Weird ways of Naga sadhus

Agencies

Hassan, Oct 29, 2014: It may be mere coincidence that it’s raining heavily in these parts after a long time and a conclave of Naga sadhus is being held at Banavar in Arsikere taluk of the district.

 

But devotees are certainly moved and attribute the skies opening up big time after a gap of 12 years to the sadhus descending here. The Sadguru Dattatreya Vishwastha Mandali has organised various rituals by sadhus and sants, praying for rains. Lo and behold, there have been showers, much to the joy of the believers. Ashok Giri and Mohanbharati Maharaj, two of the saints taking part in the meet, say they are happy about the showers. 

 

But they hasten to add that the full results of these rituals will be seen after some time, perhaps forever from next year onwards.  The Naga sadhus said there was nothing strange about their appearance and food habits. It’s just that they wear whatever clothes devotees give them or roam about naked if they don’t get anything to wear. If devotees provide them delicacies, the saints relish them or make do with whatever is available.

 

They said they don’t care for anyone and vent their ire if they get angry.Among the saints gathered for the conclave, one who attracts attention is 12-year-old, Somuvar Giri. The seniors say people hand over one of their children to the sadhus, fulfilling a vow that they would do so if they beget children. Of the saints who have gathered here, the number of those who have smeared ash on their bodies is less.

 

They come together when it’s time for poojas or havans. Some of them smoke cigarettes and beedis even at the time of pooja. It’s a well-known practice among these sadhus to smoke ganja at night. Their weird ways are proving a hit among the local populace and hordes of them coming to catch a glimpse. Some bow in front of them for blessings.