KAUAI, HAWAII, October 15, 2003: During the course of the Nashik Kumbha Mela, our correspondent, Mr. Rajiv Malik, interviewed Shri Arun Khonde, a journalist, on the history of the sadhu organizations at the Mela. Khonde gave a very lengthy explanation (“source” above) and we are looking for someone to read through this interview (which is in rough form) and comment on the accuracy of the information provided. Khonde discusses the origins of the various Saiva and Vaishnava akharas, the Chatur Sampradaya of the Vaishnavas, the military groups of sadhus, the roll of Adi Shankaracharya in the reorganization of the sadhus and more. We’d appreciate any comments on this information, much of which we had not seen before. Kindly e-mail ar@hindu.org.
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