Prayagraj, 26 November (IANS). The role of Akharas is very important where lakhs of people gather during Ardh Kumbh and Kumbh Mela. There is a special post inside these Akharas, which is called Kotwal or Thanapati. It is very important to understand the responsibility of this post, because this person not only monitors the discipline and security of the Akhara, but his major duties also include protecting the deity and religious flag of the Akhara.
It is the responsibility of the police station or Kotwal to maintain discipline and security inside the arena. This post is similar to any police station in which he is entrusted with the care and monitoring of the Akhara. Understanding the importance of their role, especially during Ardh Kumbh and Kumbh Mela, their responsibility increases even more. These events are organized on a large scale and it is very important to maintain the safety and discipline of the saints and other devotees who come here.
The Panch Parmeshwar of the Akharas, who is the head of the Akhara, appoints the Kotwal. Kotwal is selected only on the instructions of Panch Parmeshwar and this appointment is done following special traditions. Their dress code includes a shawl, which gives them special identity, and they also carry a silver staff, which is a symbol of the specialty of the post. An important function of the Kotwal is to protect the religious flag and the presiding deity of the Akhara. The responsibility of the Kotwal is huge to maintain security and discipline inside the Akhara. Their job is to ensure that no one violates the rules in the Akhara and to ensure the safety of all the saints and devotees who come there.
According to the Mahants of the Akhara, the deployment of Kotwal and his role is very important. Mahant explains that the Kotwal is the main person who takes care of the security and faith of the Akhara cantonment. Their work not only involves maintaining discipline, but it is also their responsibility to ensure the grand and safe stay of every devotee and saint.
Mahant Durgadas ji of Akhara Udasin Nirvani Akhara tells that the role of Kotwal is very important in the Akharas. Kotwal has his own identity, and his main function is to ensure the safety of the religion, the flag and the entire cantonment. He ensures that no impersonator enters the Akhara and his identity is also with him. If any problem arises, they are the ones who give the information and action is taken on that basis only. In this way the role of Kotwal is very important.
He further said that the selection process of Kotwal is done by the Panch Parmeshwar of the Akhara. Panch Parmeshwar chooses only those saints who are perfect in every aspect and who have all types of information. Only those saints are given the responsibility of Kotwal. However, the Kotwal does not have the right to punish, because the provision of punishment rests with the Panch Parmeshwar. If any complaint comes through the Kotwal, then Panch Parmeshwar discusses it and gives appropriate punishment. Kotwal is identified by his special attire. He holds a silver staff in his hand and also has a shawl, which clearly identifies his position. His attire alone shows that he is a Kotwal.
–IANS
PSK/CBT
