Model-turned-ascetic Harsha Richharia immersed herself in the holy waters of the Narmada river on Wednesday. She performed this sacred act to mark the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.
A Deeply Personal Moment
Standing on the riverbanks in Jabalpur, Richharia shared her feelings with the gathered crowd. She described the experience as profoundly personal and spiritually significant.
"I am feeling very good because I have a very old and deep connection with Jabalpur, the Sanskardhani, and with Maa Narmada," she said. "To be here on this sacred occasion and take a holy dip is a matter of great blessing and good fortune for me."
No Regrets About Past Career
Richharia openly addressed questions about her previous association with the glamour industry. She expressed no regrets about her past work as an anchor and actor.
"I say this with great pride — I was an anchor and an actor, and I did that work with dignity," she stated firmly. "That profession gave Harsha Richharia her identity. Later, I chose the path of religion to promote and spread dharma. Many young people connected with me through this journey."
Pain Over Internal Criticism
The ascetic also voiced her anguish regarding criticism from within religious circles. She found such actions particularly hurtful when they came from people sharing the same faith.
"It is painful when people of the same faith hurt one another," Richharia added. "Such actions deeply wound our faith and leave us distressed."
Rise to Prominence
Last year, the thirty-year-old influencer from Uttarakhand captured widespread attention during the Maha Kumbh Mela. She was seen riding a chariot during the massive religious gathering.
Her videos and photographs quickly went viral across social media platforms. This sudden exposure earned her instant popularity among followers. Some admirers even began calling her the "most beautiful sadhvi."
Controversy and Criticism
The attention also sparked criticism from certain sections of the ascetic community. Some traditionalists argued that the Kumbh Mela should focus solely on spiritual discourse rather than personal publicity.
Richharia typically appears dressed in traditional saffron robes. She wears a rudraksha rosary and applies a tilak on her forehead. In several viral videos, she has identified herself as a disciple of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj. He belongs to the prominent Niranjani Akhara.
The spiritual journey of Harsha Richharia continues to fascinate many observers. Her transition from the entertainment industry to religious life represents a significant personal transformation. The Makar Sankranti dip in Jabalpur marks another chapter in her evolving spiritual narrative.
