Swami Hiteshwaranand Saraswati, a revered saint from Rajasthan, has been honoured with the title of Mahamandaleshwar at the 2025 Prayagraj Mahakumbh. Mahamandaleshwar is regarded as the second-highest spiritual position in Sanatan Dharma, following the Shankaracharya. This title is reserved for saints who exhibit exemplary leadership and commitment to spiritual service.  

The title was conferred upon him by the Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani Akhara on the Dwadashi of Krishna Paksha in the Magh month, a significant day in the Hindu calendar, NDTV reported.

Swami Hiteshwaranand Saraswati is associated with Salumbhar and Sarepur, and his elevation to Mahamandaleshwar has been met with celebrations across the Mewar region, according to NDTV’s report. Locals have expressed immense pride in his achievement, considering it a historic moment for the region.  

Born into a Shrimali Brahmin family in Chanod near Sumerpur, Pali, Swami Hiteshwaranand’s mother, Hulasi Devi, hails from Kumbhalgarh in Kelwara. Embracing a life of renunciation, he chose celibacy and distanced himself from worldly pleasures. He is said to have donated property worth crores to tribals and is currently serving as the Peethadheeshwar of Katavala Math, a 550-year-old spiritual institution, NDTV and Jagran reported.  

Criteria For Becoming Mahamandaleshwar  

The title of Mahamandaleshwar comes with strict guidelines that a saint must follow, including:  

• Maintaining complete distance from family to ensure detachment. Any contact could lead to removal from the Akhara.  
• Upholding moral integrity, free from character flaws.  
• Avoiding association with individuals having a criminal background.  
• Leading a simple life, without indulgence in luxury or excessive comfort.  
• Abstaining from meat and alcohol consumption.  

Swami Hiteshwaranand Saraswati’s elevation to Mahamandaleshwar comes as an acknowledgment of his dedication to spiritual service and societal welfare.

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Maha Kumbh 2025

The Maha Kumbh, one of the holiest festivals in Hinduism, is currently underway in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Over 15 crore pilgrims are taking a sacred dip in the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The festival, celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm, commenced on January 13 with the ‘Pavitra Snan’ and will conclude on February 26, Maha Shivratri.

Key upcoming dates for holy dips include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Magh Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivratri). As ‘Mauni Amavasya’ draws near, the fervor continues to draw thousands of devotees, despite the cold.