Maha Kumbh 2025: Understanding The Importance Of ‘Shahi Snan’
Shahi Snan, during the Kumbh Mela, is said to hold a greater religious and spiritual significance than just absolving sins.
Mahakumbh Mela 2025: The Maha Kumbh Mela, considered one of the largest religious gatherings, begins today, January 13, in Prayagraj. The once-in-12-year event will continue till February 26, with millions of devotees gathering at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers, to take part in the holy dip ritual.
As per Hindu religious beliefs, a dip at the Sangam during this time is believed to wash away sins and bestow the devotees with divine blessings. The first “Shahi Snan" or royal bath, is set for January 14, 2025, marking a significant spiritual event during the Maha Kumbh Mela.
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The ritual holds deep spiritual meaning beyond just purifying sins. The Naga Sadhus will take the first holy dip at the Sangam, followed by the general public.
Bathing at the Sangam on this auspicious day is believed to bestow numerous blessings, washing away not just the sins of the present life but also those from past lives. Additionally, the Shahi Snan is said to bring peace to the souls of the ancestors of those who partake in the holy dip.
Sadhguru On Significance Of ‘Shahi Snan’
Sadhguru, the spiritual leader and founder of the Isha Foundation, discussed the profound significance of the Shahi Snan at the Kumbh Mela. He explained, “The elemental composition of this body is such that 72 per cent of this body is water, 12 per cent is earth, 6 per cent is air, 4 per cent is fire, the remaining is Akash. For one to live well here, water plays the most important role because 72 per cent of this body is water, 72 per cent of the planet is water."
Sadhguru continued, “So, the Kumbh or this science of making use of the confluence of rivers at certain latitudes came because of keen observation of how life and the different forces around us function and how we can make use of that." He added, “It is very significant and on particular days, it’s called Mauni Amavasya. People understand that this is a time of great benefit, and usually, they stay silent from that day onwards till Mahashivratri. And they are choosing places where water bodies are meeting, rivers are meeting and creating a vortex so that the impact is maximum. That is why in that Sangam, they want to have a dip on that day."
He highlighted that this ritual started with a few yogis and now has grown into a huge congregation. “It is ‘The’ event on the planet. If you go and see there…you will see India. In India of another dimension, people are putting their last penny and travelling from somewhere just to be there for two days because somebody has told them on that day, if you take a dip, you will attain mukti."
The other Shahi Snan dates for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 are January 29-Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan), February 3, 2025-Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan) and February 26, 2025-Mahashivratri (Final Snan).
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