Two saints from Japan become Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara

Two practitioners connected to the Sanatan tradition from Japan have been entrusted with the responsibility of Mahamandaleshwar at the Shri Panchayati Akhada Niranjani. During the Pattaabhishek ceremony held at the Veerbhadra Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh, Swami Mahadevanand Giri and Swami Krishnanand Giri were conferred the title of Mahamandaleshwar with due rituals.

Present at the ceremony were Shri Mahant Dr. Ravindrapuri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad and the Mansa Devi Temple Trust, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri, Mahant Darshan Bharti, along with several prominent saints from the saint community. The Panch Parmeshwar of the Niranjani Akhada and saints-mahapurushes from various akhadas honored both saints with tilak and shawls during their abhishek.

New Sannyasi Names for Japanese Practitioners

During the ceremony, both practitioners were also given new names in accordance with the sannyasa tradition. According to available reports, Kenta Ishiyama from Japan, also known as Vallalar, was addressed as Shri Mahadev Giri Ji Maharaj after taking sannyasa. Meanwhile, Daisaku Narita, also known as Senthil Nathan, was given the name Shri Krishna Giri Ji Maharaj.

Both saints are said to be connected to the disciple tradition of Swami Balakumbh Puri Maharaj. Reports indicate that Balakumbh Puri Maharaj himself is originally from Japan and has been active among those connected to the Sanatan tradition and Indian spiritual practices in Japan.

Responsibility for Expanding Sanatan Tradition in Japan

During the Pattaabhishek ceremony, Shri Mahant Dr. Ravindrapuri stated that the position of Mahamandaleshwar in the akhada tradition is not just an honor but a responsibility related to the protection and promotion of Sanatan Dharma. He expressed hope that both newly appointed Mahamandaleshwars would contribute to the propagation of Sanatan culture in Japan, continuing the legacy of their guru.

Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri also extended his best wishes to both saints, urging them to work in accordance with the akhada and saint tradition and contribute to the upliftment of Sanatan. Meanwhile, the akhada's secretary Shri Mahant Ramratan Giri and Mahant Darshan Bharti mentioned that there is an increasing connection to Indian spiritual traditions in various countries, and both saints could play a role in advancing this tradition in Japan.

Preparations Were Underway

The process of assigning responsibilities to the Japanese practitioners in the Niranjani Akhada had been underway for some time. A report published in July 2026 indicated that preparations were being made to confer the title of Mahamandaleshwar to six practitioners from Japan. At that time, six names—Daisaku Narita, Kenta Ishiyama, Hiroki Takahashi, Yoshimi Moriya, Masaki Goto, and Takanobu Soga—were mentioned. However, the proposed Pattaabhishek program in July was postponed.

Now, at the ceremony held at the end of September, two Japanese practitioners have been formally conferred the title of Mahamandaleshwar. This development has emerged as a significant step towards expanding the active religious and spiritual activities of the Niranjani Akhada in Japan.

The newly appointed Mahamandaleshwars Swami Mahadevanand Giri and Swami Krishnanand Giri expressed their gratitude to the saint community, stating their commitment to uphold the traditions of the akhada and work towards connecting devotees with Sanatan culture in Japan.