January 17, 2025 / 09:58 IST
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Date, Time, and Significance of Shahi Snan on Mauni Amavasya
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, promises an unparalleled spiritual experience, drawing millions of devotees and visitors from across the globe. Held from January 14 to February 26, this event combines devotion, mythology, and India’s rich cultural traditions into a grand celebration of faith.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Dates
| Snan | Date | Day | Significance |
|---|
| Paush Purnima Snan | 13 January 2025 | Monday | Marks the beginning of Kalpavas, a period of penance and spiritual practices. |
| Makar Sankranti | 14 January 2025 | Tuesday | First Shahi Snan; Sun transitions into Capricorn, a highly auspicious day. |
| Mauni Amavasya | 29 January 2025 | Wednesday | Second Shahi Snan; day of silent meditation and deep spiritual significance. |
| Basant Panchami | 03 February 2025 | Monday | Third Shahi Snan; dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and heralding spring. |
| Maghi Purnima | 12 February 2025 | Wednesday | A day for worship, charity, and concluding Kalpavas. |
| Maha Shivratri | 26 February 2025 | Wednesday | Final Snan; dedicated to Lord Shiva and symbolic of spiritual awakening. |
Significance of Shahi Snan on Mauni Amavasya
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The Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) on Mauni Amavasya holds immense spiritual importance during the Kumbh Mela. Here's why this day and its rituals are so significant:
- Sacred Silence and Inner Purification: The term "Mauni" derives from the word Mouna, meaning silence. Observing silence on this day is believed to lead to mental clarity and inner peace. Taking the holy dip at the Sangam (the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers) cleanses the soul and absolves one of past sins.
- Celestial Alignments: Mauni Amavasya is considered auspicious due to favourable planetary positions that amplify the spiritual benefits of taking a bath in sacred rivers. It is said that the waters acquire divine properties on this day, making the act of bathing a pathway to liberation (moksha).
- Tradition of Rishabh Dev: This day commemorates the moment when Rishabh Dev, an ancient sage and a revered Tirthankara in Jainism, ended his vow of silence by taking a dip in the holy waters. This act of devotion inspires millions of pilgrims to follow his path.
- Shahi Snan by Saints and Akharas: The Shahi Snan involves ceremonial processions of saints and sadhus from various Akharas (ascetic sects) who bathe in the sacred waters first. Their royal entry and devotion set the tone for the day and inspire the masses to partake in the ritual.
- Mass Congregation: Mauni Amavasya draws the largest gathering of pilgrims during the Kumbh Mela. People believe that bathing on this day not only purifies their own karma but also benefits their ancestors, ensuring their journey to salvation.
- Cleansing of Ego and Rebirth: The act of bathing on Mauni Amavasya symbolizes shedding one's ego and worldly attachments. Pilgrims emerge from the water with a renewed sense of purpose and spiritual upliftment.
In essence, the Shahi Snan on Mauni Amavasya represents a harmonious union of faith, devotion, and cosmic energy, making it one of the most revered days of the Kumbh Mela.
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