as men before they can be spiritually liberated -- and the even more marginal position of widows. Choosing the sadhu life was -- and still is -- about the only respectable way to escape from the 'living death' of widowhood.

Ujjain, India.

Meera Puri is the leader of the sadhvis (female sadhu), Juna Akhara (followers of Shiva). Meera Puri spent many years practicing her sadhanas in the forest nearby Hrishikesh. She is seen here applying a horizontal forehead decoration called tilaka. Followers of Shiva apply their tilaka by placing three fingers in fire ash and applying in horizontally across the forehead. Ujjain, India.
At all Kumbha Melas people from all ages come to be initiated as Sadhus and Sadhvis. The initiation involves a renouncement of all worldly possessions and previous ties. Women take refuge with a particular revered saint; they shave their head, give away their clothes, and receive a new name given by their leader. All other sadhvis within Meera Puri’s akhara apply the sacred ash from the dhuni (sacred fireplace) to the new initiate. This is a significant gesture of welcoming and sealing the bond with the individual. Ujjain, India.
At all Kumbha Melas people from all ages come to be initiated as Sadhus and Sadhvis. The initiation involves a renouncement of all worldly possessions and previous ties. Women take refuge with a particular revered saint; they shave their head, give away their clothes, and receive a new name given by their leader. All other sadhvis within Meera Puri’s akhara apply the sacred ash from the dhuni (sacred fireplace) to the new initiate. This is a significant gesture of welcoming and sealing the bond with the individual. Ujjain, India.
New initiate getting her head shaved. Ujjain, India.
New Initiate getting new saffron clothes of sadhvi. Ujjain, India.
Meera Puri, Making offerings to fire goddess, agni, the ultimate witness, who is believed to sanctify this union between the new initiate and Lord Shiva. Ujjain, India.
New initiate and members of Juna Akhara, reciting mantras (sacred words of empowerment). Ujjain, India.
At all Kumbha Melas people from all ages come to be initiated as Sadhus and Sadhvis. The initiation involves a renouncement of all worldly possessions and previous ties. Women take refuge with a particular revered saint; they shave their head, give away their clothes, and receive a new name given by their leader. All other sadhvis within Meera Puri’s akhara apply the sacred ash from the dhuni (sacred fireplace) to the new initiate. This is a significant gesture of welcoming and sealing the bond with the individual. Ujjain, India.
No one knows when the first Kumbha Mela took place. Distinguished as the largest religious festival on earth, it occurs in only four places. At the Ujjain Kumbha Mela-2004, 30 million devotees gathered on the shores of the Sipara river in Ujjain to be blessed and purified. Seen here are the sadhvis renunciates making holy water offerings from their clay pots as a symbol that they have been purified. Ujjain, India.
No one knows when the first Kumbha Mela took place. Distinguished as the largest religious festival on earth, it occurs in only four places. At the Ujjain Kumbha Mela-2004, 30 million devotees gathered on the shores of the Sipara river in Ujjain to be blessed and purified. Seen here are the sadhvis renunciates making holy water offerings from their clay pots as a symbol that they have been purified. Ujjain, India.
No one knows when the first Kumbha Mela took place. Distinguished as the largest religious festival on earth, it occurs in only four places. At the Ujjain Kumbha Mela-2004, 30 million devotees gathered on the shores of the Sipara river in Ujjain to be blessed and purified. Seen here are the sadhvis renunciates making holy water offerings from their clay pots as a symbol that they have been purified. Ujjain, India.
No one knows when the first Kumbha Mela took place. Distinguished as the largest religious festival on earth, it occurs in only four places. At the Ujjain Kumbha Mela-2004, 30 million devotees gathered on the shores of the Sipara river in Ujjain to be blessed and purified. Seen here are the sadhvis renunciates making holy water offerings from their clay pots as a symbol that they have been purified. Ujjain, India.
Shaivite sadhvis, or female renouncers, just after taking a holy dip at river Ganga. Ujjain, India. To my sisters, I say do not give importance to the idea that a woman is weak, Go with self-confidence in life, then no one can discourage you. - Santoshi Mata Ji Ujjain, India.
Hundreds of about to be monks of the Abahan Akhara, are initiated on the Ram Ghat above the Sipara River. Both male and female initiation takes place at this great gathering during Ujjain Kumbha Mela. Ujjain, India.
Hundreds of about to be monks of the Abahan Akhara, are initiated on the Ram Ghat above the Sipara River. Both male and female initiation takes place at this great gathering during Ujjain Kumbha Mela. Ujjain, India.
Hundreds of about to be monks of the Abahan Akhara, are initiated on the Ram Ghat above the Sipara River. Both male and female initiation takes place at this great gathering during Ujjain Kumbha Mela. Ujjain, India.
Hundreds of about to be monks of the Abahan Akhara, are initiated on the Ram Ghat above the Sipara River. Both male and female initiation takes place at this great gathering during Ujjain Kumbha Mela. Ujjain, India.
Hundreds of about to be monks of the Abahan Akhara, are initiated on the Ram Ghat above the Sipara River. Both male and female initiation takes place at this great gathering during Ujjain Kumbha Mela. India.
Sadhvis in meditation. Ujjain, India.
Sadhvis. Ujjain Kumbha Mela. India.

Thomas L. Kelly Photography

Initiation Rites of Passage