• Stupin in saint community intensifies over election of Shri Panch and Shri Mahants of Ramta Panch.
• Election process involves Khalsa of the Madhis, with Jamatia Mahants voting.
• Interference of former or present officers prohibited.
• Election includes saints of four major sects and 42 other Madhis.
• Tradition of the Akhara, consisting of 52 Madhiyas, has been ongoing since Vikram Samvat 603 (AD 547).
• Ramta Panch election lasts three years, Shri Panch six years.
• Election valid until Prayag Kumbh after six years.
• Four new Shri Mahants of Ramta Panch elected for Ujjain Kumbh.
Rishikesh: Before the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, there has been a stir among the saint community regarding the election of Shri Panch of seven Akharas and Shri Mahants of Ramta Panch.
The election process will be conducted by the Khalsa of the Madhis, with Jamatia Mahants voting. Interference from former or present officers will be prohibited. Shri Mahant Gopal Giri of Aawahan Akhara stated that the election will include saints from four major sects, including 24 Gaddis, and 42 other Madhis.
This tradition has been in place since Vikram Samvat 603 (AD 547). The Ramta Panch election is for three years, while the Shri Panch election is for six years. The election is valid until the Prayag Kumbh, which will be held after six years. Four new Shri Mahants of Ramta Panch will be elected for the Ujjain Kumbh.