India 2016 (Odisha) - Mahima Order

The Mahima Dharma is a kind of movement within Hinduism to refocus on the basic concept of Hinduism. Mahima Dharma rejects caste system and believes in a single god (Brahma or supreme soul) who is omnipresent and not palpapble in common sense, therefore rejecting any kind of idols to be worshiped. The religion is mainly practiced in Odisha.

Mahima Gadi at Joranda

The founder of the Order was Mahima Swami, also called Mahima Gosain. First official account of his teachings and activities dates from 1867.

According to his disciples his life can be divided into several stages of 12 years each where he either only lived on water alone or fruits or cow milk.

At Mahima Gadi, near the village of Joranda in Dhenkanal district of Odisha, the Swami received some land by the Raja of Dhenkanal. When he

passed away his disciples build a monastery which became the centre of the Mahima Order.

The principles of the order are derived from the Vedas and Upanishads, ancient sanskrit texts which define the central concept of Hinduism.

Some important and distinct principles of Mahima Dharma are: Tolerance. Principle of non violence. Food - strictly vegeterian and no alcoholics - has to be taken before sunset. The followers of the order are not allowed to stay or eat at one place at 2 consecutive days, they live on donations allone. For that reason the monks are constantly on the move. At villages they are granted a place to sleep and food. In return they share their knowledge, believes and stories with their hosts. The monks of the order strictly follow celibacy, piety and lead a life in poverty.