Trust Registration & Governance

 

1. Introduction

Shri Avahan Akhara is one of the most ancient and revered Shaivite Akharas, founded on the principles of Sanatan Dharma, spiritual renunciation, and Kshatriya ascetic traditions. It plays a central role in the preservation of sacred Vedic values, organizing spiritual congregations, and guiding the nation’s sadhus in ceremonial order, especially during the Kumbh Mela.

To lawfully manage its religious, cultural, and charitable activities, the Akhara operates through a formally registered trust, which upholds both legal compliance and traditional guru-parampara discipline.

2. Trust Registration Details

  • Name of the Trust: Shri Avahan Akhara Trust

  • Type: Charitable Religious Trust

  • Head Office: Haridwar, Uttarakhand – 249401, India

  • Registration Number: [To be inserted upon confirmation]

  • Registration Under: Indian Trusts Act, with compliance to Income Tax Act, 1961

  • PAN / TAN / 80G / FCRA:

    • PAN: [Available upon request]

    • 80G Certification: Applicable (Donations eligible for tax benefits)

    • FCRA Status: Registered to receive foreign contributions legally

All registration documents are maintained transparently at the Trust’s administrative office and available for review upon formal written request.

3. Objectives of the Trust

The primary aims of the Shri Avahan Akhara Trust are:

  • Protection and propagation of Shaiva and Sanatan Dharma traditions

  • Support and upliftment of Naga Sadhus and spiritual renunciates

  • Organizing and coordinating Kumbh Mela and sacred processions (Shahi Snan)

  • Maintenance of temples, ashrams, gaushalas, and dharamshalas

  • Promoting spiritual education, yogic sciences, and Sanskrit learning

  • Supporting Annadaan, medical relief, rural development, and charitable acts

  • Protecting sacred sites and reviving dharmic architecture and heritage

4. Governance Structure

The Trust is governed by an internal Panchayati system, structured in accordance with ancient traditions and modern administrative needs.

a. Akhara Panchayat (Spiritual Council)

  • Highest body of Mahamandaleshwars and Acharyas

  • Guides dharmic vision, spiritual conduct, and ceremonial order

b. Board of Trustees (Administrative Council)

Responsible for legal, financial, and managerial execution of the Akhara’s mission.
Key roles include:

  • Acharya Mahamandaleshwar (Spiritual Head)

  • Trust Secretary / Karyavah

  • Treasurer

  • Appointed advisors and saints with specific administrative portfolios

c. Advisory Panels

The Trust may appoint panels for:

  • Legal and Compliance Oversight

  • Finance and Audit

  • Infrastructure and Property Management

  • Outreach, Publications, and Technology

5. Transparency & Compliance

The Trust abides by national laws and voluntarily upholds transparency through:

  • Annual financial audits by certified Chartered Accountants

  • Maintenance of donation records and expenditures

  • Filing of returns with the Income Tax Department and Home Ministry (FCRA)

  • Issuing donation receipts and 80G certificates promptly upon request

The Trust ensures no misuse of funds or deviation from its dharmic and charitable charter.

6. Ethical Guidelines & Code of Conduct

All saints, trustees, volunteers, and associated staff must follow:

  • Absolute dedication to truth, non-attachment, and celibacy

  • Preservation of dharmic integrity, humility, and transparency

  • No personal profiteering or misuse of Akhara property

  • Respect for hierarchy, traditions, and the constitution of the Akhara

Violation of these codes can result in immediate disciplinary action or removal from any active role in governance.

7. Oversight & Reporting

  • Regular trustee meetings are held for review and planning

  • Annual general meetings (AGM) to ratify major decisions

  • Donor reports and public updates may be issued on request or published online

  • Suggestions from devotees and well-wishers are always welcomed and reviewed sincerely

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