Mahakumbh 2025:
Starting tomorrow, January 13, Mahakumbh begins in the sacred city of Prayagraj. The Kumbh Mela is significant not only for its religious impact but also for its astrological basis. Occurring once every twelve years, it is celebrated in four ancient Indian cities: Haridwar, Nashik, Prayagraj, and Ujjain. Bathing in the holy waters at the confluence during Kumbh provides a grand opportunity for worship and penance.
It is believed that bathing during the Kumbh leads to redemption from sins. During the mythical churning of the ocean, a conflict lasting twelve years ensued between gods and demons for nectar. It is on these sites where drops of nectar fell from the pot during the battle, the Kumbh Mela is organized. Hence, the Maha Kumbh, occurring every twelve years, starts with the renowned royal bath.
Mahakumbh 2025: Auspicious Schedule for the First Royal Bath
The first royal bath of Mahakumbh will take place tomorrow on the full moon. According to the Hindu calendar, the full moon starts on January 13 at 5:03 AM and ends on January 14 at 3:56 AM.
Timings for the Royal Bath
Brahma Muhurat-
From 5:27 AM to 6:21 AM.
Pratah Sandhya Muhurat-
From 5:54 AM to 7:15 AM.
Vijay Muhurat-
From 2:15 PM to 2:57 PM.
Godhuli Muhurat-
From 5:42 PM to 6:09 PM.
Rare Astronomical Events at Mahakumbh 2025
This Mahakumbh is considered special due to a rare alignment happening after 144 years, linked to the celestial churn for nectar. On this day, the auspicious alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter replicates the positions during that legendary time. Additionally, the occurrence of Ravi Yoga from 7:15 AM to 10:38 AM will take place, while Bhadravaas Yoga, occurring the same day, is deemed especially fruitful for worshipping Lord Vishnu.
Schedule for the Six Royal Baths of Mahakumbh
There will be six grand royal baths during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. The first one is on January 13, tomorrow. The subsequent royal baths are on January 14, 2025, during Makar Sankranti, January 29, 2025, on Mauni Amavasya, February 2, 2025, on Basant Panchami, February 12, 2025, on Magh Purnima, and February 26, 2025, during Mahashivratri.
The Historical Significance of Mahakumbh Mela
The mythological origins of Mahakumbh Mela trace back to the churning of the ocean. Once, sage Durvasa cursed Indra and other gods, making them weak. Taking this advantage, demons attacked and defeated the gods. Desperate for help, the gods approached Lord Vishnu, who suggested an alliance with the demons to churn the ocean, producing the nectar of immortality.
Upon the emergence of the nectar pot, Jayant, son of Lord Indra, flew away with it. Seeing this, demons chased Jayant, eventually capturing him, leading to a divine battle for twelve days. During the ocean churning, drops of nectar fell at Haridwar, Ujjain, Prayagraj, and Nashik, making these sites the revered locations for organizing the Maha Kumbh Mela.
