Udasi akharas steeped in spiritual tradition
Though the term akhara today is associated with wrestling, its original religious meaning is far deeper. Akharas, the spiritual circles associated with the Udasi and Nirmala traditions of Sikhism, have long served as centres of education and religious practice.
Traditionally, these establishments were managed by unmarried saints and played a crucial role in overseeing Sikh shrines until the establishment of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in 1920.
In the city, once there were 12 active Udasi akharas. Few continue to function actively and many have relocated to places such as Haridwar and Rishikesh or gradually faded into obscurity. The origin of these akharas goes back to the mid-18th century, with Sikh historian Kahn Singh Nabha noting that Udasi saint Mahant Nirvan Pritam Das established the Panchayati akhara in 1779 to support saints visiting at gurpurbs.
The spirit of hospitality and education spread further, as Nirmala mahants later set up their own akharas in various sacred locations. Many of the institutions are traditionally linked to the legacy of Sri Chand, Guru Nanak Dev’s elder son.
Several notable akharas stand out for their historical significance and architectural splendour. Akhara Tehal Das, once thriving near Katra Jallian and en route to Jallianwala Bagh, now lies largely deserted, although samadhi near the Golden Temple remains a testament to its past. Founded in 1795, Akhara Kashi Wala near Sultanwind Gate continues to serve devotees by offering lodging facilities.
Akhara Shatte Wala, known for its distinctive balcony, and Akhara Bala Nand, established in 1775 and later enhanced by a three-storied gate with intricate frescos depicting Sikh history, illustrate the deep cultural heritage of these institutions.
Akhara Brahm Buta, considered the oldest akhara in the city and located on the northern edge of the Golden Temple, is steeped in a legend. Historians believe that Baba Shri Chand once stayed here during Guru Ram Das’s era and it is said the revered Mahant Nirban Santokh Das, who once resisted Ahmad Shah Durrani, played a significant role in its history.
Other prominent centres include Akhara Bibbeksar, which received a grant from Maharaja Ranjit Singh for its grand entrance, and the Sanglan Wala Akhara in Mai Sevan Bazaar, known for its imposing iron chains and valuable property near the Golden Temple.
Distinctive features, such as dhuna, a sacred hearth where Udasi saints perform sadhana and yagyas, and the iconic gerua flag, a red-ochre banner adorned with peacock feathers, characterise these akharas. Rich murals and frescos depicting Sikh history further enhance their interiors, though access to these inner sanctums is typically limited by spiritual customs.
Today, despite the challenges of succession and modern organisational shifts in gurdwara management, the akharas remain symbols of a vibrant and historical legacy.
Amritsar