Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: The grand Mahakumbh, organized under the leadership of the Uttar Pradesh government, has drawn millions of devotees, sages, and followers from diverse sects and traditions across India. Among the pilgrims taking a holy dip at the sacred Sangam are the unique Ramnami sect devotees from Chhattisgarh, known for their distinctive devotion.
Adorned with tattoos of “Ram” covering their entire bodies, dressed in white garments, and wearing peacock feather crowns, these devotees chant hymns and perform rituals on the banks of the Sangam. Their participation is an act of faith rooted in the sect’s tradition of worshiping the formless aspect of Lord Ram, known as Nirguna Ram.
The Mahakumbh is a spiritual gathering that transcends caste, sect, and belief, symbolizing unity within Sanatan Dharma. The Ramnami sect, originating in the 19th century from Chhattisgarh districts such as Janjgir, Bhilai, Durg, Balodabazar, and Sarangarh, began as a response to caste-based restrictions that excluded certain tribal groups from temples and idol worship.
To protest these barriers and demonstrate their devotion, the Ramnami community began tattooing “Ram” on their bodies, transforming themselves into living temples. Parashuram of Janjgir-Champa is credited as the founder of this tradition.
Ramnami devotees focus on chanting “Ram Naam” and singing verses from the Ramcharitmanas rather than visiting temples or engaging in idol worship. This deeply personal and inclusive spirituality has garnered over 10 lakh followers, primarily in Chhattisgarh.
At Mahakumbh, their presence showcases the diversity and unity within Sanatan Dharma. Kaushal Ramnami, a devotee from Sarangarh, shared the importance of this tradition: “On the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya, we will chant ‘Ram Naam’ and take the holy dip at Sangam.” He noted that his ancestors have participated in Mahakumbh for five generations and hopes the tradition will continue with future generations.
This year, approximately 200 Ramnami followers from Sarangarh, Bhilai, Baloda Bazar, and Janjgir have arrived for Mahakumbh, with more expected to join before Mauni Amavasya. They will chant ‘Ram Naam’ during their holy dip at the Triveni Sangam before returning to their hometowns, singing devotional hymns.
For the Ramnami devotees, chanting ‘Ram Naam’ is their ultimate form of worship, and their tattooed bodies are sacred temples of devotion.