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13 Jan 2025

Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025: Sacred Journey of Kalpvas Begins at Triveni Sangam, Know Its Significance & How It Is Performed?


The grand spiritual festival of Maha Kumbh 2025 has begun with the auspicious bathing ritual on Paush Purnima at the sacred Triveni Sangam in Teerthraj Prayagraj. Devotees from all over India are arriving for the month-long tradition of Kalpvas. They will immerse themselves in spiritual practices and take the holy Amrit bath on the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati. 


This marks the commencement of a tradition steeped in Sanatan faith, with lakhs of Kalpvasis participating.


Significance of Kalpvas


According to the Padma Purana and the Mahabharata, performing Kalpvas on the Sangam's banks during the auspicious Magh month bestows virtues equivalent to a hundred years of tapasya (penance). This ancient practice involves living in spiritual restraint, fasting, and devotion for a specific period.


The tradition began on Paush Purnima, with devotees planting banana trees, Tulsi, and barley near their tents and taking a pledge of Kalpvas. As part of the rituals, Kalpvasis observe stringent disciplines, which include staying away from vices, self-control, and dedication to prayer and meditation. The event serves as a spiritual rejuvenation and a bridge from worldly life to higher spiritual goals.



Rituals of Kalpvas


The literal meaning of Kalpvas is to reside on the banks of the Sangam for a "Kalpa" or a predetermined period. For many devotees, this period starts on Paush Purnima and ends on Magh Purnima. Others may choose shorter duration of three, five, or eleven days, depending on their physical and mental capacity.


A complete Kalpvas, observed for twelve consecutive years and culminating during Mahakumbh, is considered particularly auspicious and believed to grant moksha (liberation).



21 rules for Kalpvas


The Padma Purana outlines 21 rules for Kalpvas, as narrated by Lord Dattatreya, which Kalpvasis strictly follow. These include: Taking bath in the Ganga three times daily; eating simple or fruit-based meals once a day; totally avoiding alcohol, meat, and other vices; practicing non-violence, truthfulness, and self-control; getting up at Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn hours) for worship; engaging in satsang (spiritual discourses), bhajan-kirtan (devotional songs), and meditation and sleeping on the ground and dedicating oneself to spiritual worship.



A Picture of Spiritual Unity


The Triveni Sangam offers a vivid and serene sight of spiritual unity amidst India's cultural diversity. Devotees, clad in traditional attire, immerse themselves in the sacred waters of the Sangam at dawn, symbolizing purification and renewal. They worship Lord Shaligram and Tulsi, offering prayers and taking vows of restraint and devotion under the guidance of their Tirthpurohits (pilgrimage priests).


10 lakh devotees expected to undertake Kalpvas


This year, over 10 lakh devotees are likely to undertake Kalpvas, making it a monumental event that reinforces India's ancient cultural and spiritual heritage. The Mahakumbh is not merely a gathering; it is a celebration of faith, devotion, and unity that has endured for centuries.


Prakash Kumar Pandey

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