Maha Kumbh 2025: The grand religious event of Mahakumbh will take place at the Sangam shore in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. During this sacred gathering, millions of devotees from across India and around the world come to take a holy dip at the revered Triveni Sangam. The presence of saints, sages, and Naga sadhus adds to the spiritual aura of the event.
Mahakumbh is a festival of sacred bathing, attracting millions of pilgrims who immerse themselves in the holy waters of Triveni Sangam as an act of faith.
The crowd peaks on the Shahi Snan (royal bath) days, as devotees believe that taking part in this special ritual cleanses one of sins, purifies the soul, and leads to spiritual liberation (moksha). Though ritual bathing takes place daily during Mahakumbh, the Shahi Snan is considered particularly auspicious, drawing an immense number of worshippers.
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Can't Attend The Shahi Snan At Kumbh? Here's What To Do
During the Mahakumbh, ritual baths performed on special dates are known as Shahi Snan (royal baths). This year, the Shahi Snan will take place today, on February 12 (Magh Purnima) and February 26 (Maha Shivratri). However, due to heavy crowds, many devotees are unable to attend the Mahakumbh for the sacred bath.
If you are among those unable to participate, don't worry—by following certain rituals at home, you can attain the same spiritual merit as the Shahi Snan. There are five essential steps to performing this ritual bath at home.
Follow These 5 Steps To Attain The Spiritual Merit Of Shahi Snan
- If you are unable to take a holy dip at Mahakumbh due to heavy crowds, try to bathe in a sacred river near you. If there is no river nearby or you are unable to go, you can mix Ganga Jal in your bathing water at home and perform the ritual bath.
- While performing Shahi Snan at home, it is important to chant specific mantras to attain spiritual merit. During your ritual bath, recite the following mantra:
"Gange Cha Yamune Chaiva Godavari Saraswati,
Narmade Sindhu Kaveri Jalesmin Sannidhim Kuru."
If you are unable to chant the mantra, simply meditate on Goddess Ganga while bathing to receive her divine blessings. - According to the scriptures, while bathing during Kumbh, one should take five dips in the Ganges and avoid using soap or shampoo. If you are taking a holy dip in a sacred river near your home, be sure to follow this rule.
- Ensure that on the day of Shahi Snan, you observe a fast. If fasting is not possible, consume only satvik food. After the sacred bath, avoid garlic, onion, tamasic foods, or non-vegetarian meals.
- After the bath, first offer argya to the sun. Then, offer water to the Tulsi plant and follow it by donating to those in need. During the Shahi Snan, it is essential to maintain faith and purity in your heart because the ritual purifies both the body and soul. By following these steps at home, you can still attain the same spiritual merit.
[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]