Akhada means a complete organization of saints. It's an umbrella organization under which the various sects comes within the Hindu tradition. There are all together 13 Akhadas. During the historical period when Hindu dharma was declining the Ascetics and renunciants came forward to protect dharma.
They held weapons which symbolized strength. They began to give lessons on religious scriptures and training in using of various weapons such as swords. All the saints and disciples belonging to different Akhadas stay together during Kumbh mela. Nashik city had 3 Akhadas of Vaishnav Pantha viz Shri Digambar, Shri Nirmohi and Shri Nirvani Akhada. Trambakeshwar had 10 Akhadas which included Shri Panch Dashnaam Juna Akhada, Shri Panch Naam Avahan Akhada, Shri Panch Agni Akhada, Shri Niranjani Akhada, Shri Taponidhi Anand Akhada Panchayati, Shri Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani, Shri Panchayati Atal Akhada, Shri Panchayati Akhada Bada Udasin, Shri Panchayati Akhada Naya Udasin, and Shri Panchayati Akhada Nirmal.
