| Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad | |
| Headquarters: | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh |
| Location: | India |
| Type: | Religious organization |
| Main Organ: | Committee |
| Leader Name: | Mahant Ravindra Giri (since October 2021) |
The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (;), one of the organizations of Hindu sants (saints) and sadhus (ascetics) in India.[1] [2] The ABAP is composed of 14 akharas, or organisations of Hindu sants and sadhus. Nirmohi Akhara (involved in the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute in Ayodhya) and Shri Dattatreya Akhara are two of the prominent akharas which are part of it.
The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad is based on the system of akharas in Hindu society. An akhara literally means a wrestling ring in Hindi, but also stands for a place of debate.[3] There are 14 such organisations based on the form of Hinduism and Hindu philosophy they adhere to. Most Akharas are Vaishnavas (devotees of Vishnu) and Shaivas (devotees of Shiva).
The system of akharas may date as far back as early 8th century, when Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have established seven akharas (possibly 10 as they are also known as Dasnaami): Mahanirvani, Niranjani, Juna, Atal, Avahan, Agni and Anand Akhara. The earliest recorded founding of an akhara was that of the Abhana in 547 CE. During periods of Muslim rule in India and later British rule, the akharas congregated and organised together, especially during the Kumbha Mela to work for the preservation of Hindu religion and culture. In 1565, Madhusudana Sarasvati started preparing akharas as an armed military force to resist invasions and protect Hindus.[3]
While the ABAP does not participate in electoral politics, it has a position of great importance in Hindu society as a leading Hindu leadership organisation. At times, it has cooperated with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), a Hindu religious organisation more openly involved in politics and part of the Sangh Parivar of Hindu nationalist organisations. However, the ABAP has also openly criticised the VHP for raising unnecessary controversies and refused to follow an agenda set by the VHP.[2] [4]
The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad has encouraged and supported the movement for the construction of a Ram Janmabhumi Temple on the site where the now-demolished Babri Mosque stood in Ayodhya. The place is believed to be the site of birth of the Hindu deity Rama. In 1989, the Nirmohi Akhara filed litigation regarding the site, and in 2010 their claim was upheld by the Allahabad High Court, which gave the akhara control of one-third of the site. The ABAP welcomed the verdict, asserting that it would prevent further exploitation of the issue by political parties.[1]
They are known to sanction anyone who misused Hinduism.[5]
As of January 2019 there were 13 recognised akharas, with Juna Akhara being the largest.[6] Seven of these akharas were founded by Adi Shankaracharya. There are 3 types of akharas; Nirvani Ani Akhada, Digambar Ani Akhada and Nirmal Ani Akhada.[7]
It has the largest number of akhadas for the Sadhus, Sants and the Naga Sadhus as well. There are seven Nirvani Ani Akhadas:[7]
It is also known as Bairagi Akhadas. They are Vaishnavas (followers of Lord Vishnu). It contains three akhadas, they are:[7]
It has three akhadas and they are known as Udasin. They are:[7] [8]