Bazhovism
Bazhovism, whose adherents are known as Bazhovites, is a modern Pagan new religious movement in Russia, in the Ural region. It originated as an offshoot of the Roerichian movement and maintains the practice of Agni Yoga. Bazhovites regard Arkaim, not far from Magnitogorsk in the Chelyabinsk Oblast, as the spiritual centre of the world. Since 1993, with the support of the local administration, a yearly "Bazhov Festival" is held at Lake Chebarkul on the summer solstice.
The Bazhovite movement is incorporated as the "N.K. Roerich Spiritual–Ethical Centre of the Urals", or "Bazhov Academy", and is led by Vladimir Sobolev, regarded as a prophet by his followers. The Bazhovites worship the Mistress of the Copper Mountain and the Great Snake, amongst other deities.
