Ardh Kumbh unfolds exotic experiences for tourists

The talk about India being a land of snake charmers is passe, the Ardh Kumbh congregation here unfolds to a large number of foreign tourists a whole lot of exotic experiences. There are a large number of ascetics practising seemingly extra-human feats. These include observing complete silence or keeping one's hands raised for years. Foreigners can be seen at any time surrounding these ascetics and looking with awe their efforts to show triumph of human spirit over demands of the body. Sri Mahant Tapanji Maharaj, also known as Khadeswari Baba, has been standing for the last 27 years. Hailing from Bengal, Maharaj does not take any cereals but survives on fruits and vegetables. Similarly, Balakdas Khadeswari Maharaj has been in a standing position for two years, though he leans on a make-shift swing with feet dangling below.

Another ascetic Swami Ramji Maharaj of Chitrakoot has been observing silence for eight years and has kept his right hand continuously raised for four years. Likewise, Swami Amar Bhartiji Maharaj has kept his right hand raised for 12 years. Swami Ram Sharan Maharaj of Jaunpur has been observing silence since the Maha Kumbh in 2001, which has earned him the sobriquet of 'Mauni Baba Maharaj'. Another sadhu Baba Viswanath Maharaj moves around with 1100 garlands of 'rudrakhsh' beads covering almost every inch of his body. Maharaj, now in his 30s, claims to have taken 'sanyas' at the age of four, and has been moving around with the beads on his body since the previous Maha Kumbh in 2001.

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