Maha Kumbh 2025: From 32 years without bathing to a 14-year arm raise, Babas with extreme vows create ripples before Shahi Snan

At the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, several ascetics with extraordinary lifestyles are catching everyone’s attention. These individuals, with their unique ways and unusual appearances, have become the centre of attraction during the grand religious event.

As per a TOI report, Gangapuri Maharaj, 57, stands at just 3 feet 8 inches tall and hasn’t bathed for over 32 years. He made a vow to never bathe again after his parents passed away when he was only nine years old. After being adopted by his "Guru Ma," he took a pledge in 1992 to remain unbathed forever. Despite his short stature, Gangapuri remains determined, saying, "Height has never had any negative effect on our life." He has been a sanyasi (monk) since childhood and continues his spiritual practices, which include a special ritual during the Shahi Snan (royal bath). At the Ujjain Kumbh in 2016, he completed this ritual by receiving a drop of water from his guru’s matted hair on his head.

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Gangapuri Baba at Mahakumbh Mela 2025

Gangapuri also wears custom-made sandals that are five inches high, made for him twice a year. His simple attire is typically unstitched, and he always carries a trident and Shivling given by his guru. Along with his daily meditation, he sometimes practices "shamshan sadhana" (meditation in a graveyard) at night.

Radhepuri Maharaj, a hatha yogi from Madhya Pradesh, has kept his right arm raised for 14 years as part of his vow. Earlier, he stood for years and even slept in that position. His right arm has become significantly thinner than his left, and his long nails have curled up. Radhepuri’s hatha yoga practices are aimed at the welfare of the country and to make India a "Vishwa Guru" (world leader), according to a TOI report.

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Another fascinating figure is Mahant Geetanand Giri, also known as "Rudraksha Baba." Hailing from Kotkapura in Punjab’s Faridkot, Mahant Geetanand wears a headgear made of 1.25 lakh Rudraksha beads, weighing a heavy 45kg. He wears this headgear for 12 hours every day as part of his vow to "protect humanity and Sanatan." He has six more years to complete this vow.

Inputs from TOI