The Maha Kumbh 2025, the largest religious gathering in the world, officially began on Monday with millions of devotees gathering in Prayagraj for the first 'Amrit Snan' of the event. Among the many seers and sadhus taking part, foreign devotees also added to the colorful festivities by immersing themselves in the sacred tradition and singing bhajans. This year's Maha Kumbh is expected to bring over 40 crore people to Prayagraj, making it larger than the combined population of the US and Russia.
Amrit Snan: The Sacred Bath of the Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela is one of the oldest and largest religious gatherings in the world. It is held every three years at one of four sacred river confluences in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. The Maha Kumbh, the largest of the four, is held every 12 years at Prayagraj.
The Amrit Snan, or "sacred bath," is the central ritual of the Kumbh Mela. Pilgrims bathe in the sacred waters of the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers to wash away their sins and achieve spiritual purification. The first Amrit Snan of the Maha Kumbh 2025 took place on January 14, 2025, and millions of devotees gathered in Prayagraj to participate.
Background
The Kumbh Mela is said to have originated in the mythological churning of the ocean by the gods and demons. During the churning, 14 pots of nectar emerged from the ocean. These pots were seized by the demons, but Vishnu tricked them into drinking the nectar, granting them immortality. The battle for the nectar spilled over into the mortal realm, and the drops of nectar that fell to earth became the four sacred river confluences where the Kumbh Mela is held.
The first recorded Kumbh Mela was held in Haridwar in the 7th century AD. Over the centuries, the Mela has grown in size and significance, becoming one of the most important religious events in Hinduism.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Amrit Snan? The Amrit Snan is a sacred bath that washes away sins and achieves spiritual purification. Pilgrims believe that bathing in the sacred waters of the river confluence will grant them salvation.
2. How many people attend the Kumbh Mela? The Maha Kumbh Mela is expected to attract over 40 crore people this year, making it larger than the combined population of the US and Russia. It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
3. What are the other rituals of the Kumbh Mela? In addition to the Amrit Snan, the Kumbh Mela includes a number of other rituals, such as pujas, yagnas, and akharas. Devotees also visit temples and ashrams, and take part in religious discourses.
4. What is the economic impact of the Kumbh Mela? The Kumbh Mela is a major economic event for Prayagraj and the surrounding area. The festival brings in billions of rupees in revenue and creates thousands of jobs.
5. What are the challenges of hosting the Kumbh Mela? Hosting the Kumbh Mela is a major logistical challenge. The authorities must provide for the safety and security of millions of pilgrims, as well as provide basic amenities such as food, water, and sanitation.
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