Mahakumbha 2025: Mahakumbh fair is starting from 13th January, in Mahakumbh Mahamandaleshwar's procession comes out sitting on a silver throne decorated with umbrella and fan, seeing which everyone gets attracted and it seems that there is no other person more glorious than him, but you know that the life of Mahamandaleshwar is full of sacrifice. To get the title of Mahamandaleshwar, a saint has to pass the five-level investigation of the Akhara, the test of knowledge and detachment.

Even after getting the title, he has to live under all the restrictions for life. If he ignores the rules, he is expelled from the Akhara. In 13 Akharas, the post of Mahamandaleshwar comes after Acharya Mahamandaleshwar. There are 30 to 40 Mahamandaleshwars in every Akhara. New Mahamandaleshwars are crowned in Kumbh Mahakumbh. 

"It is necessary to be brave along with being knowledgeable"
According to Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri of Shriniranjani Akhara, Mahamandaleshwars are the flag bearers of Sanatan Dharma. They are brave along with being knowledgeable. Whenever religion has faced a crisis, Mahamandaleshwars have overcome it with the power of their wisdom and influence. When a person contacts Akharas for Sanyas or the title of Mahamandaleshwar, he has to give his name, address, educational qualification, details of relatives and information about his job or profession. His verification is done by the Thanapati of the Akhara. 

On receiving the report from the Thanapati, the secretary and the Panch of the Akhara conduct separate investigations. Some people go to the house of the person concerned and contact the relatives to find out the truth. The team of saints also goes to the school-college where the person concerned received his education. Information is sought from the local police station to find out if there is any criminal involvement. This is investigated by the police. All reports are given to the Sabhapati of the Akhara. He gets the investigation done at his level. Then the Panch of the Akhara test their knowledge.

"It is necessary to meet these criteria of eligibility"
The post of Mahamandleshwar is a big responsibility. For this it is necessary to be a Shastri, Acharya, who has received education of Vedas and Puranas. If there is no such degree then the person should be a storyteller, it is necessary for him to have a monastery there. The facilities for public welfare are observed in the monastery. It is seen whether schools, temples, cowsheds etc. are being run there for the followers of Sanatan Dharma or not? If the work is done as per expectations then the title is given. 

A person who wants to become Mahamandaleshwar should have lived a life of a sanyasi for at least five years. They are made to take sanyaas as per rituals by the Akhara. On taking sanyaas, they have to perform their own pind daan. Their Shikha (top knot) is kept after shaving their head. Then they are given initiation. The Guru who gives initiation, the worshipper of the Akhara and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar are everything to them. On making an excellent contribution, the Mahamandaleshwar post is consecrated in Kumbh or Mahakumbh. The consecration is done as per the Puja ritual. The consecration is done with Panchamrit made of milk, ghee, honey, curd and sugar.