About Us.
Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhara is one of the foremost spiritual institutions in India, rooted in the divine teachings of Sri Sri 1008 Sri Chand Ji Maharaj, the enlightened son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Founded on the pillars of udasinata (detachment), seva (selfless service), and sadhana (spiritual discipline), the Akhara represents a living tradition of saints, yogis, and seekers dedicated to the path of Sanatan Dharma.
📜 History of Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhara
An Eternal Flame in the Tapestry of Sanatan Dharma
Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhara traces its sacred lineage to Sri Sri 1008 Sri Chand Ji Maharaj, the elder son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru. Born in the 15th century, Sri Chand Ji renounced worldly life at an early age and embraced the austere path of meditation, silence, and divine realization. His radiant spiritual presence gave rise to the Udasin Sampradaya, a tradition grounded in renunciation (udasinata), wisdom (gyan), and service (seva).
🌿 The Udasin Tradition
The word Udasin comes from “udāsīn,” meaning detached or indifferent to worldly matters. Sri Chand Ji’s teachings emphasized the oneness of all beings, the pursuit of self-realization, and strict adherence to moral and spiritual discipline. Over time, his disciples spread across India, establishing ashrams and guiding spiritual seekers.
The Udasin order absorbed deep influences from Vedanta, Yoga, and Bhakti traditions, harmonizing both Vedic and Sikh teachings. The sadhus of the tradition dressed in simple robes, practiced strict celibacy, and engaged in deep tapasya while also maintaining a strong commitment to dharmic service and scriptural propagation.
🛡 Formation of the Panchayati System
As the Udasin movement grew, the need for organization and protection became essential—especially during times of foreign invasions and socio-political unrest in India. The Panchayati system was introduced to ensure collective leadership. Unlike centralized authority, this system is governed by five or more spiritually mature saints (Mahants/Mahamandaleshwars), who make decisions based on dharma, consensus, and tradition.
🔥 Birth of Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhara
The Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhara was formally organized as a spiritual and monastic institution under the umbrella of the greater Udasin tradition. It is one of the recognized Akharas among the Dashanami and Vaishnavite orders, participating actively in events like the Kumbh Mela, where Akharas assert their spiritual and cultural presence.
“Naya” in its name refers to its position in a sequence of Udasin Akharas, distinguishing it from others such as the Bada Udasin Akhara or Nirmal Akhara, while maintaining shared roots and reverence for Sri Chand Ji Maharaj🌺 Continuing the Legacy
Today, Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhara stands as a bridge between the ancient and the modern, guiding seekers with timeless wisdom, while adapting to the needs of a changing world. Its saints continue to embody the ideals of truth, non-attachment, devotion, and spiritual discipline, ensuring that the flame lit by Sri Chand Ji Maharaj continues to burn brightly in every era.
Founding and Lineage
Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhara was founded on the divine teachings of Sri Sri 1008 Sri Chand Ji Maharaj, the elder son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who embraced a life of deep renunciation, silence, and spiritual discipline. As the originator of the Udasin Sampradaya in the 16th century, Sri Chand Ji emphasized detachment from worldly desires, devotion to the Supreme, and the pursuit of inner truth. This sacred lineage has continued unbroken through generations of enlightened saints and Mahamandaleshwars, who have preserved the Akhara’s spiritual essence through rigorous tapasya, scriptural wisdom, and dharmic leadership. Each guru in this lineage is chosen for their inner realization and commitment to Sanatan Dharma, forming a living chain of divine transmission that sustains the Akhara’s mission across centuries.
Guru Parampara
The Guru Parampara of Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhara begins with the luminous figure of Sri Sri 1008 Sri Chand Ji Maharaj, the elder son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who laid the foundation of the Udasin Sampradaya in the 16th century. Through his life of austerity, silence, and deep spiritual knowledge, he inspired a tradition rooted in detachment (udasinata), compassion, and realization of the Supreme Self.
This sacred lineage has been carried forward by countless enlightened saints and Mahamandaleshwars, each embodying the ideals of renunciation, scriptural mastery, and divine love. These revered gurus do not claim authority by birth, but earn their place through tapasya (austerity), seva (selfless service), and inner awakening.
Each guru in the Udasin Guru Parampara serves as a living bridge between the ancient wisdom of the Vedas, the message of Guru Nanak, and the evolving needs of humanity. Their blessings continue to guide seekers on the timeless path of dharma, devotion, and liberation.
🌟 Sri Sri 1008 Sri Chand Ji Maharaj
Founder of Udasin Sampradaya
📿 Sri Sri 108 Bhagat Bhagwan Das Ji Maharaj
Prominent early disciple and spiritual successor
🕉️ Sri Sri 108 Mahant Sukhdev Das Ji Maharaj
Revivalist and organizer of the Akhara structure
🪔 Sri Sri 108 Mahamandaleshwar Mahant Ji Maharaj
Contemporary torchbearer of the tradition
🕉️ Spiritual Mission
The spiritual mission of Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhara is to illuminate the path of Sanatan Dharma through the living practice of udasinata—serene detachment from ego and worldly craving—balanced by heartfelt devotion to the Divine and tireless selfless service (seva). Guided by the timeless teachings of Sri Sri 1008 Sri Chand Ji Maharaj, the Akhara cultivates disciplined meditation, rigorous study of Vedic and Nanakian wisdom, and compassionate action that uplifts all beings. By training monks and household seekers alike in inner purification, scriptural insight, and community welfare, the Akhara aspires to nurture liberated individuals who, through their own awakened presence, become beacons of peace, unity, and dharma in the modern world.
🌟 Spiritual Vision
The spiritual vision of Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhara is rooted in the eternal truth that the Divine dwells within every being. Inspired by the teachings of Sri Sri 1008 Sri Chand Ji Maharaj, the Akhara envisions a world where individuals awaken to their highest nature through the path of inner detachment (udasinata), divine knowledge (jnana), selfless service (seva), and devotion (bhakti).
It strives to be a spiritual lighthouse that not only preserves ancient wisdom but also brings it alive in contemporary society—through compassionate leadership, disciplined living, and universal love. The Akhara seeks to guide all sincere seekers toward liberation (moksha) while building a harmonious world rooted in peace, dharma, and the unity of all faiths.
Organizational Structure
The Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhara follows a Panchayati system of governance, meaning it is not led by a single individual, but by a council of enlightened saints who collectively guide its spiritual, administrative, and community activities. This structure reflects the Akhara’s core values of humility, shared responsibility, and dharmic balance.
Mahamandaleshwars
At the apex are the Mahamandaleshwars, highly realized saints entrusted with the spiritual leadership of the Akhara. Chosen based on their tapasya, scriptural mastery, and moral integrity—not lineage or social status—they oversee the overall direction of the Akhara, including major decisions, spiritual training, and representation in national religious forums such as the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad.
Mandaleshwars & Mahants
Below them are the Mandaleshwars and Mahants, who serve as regional heads and ashram caretakers. They are responsible for managing temples, ashrams, gaushalas, and educational centers, while also mentoring disciples, conducting spiritual programs, and leading local initiatives.
Panch (Council Elders)
The Panch refers to the spiritual council of senior saints who deliberate on important matters, such as the selection of Mahamandaleshwars, disciplinary matters, and management of Akhara property and events. The Panch system ensures decisions are made by collective spiritual wisdom rather than personal authority.
Sadhus and Disciples
At the grassroots are the initiated sadhus, brahmacharis, and household disciples who live the path of devotion, study, and service. They form the living heart of the Akhara, serving in daily worship, social outreach, pilgrimage hosting, and preservation of dharmic practices.
