- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Fri, 10 Jan 2025 06:21 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mahakumbh 2025: The upcoming Mahakumbh Mela is considered one of the most revered events among the Hindus, celebrated every 12 years. This year, the Maha Kumbh Mela will commence on January 13 in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj and will continue till February 26, 2025. The Maha Kumbh 2025 will begin from the Triveni Sangam —- the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers — in Prayagraj. The Maha Kumbh is celebrated after three cycles of Kumbh Mela, which is celebrated every four years at four important holy sites including Nasik, Ujjain, Prayagraj, and Haridwar.
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 holds another significance as this year’s Maha Kumbh will witness a rare celestial event after 144 years, during which four celestial bodies, the Sun, Moon, Jupiter and Saturn will align with each other. The alignment of these four celestial bodies was last witnessed 144 years back.
"It is after 144 years that the positioning of all the four planets is in line, and three hours prior to Amavasya (January 29), importantly, ‘Pukh (also pushya) Nakshatra' will also align with the four planets. Thus, the most auspicious of all the Maha Kumbh in the past 144 years is in 2025," Mahant Harichaitanya Brahmachari, head of TikarMafi ashram, said as quoted by the Times of India.
Maha Kumbh 2025 will witness a rare celestial event after 144 years (Image: Reuters)
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Why This Maha Kumbh Is Once In A Lifetime Event?
According to the legend, the alignment of these celestial bodies is linked to the tale of Samudra Manthan, which led to a fierce battle between the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) for Amrit (nectar of immortality). To safeguard the Amrit, Jayant, the son of Indra, was entrusted with the task of carrying the pitcher containing the nectar.
To ensure its protection, four deities were assigned specific roles. The Sun was tasked with holding the pitcher, while the Moon was responsible for ensuring that not a drop of the precious nectar spilt. Jupiter (Brihaspati) was appointed to shield Jayant from the Asuras, and Shani was designated as a mediator to resolve any conflicts.
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Further, the Devas first brought the Amrit pitcher to Haridwar and later to Prayag, where tensions escalated to a point where it seemed inevitable that the Asuras would seize the Amrit. In response, the Sun, Moon, Shani, and Jupiter were urgently summoned to protect the pitcher. During this critical moment, a rare celestial configuration of Nakshatras occurred.
It was then that the four sages —- Sanak, Sanandan, Sanatan, and Sanatkumar —- decided to camp in Prayag, marking the beginning of what we now recognise as the Kumbh Mela.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is not only a religious gathering but also a significant cultural event that showcases India's rich heritage. The 2025 edition, with its once-in-a-lifetime celestial alignment, promises to be an extraordinary convergence of faith, tradition, and spirituality.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Key Bathing Dates and Events
Paush Purnima: January 13, 2025
Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan): January 14, 2025
Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan): January 29, 2025
Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan): February 3, 2025
Maghi Purnima: February 12, 2025
Maha Shivratri: February 26, 2025
