Ananda Akhara is a Sanskrit word that means "infinite bliss".
- The name of a subgroup of the Dashanami Sanyasis' Naga class, which is a kind of renunciant ascetic.
- The Dashanami Nagas are Shiva worshippers (bhakta) who are divided into six akharas or regiments, similar to 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 strong Niranjani akhara, one of the other seven akharas, is considered a subsidiary of the Ananda akhara for organizational reasons.
- All of the groupings have distinct characteristics that establish their organizational identity, particularly unique tutelary deities; the Ananda akhara's tutelary god is fire.
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