Akhara literally means a place for practicing the art of defending Sanatan Dharm. There are many Akharas in India which were established as per the rules of the deity the members of the Akharas worship. Shaiva Akharas are for the followers of Lord Shiva, Vaishnava or Vairagi Akharas are for the followers of Lord Vishnu and Kalpwasis for followers of Lord Brahma. There is one ((Nirmohi Akhara)) in Ayodhya who are followers of Hanuman, the bhakta of Lord Ram. Adi Shankaracharya had established 7 Akharas namely Mahanirvani, Niranjani, Juna, Atal, Avahan, Agni and Anand Akhara. Today there are 3 major Akharas in India - Mahanirvani, Niranjani, and Juna. The three famous minor Akharas are Atal affiliated with Mahanirvani, Anand affiliated with Niranjani, Avahan affiliated with Juna. There is also one small but famous Akhara is Brahmachari Akhara, affiliated to Juna. Astradharis (weapon holders) and Shastradharis (scripture holders) both sadhus (saints) practice in Akharas.