The name of a subdivision of the Dashanami Sanyasis' Naga class, a specific kind of renunciant ascetic.
- The Dashanami Nagas are Shiva worshippers (bhakta) who are divided into akharas or regiments in the manner of an army.
- The Nagas' main profession until the beginning of the nineteenth century was as mercenary warriors, but they also had significant trade interests; both of these vocations have virtually vanished in modern times.
- The Agni akhara is a component of the Juna akhara, which is one of Naga akhara's biggest and oldest.
The membership of the Agni akhara differs significantly from those of the other recognized akharas.
- The Agni akhara accepts only unmarried brahmins who have been lifelong celibates, while the other Naga Sanyasi akharas allow males from all levels of society, including the lowest status category, the shudras.
- The Agni akhara is the only Dashanami Naga akhara without any naked (naga) ascetics, perhaps due to their more restricted membership requirements.
- During the march to the Kumbha Mela for their bath, all of its participants stay completely dressed.
- The Agni akhara was founded in Benares, and it is now their most significant location.
All of the akharas have distinct characteristics that establish their organizational identity, such as patron deities; the goddess Gayatri, considered the embodiment of the Gayatri Mantra, is the patron deity of the Agni akhara.
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