Key Points:
- Makar Sankranti Marks the Beginning: The first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced on 14th January, coinciding with the auspicious festival of Makar Sankranti.
- Massive Devotee Turnout: Despite the winter chill, lakhs of devotees from across the country gathered at Triveni Sangam to take a holy dip.
- Akhadas Lead the Way: Sadhus from 13 prominent akhadas initiated the sacred bathing rituals, following an organized schedule set by the Kumbh Mela administration.
- Significance of Amrit Snan: The ritual is believed to cleanse sins, provide spiritual rejuvenation, and grant special blessings to devotees.
- Strict Ritual Protocols: Only Naga Sadhus bathe first, followed by other saints, and finally householders. Adherence to these traditions is essential for spiritual merit.
Prayagraj: On the sacred occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Maha Kumbh 2025 officially began with the first Amrit Snan at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. Lakhs of devotees braved the biting cold to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam, marking the start of this grand religious celebration.
Sadhus from 13 Akhadas Lead the Rituals
Sadhus from 13 akhadas, representing various sects of Sanatan Dharma, led the ritualistic bathing procession. The Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani was the first to take the dip at dawn, followed by Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara and others. A detailed bathing schedule ensured an orderly flow of events, as each akhada adhered to its allocated time slots.
Detailed Bathing Schedule for Amrit Snan
The Maha Kumbh Mela administration meticulously planned the bathing sequence for all 13 akhadas. Here’s a snapshot:
- Mahanirvani Akhara: Departure at 5:15 AM, bathing from 6:15–6:55 AM.
- Niranjani and Anand Akharas: Departure at 6:05 AM, bathing from 7:05–7:45 AM.
- Juna, Aawahan, and Panchagni Akharas: Departure at 7:00 AM, bathing from 8:00–8:40 AM.
The schedule continued throughout the day, culminating with the Shri Panchayati Nirmal Akhara, which completed its Amrit Snan by 4:20 PM.
Significance and Rituals of Amrit Snan
The Amrit Snan holds profound spiritual importance. According to tradition, taking a dip during the royal bath cleanses sins, resolves life’s troubles, and grants divine blessings. However, specific protocols must be followed to attain the ritual’s full benefits:
- Naga Sadhus Bathe First: Their bath signifies the start of the ritual, followed by other saints and householders.
- Mandatory Visits: Devotees should visit the reclining Hanuman temple and Akshay Vat after bathing.
- Charity and Offerings: Donations of food, clothing, and money to the poor amplify the ritual’s merit.
Faith, Tradition, and Unity
The first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025 exemplifies the unshakable faith and unity of millions of devotees. It also underscores the meticulous efforts of the Maha Kumbh Mela administration in preserving age-old traditions while managing an event of this magnitude. As the confluence of faith continues to draw millions, the preparations for the Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) promise even greater spiritual fervor in the coming days.
