Teenage Cousins from Gujarat’s Wealthy Family Set to Embrace Monkhood in Maha Kumbh 2025
Teenage Cousins from Gujarat’s Wealthy Family Set to Embrace Monkhood in Maha Kumbh 2025
In a decision that has taken their family and the broader community by surprise, two teenage cousins from a prominent business family in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, are preparing to embrace the life of ascetics during the 2025 Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. At ages 16 and 13, the two girls, Nishvi and Tashvi, will renounce the material world and begin their spiritual journey as Sadhvis and Bhikshus, a decision that reflects their deep religious commitment.
This significant event will unfold during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, where countless spiritual seekers take part in life-changing experiences. For Nishvi and Tashvi, this spiritual awakening isn’t merely a passing phase—it marks a deep-rooted desire to seek inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.
A Family Surprised, Yet Supportive of the Decision
The girls come from the affluent Vohera family, which is well-known for its involvement in clothing and pipe manufacturing businesses. Despite their comfortable life filled with global travel to destinations like the UAE, Singapore, Australia, and Hong Kong, both girls have chosen to pursue a path that many would consider unusual for someone of their age and background.
Initially, the family struggled to comprehend their daughters’ desires to leave behind the comforts of modern life. Nishvi’s father, Ankit, expressed that both his wife and mother had long harbored the wish to embrace asceticism, but circumstances never allowed them to follow that path. When Nishvi first shared her intention to become a Sadhvi, it was a shock to everyone. Over time, however, the family came to accept and support her decision.
Similarly, Tashvi’s parents, Nikunj and his wife, initially found it difficult to accept their daughter’s choice to take the spiritual plunge at such a tender age. The turning point came when both cousins spent a year at the Gurukul of Sabarmati, immersing themselves in the customs and lifestyle of ascetics. Their dedication to the ascetic life left their families with no doubts—they were ready for this monumental step.
A Spiritual Journey Rooted in Devotion
Both Nishvi and Tashvi have been deeply involved in religious practices from a young age. The cousins have regularly observed fasts, followed rituals, and participated in spiritual gatherings. Their devotion and commitment have set them on a path that goes beyond material success or worldly pursuits. For them, the ultimate goal is to find happiness and knowledge through spiritual means.
The girls are not just seeking renunciation; they are choosing a life that they believe will bring them closer to understanding themselves and the divine. Both have expressed their lack of desire for a materialistic lifestyle, focusing instead on the contentment they hope to gain through the Sadhvi life. The simplicity and spiritual fulfillment offered by this path appeal to their deeper understanding of life.
The Significance of the Initiation Ceremony
On January 26, 2025, Nishvi and Tashvi will officially become Sadhvi and Bhikshu, respectively, in a ceremony held in Palitana, Gujarat. This momentous occasion will take place under the guidance of esteemed spiritual leaders, Acharya Nityasensuri and Acharya Jayaratnasuri. The ceremony will also be attended by Mumukshus (spiritual seekers) from Surat and Ahmedabad, marking the event as a significant occasion in their spiritual community.
In a family tradition that spans 70 years, this will be the first time a member of the Vohera family chooses to wear the white robes of a Sadhvi. The Vohera family, consisting of 37 members, is known for its close-knit lifestyle, and this decision marks a new chapter in their spiritual journey.
The Path to Monkhood: A Family’s Adjustment
While the decision to embrace monkhood was initially met with hesitation, the family now stands united in supporting the girls. For the Vohera family, this shift in perspective is not just about spiritual renunciation but also about understanding and respecting the girls’ personal convictions. They realize that this decision is driven by a deep sense of spirituality, and their support is crucial for the girls to succeed on this path.
Tashvi’s father, Nikunj, admitted that the year spent at the Gurukul allowed them to observe the girls’ serious commitment to the ascetic lifestyle. After this immersion, the family felt confident in their daughters’ decision to leave the world behind in favor of a life dedicated to spiritual growth.
From Materialism to Asceticism: A Shift in Worldview
Both girls are aware that their journey will require them to make a significant transition. From living with their extended family in a bustling three-story building in Ahmedabad to joining a community of hundreds of Sadhvis in Gujarat, the shift will be drastic. Yet, the girls are excited about the opportunities this new life will offer, including deeper spiritual knowledge and personal growth.
Their path reflects a growing trend among younger generations in India to seek spiritual fulfillment over material success, though such decisions remain rare among those from wealthy families. By choosing asceticism, Nishvi and Tashvi have set an example of commitment to a higher calling—one that prioritizes inner peace over worldly gains.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Toward Spiritual Fulfillment
The decision of these two teenage cousins from a wealthy family to embrace monkhood is a profound statement of faith and personal conviction. As they prepare to don the white robes of Sadhvis, they demonstrate that true happiness is not always found in wealth or luxury but in spiritual fulfillment. Their journey during the Maha Kumbh 2025 represents a turning point, both for their family and for those who follow their example of devotion and self-awareness.