Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: On January 14, 2025, the first 'Amrit Snan' (holy bath) of the Maha Kumbh Mela took place at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati River. This auspicious event, celebrated on Makar Sankranti, saw an extraordinary gathering of devotees, including spiritual leaders and seers, marking the beginning of the Hindu month of Magha.
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand of Juna Akhara, speaking after participating in the holy dip, stated, “Yaksha, Gandharva, and Kinnars, all took a holy dip today,” highlighting the spiritual significance of the event. He also prayed for the well-being of India, emphasizing that the ritual of 'snan' (bathing) holds immense importance in the Sanatan culture. According to Swami Avdheshanand, water is life-giving and sacred, with gods like Narayana and Brahma believed to have originated from water.
The 'Amrit Snan' ceremony marks the start of Maha Kumbh 2025, a religious event held every 12 years. During this time, millions of devotees visit Prayagraj to perform rituals and take part in the sacred baths. Swami Gyan Puri of Mahanirvana Akhara shared his amazement at the smooth flow of the crowds, despite the huge number of people gathered. He noted, “Everyone finds a place for a holy dip. I think it is only possible to see this here.”
Other seers, including Swami Lalitanand Giri of Niranjani Akhara, wished for the well-being of all and noted the significance of the rare planetary combination occurring after 144 years, which is considered highly beneficial for everyone, including gods and goddesses. Swami Giri expressed hope that the combination would bring peace and prosperity to the world.
Acharya Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara, also took part in the 'Amrit Snan' and expressed her joy at participating in the first holy dip of the Maha Kumbh 2025. “We are very happy to participate in the Amrit Snan and wish everyone a very Happy Makar Sankranti,” she said.
Alongside the religious significance of the dip, spiritual leaders like Chidanand Saraswati from Parmarth Niketan Ashram called for the conservation of rivers and planting of trees. He highlighted the incredible happiness of the devotees participating in the ritual and urged them to return home with the resolve to protect the environment, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s campaign 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' (Plant a tree in the name of a mother).
So far, around 20 million devotees have taken part in the 'Amrit Snan' on January 14. The Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, is expected to attract over 450 million devotees by its conclusion on February 26, 2025. Notable upcoming bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
The Maha Kumbh Mela, celebrated once every 12 years, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The first 'Amrit Snan' ceremony has set the tone for the spiritual festivities, drawing pilgrims from across the globe to experience the sacred rituals at the Triveni Sangam.
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