Haridwar: Japanese saint becomes Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara, next Dharma Sansad in Japan

Haridwar: The spiritual bond between India and Japan grew stronger on Monday evening when Japanese saint Adityanand Puri was appointed Mahamandaleshwar of the Niranjani Akhara. The coronation ceremony was held at SMJN PG College, Haridwar, under the auspices of the Panchayati Akhara Shri Niranjani.

The consecration ceremony, conducted with full Vedic rituals, was attended by saints, Acharyas, representatives of Akharas, and followers of Sanatan Dharma. Adityanand Puri was welcomed with the traditional Chadar ritual, enthroned amid chanting of mantras and showering of flowers. After the ceremony, he will be known as Mahamandaleshwar Adityanand Giri.

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Next Dharma Sansad will be held in Japan

Shri Mahant Ravindrapuri Maharaj, President of the Akhara Parishad and Secretary of Niranjani Akhara, said the position of Mahamandaleshwar is the highest symbol of renunciation, austerity, and the guru’s grace in Sanatan Dharma. It is not only a religious honor but also a responsibility to protect the faith, guide society, and spread spiritual consciousness. He added that a young saint like Adityanand Giri will give new direction to the saint community and Hindu society.

Ravindrapuri Maharaj also announced that the next Dharma Sansad will be held in Japan, and a delegation from the Akhara will travel there soon.

Adityanand Giri’s pledge

Speaking after his coronation, Adityanand Giri Maharaj said it was a proud moment to be anointed Mahamandaleshwar. He pledged to carry forward the Niranjani Akhara’s tradition and spread Sanatan Dharma with full devotion.

Global adoption of Sanatan culture

Shri Mahant Prem Giri Maharaj, International President of Juna Akhara, presided over the program. He said the world is adopting Sanatan culture, and for ages, saints have played a crucial role in raising its flag. He expressed confidence that Mahamandaleshwar Adityanand Giri will spread Sanatan Dharma across the globe.

Adityanand Giri will guide Japanese society

Mahamandaleshwar Swami Lalitananda Giri Maharaj added that Adityanand Giri will guide Japanese society during his spiritual journey. Shri Mahant Mahesh Puri said the new Mahamandaleshwar will connect the world with Sanatan tradition, while Shri Mahant Darshan Bharti emphasized that the occasion reflects the Guru‑disciple tradition.

Foreign saints embracing Sanatan Dharma

A month ago, Japanese entrepreneur‑turned‑saint Hoshi Takayuki was also appointed Mahamandaleshwar of the Niranjani Akhara, receiving the name Bala Kumbh Giri. Influenced by India’s traditional culture, he converted from Buddhism to Sanatan Dharma.

With Adityanand Giri’s coronation, the Niranjani Akhara has now welcomed two Japanese saints into its highest ranks. Leaders of the Akhara Parishad say this reflects the growing influence of Sanatan Dharma worldwide, with Japan emerging as a new center for spiritual gatherings.