Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad

The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (All India Akhara Council) is the apex organisation of Hindu Sants (saints) and Sadhus (ascetics) in India. 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. There are 14 such organisations based on the form of Hinduism and Hindu philosophy they adhere to. Most Akharas are Shaivite (followers of Lord Shiva), followed by Vaishnavas (followers of Lord Vishnu).

The system of Akharas may date as far back as circa 2500 BCE, 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.

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