6 Things You Must Know About Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025

 “Kumbh and pilgrimage sites are places where penance happens naturally, something a person cannot easily achieve at home. The merit obtained by performing a thousand Ashwamedha Yajnas or circumambulating the Earth a hundred thousand times can be attained by simply bathing in the Kumbh”.-Prernamurti Bharti Shriji

I. Prayagraj: Introducing the Sacred Confluence of Divinity  

Renowned as a spiritual epicenter in Hinduism, Prayagraj, formerly called Allahabad, holds unparalleled significance due to its unique geographical and metaphysical essence. The city stands at the revered Triveni Sangam, where the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati converge. This sacred confluence is believed to be a celestial gateway, offering devotees an opportunity to attain divine grace and spiritual elevation, making it one of the most auspicious sites in Indian religious tradition.

 II.  Significance of Kumbh Mela: A Blend of Science, and Spirituality  

"Yathā surāṇāṁ amṛtaṁ satyaṁ jalaṁ svadhā, 

sudhāṁśu yathā ca nāgānāṁ tathā gaṅgā jalaṁ nṛṇām"  

The churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by gods and demons for nectar symbolizes the eternal struggle between knowledge and ignorance. It conveys that when one gains control over the five senses and five organs of action, the divine nectar begins to flow within the human body, metaphorically referred to as "ghat" or "kumbh" (pot).  

II.a) Shahi Snan: A Sacred Royal Procession  

During the Maha Kumbh Mela, Shahi Snan represents a ritualistic bathing ceremony where saints and devotees immerse themselves in the sacred river. This holy dip is believed to absolve individuals of past misdeeds and serve as a pathway to Moksha-liberation from the endless cycle of birth and death.

The term "Shahi" (meaning royal) reflects the magnificence of the event. The procession of saints from different Akharas to the river resembles a regal parade. Decorated palanquins, vibrant chariots, and musical bands fill the surroundings, while the air echoes with spiritual chants. This ceremonial journey adds grandeur to the spiritual act, making it a captivating experience for onlookers and participants alike.  

Far beyond being just a ritual, Shahi Snan embodies faith, devotion, and the collective pursuit of spiritual purity.

II.b) Save The Dates for Shahi Snan

•  13th January 2025 – Paush Purnima

•  14th January 2025 – Makar Sankranti

•  29th January 2025 – Mauni Amavasya

•  2nd February 2025 – Basant Panchami

•  4th February 2025 – Achala Rath Saptami

•  12th February 2025 – Maghi Purnima

•  26th February 2025 – Mahashivratri

III. The Legend of Kumbh Mela  

The origins of Kumbh Mela trace back to Vedic scriptures, describing the time when the gods churned the ocean of milk (Kshir Sagar) for 12 divine days equivalent to 12 human years . Mount Meru was used as the churning rod, and the serpent king Vasuki served as the rope.  

•  On the 6th day, drops of nectar fell into the Ganges at Haridwar.  

•  On the 9th day, subtle celestial drops merged with the holy waters at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati rivers meet.  

•  On the 12th day, the nectar was absorbed into the waters of the Godavari in Nashik and the Shipra in Ujjain.

"Sitāsite sarite yatra saṅgate tatrāplutaso divamutpatanti |  

Ye vaitanuṁ vijṛjanti dhīrāste janaso amṛtatvaṁ bhajante ||"

(Rigveda, Khilasukt)  

Those who bathe at the confluence attain heavenly bliss, and those who courageously leave their mortal bodies at this sacred place achieve liberation (moksha).  

IV. Scientific Perspective Behind the Ancient Belief  

The Kumbh Mela is closely linked to the planetary movements of Jupiter (Brihaspati) and the Sun. Each planet takes varying durations to complete one revolution around the Sun. Jupiter moves slowly, absorbing less energy and emitting more. It takes 3 Earth years for Jupiter to transition from one zodiac sign to another and 12 Earth years to complete one revolution around the Sun.  

When Jupiter enters the Aquarius zodiac sign (Kumbh), symbolizing a pot of nectar being poured on Earth, the Kumbh Mela is held. Similarly, when it transitions into other significant zodiac signs, Ardh Kumbh Mela is celebrated.  

Thus, the 12-year cycle of Kumbh Mela aligns with Jupiter’s revolution around the Sun, combining ancient wisdom with scientific reasoning, making it a truly cosmic and spiritual event.

V. Places to visit at Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025

V.a) World’s Tallest Trident: A Symbol of Faith  

The 151-feet tall trident, weighing over 31 tons, was installed at Juna Akhara, Mauj Giri Ashram, Prayagraj, on February 13, 2019. Made of steel and other metals, the trident stands on a foundation reinforced by 80 feet deep piling to withstand natural calamities. Daily prayers are performed at this sacred site.

 V.b) 1,220-Year-Old Sacred Stick  

During Maha Kumbh 2025, pilgrims can witness the 1,220-year-old sacred stick, linked to Adi Guru Shankaracharya. This stick was carried by 550 ascetics of the Shri Shambhu Panch Dashnam Awahan Akhara during their religious journey across India. It holds immense historical and spiritual significance.

V.c) Giant Damru and Swastika Installations  

A giant damru is being installed near the Jhunsi Railway Bridge, while a massive swastika symbol, with hand motifs at its four corners, will be placed nearby. These installations aim to enhance the spiritual experience and symbolize prosperity and auspiciousness.

V.d) Mankameshwar Temple 

The revered Mankameshwar Temple in Prayagraj, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is believed to have originated in the Vedic era, with the sacred lingam established by Shiva himself. The name “Mankameshwar” derives from “Man” (mind/heart) and “Kameshwar” (Lord Shiva as the fulfiller of desires), symbolizing the deity’s power to grant heartfelt wishes. Devotees visit with deep reverence, seeking divine blessings. The temple attracts immense crowds during Maha Shivratri, celebrated with grand rituals, processions, and devotional fervor.

V.e) Akshayavat - Immortal Banyan Tree

The Akshayavat, meaning "Indestructible Banyan Tree," is an ancient sacred tree in Prayagraj, revered for its eternal nature in Hindu mythology. Associated with Lord Rama’s meditation during exile, it is believed that circumambulating the tree after a dip in the Triveni Sangam grants moksha (liberation).

VI Satprerna’s Social Service at Prayagraj 2019

The  camp at Kumbh ran seamlessly for two months, offering free homoeopathy and Panchgavya therapies to pilgrims. Thousands of devotees found contentment through Mahabhoj (community meals), while volunteers engaged in cleaning the Ganga ghats, symbolically purifying their inner selves alongside the riverbanks.  

 VI.a) The Magnificent Virat Swaroop: A Center of Attraction  

The centerpiece of the Mahotsav was undoubtedly the majestic idol of Virat Swaroop, symbolizing the profound truth: “The entire universe is within Me, and I am within all.” Millions of devotees gathered to witness this grand depiction of divinity, which stands as a historic attraction in the annals of the Maha Kumbh.  

Every morning and evening, pilgrims performed Aarti and prayers before the Virat Swaroop, leaving with a deep sense of spiritual fulfillment. The idol captivated people of all ages—children, youth, and elders alike—many of whom eagerly clicked selfies with this magnificent form of divinity, making it one of the most cherished memories of the Kumbh.

Robert Aubenson from Melbourne, Australia, expressed his awe, saying, “We traveled from Australia specifically to witness the grandeur of the Kumbh Mela. Over the past two days, we’ve explored many parts of Kumbh, but the colossal idol of Lord’s Virat Swaroop Prerna Kumbh was truly astonishing. We’ve never encountered such a majestic form of divinity before. The aura was powerful, and we felt deeply peaceful. We were equally impressed by Shriji’s noble initiatives for societal welfare and express our heartfelt gratitude for Her selfless service.” 

This unique and awe-inspiring experience continues to inspire devotees, leaving them with a renewed sense of devotion and gratitude toward Prernamurti Shriji and Her mission of spreading spiritual enlightenment and social upliftment.

Share your experiences of visiting Mahakumbh in the comment section below.

References -

• https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/www.newsnationtv.com/religion/dharm/world-largest-trishul-151-feet-high-trident-will-be-seen-in-mahakumbh-2025-even-a-strong-storm-will-not-be-able-to-shake-it-8582259
• https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/newstrack.com/amp/uttar-pradesh/prayagraj/mahakumbh-2025-special-story-duniya-ka-sabse-bada-bhagwan-shiv-ka-trishulhistory-mystery-and-unknown-facts-kumbh-mela-ka-itihas-in-hindi-488344
• https://sanmarg.in/up-news-hindi/do-visit-damru-and-trishul-in-maha-kumbh-2025-yogi/ 
• https://www.esamskriti.com/e/Culture/Festivals/KUMBH-the-science,-history-and-significance-of-the-parva-1.aspx
• https://mahakumbh.in/shahi-snan/