Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 to Be Held After 12 Years
The Maha Kumbh Mela is set to return in 2025, taking place in Prayagraj (also known as Allahabad), after a gap of 12 years. The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest and most significant religious festivals in the world, drawing millions of Hindu devotees who seek to purify their souls by bathing in the holy rivers. But why is this grand event held every 12 years? Let’s dive into the religious and mythological reasons behind the 12-year cycle.
Why is the Maha Kumbh Mela Held Every 12 Years?
The tradition of celebrating the Maha Kumbh Mela every 12 years is rooted in Hindu mythology and astrology. According to mythological beliefs, the origin of the Kumbh Mela is linked to the legendary story of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). In this tale, gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality, known as Amrita. A fierce battle between the gods and demons lasted for 12 divine days, which are said to be equivalent to 12 human years. During this battle, it is believed that drops of Amrita fell at 12 places on Earth, with four of those drops falling in the locations where Kumbh Mela is held today: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
From an astrological perspective, the timing of the Kumbh Mela aligns with the position of Jupiter, which takes 12 years to complete a full cycle through the zodiac. The festival is organized when Jupiter aligns with a particular zodiac sign, making it the most auspicious time for devotees to take a holy dip.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Important Dates for Royal Bath
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will begin on January 13, 2025, and conclude on February 26, 2025, coinciding with Maha Shivratri. During this period, several significant royal baths will take place, marking the most auspicious times for bathing in the holy rivers. Here are the key dates for the royal baths:
- 13 January 2025 – First royal bath on Pushya Purnami
- 14 January 2025 – Second royal bath on Makar Sankranti
- 29 January 2025 – Third royal bath on Mauni Amavasya
- 3 February 2025 – Fourth royal bath on Vasantha Panchami
- 12 February 2025 – Fifth royal bath on Magha Purnima
- 26 February 2025 – Last royal bath on Mahashivratri
The Significance of the Royal Bath
The royal bath (also known as the Shahi Snan) holds great religious significance. Bathing in the holy rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati—is believed to cleanse the body and soul. Devotees believe that the waters become as pure as nectar during the Kumbh Mela, offering a chance to wash away sins and gain divine blessings.
The significance is especially profound in Prayagraj, where the confluence of the three rivers is considered sacred. This place is believed to hold spiritual power, and taking a bath here is said to confer immense merit and grant salvation (moksha). The act of bathing during the Kumbh Mela is regarded as a path to spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Conclusion:
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj is set to be a monumental event, attracting millions of devotees seeking spiritual salvation. The tradition of celebrating the Kumbh Mela every 12 years, with its mythological and astrological significance, makes it a unique and cherished religious festival. Whether you are a devotee or an observer, the royal baths and the spiritual energy of the event are sure to make it a memorable experience.
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