The 2025 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is nearing its culmination. This grand confluence of faith, spirituality, and culture has already seen over 62 crore (620 million) devotees bathe in the sacred Ganges River. This number is expected to surpass 65 crore by February 26th, 2025, the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri, marking the final royal bath.
For devotees, this sacred bath is considered a divine occasion. It is believed that bathing in the Sangam (confluence) on this day washes away all sins, bestows merit, and opens the doors to salvation (moksha).
Spiritual Significance of the Final Kumbh Mela Bath
In Hinduism, the Ganges River is considered mokshadayini (bestower of liberation) and papavimocini (remover of sins). According to the Skanda Purana, bathing in the Ganges during the Kumbh Mela washes away the sins of seven lifetimes and bestows divine power. The verse, "Snānen Gaṅgā tava pāpa saṃhatiḥ / janamāntaraṃ mukti mupayati mānavaḥ," translates to: "Through bathing in the Ganges, a person is freed from all sins and progresses towards liberation."
The Method of Bathing in the Ganges: How to Attain Merit?
1. Make a Resolution Before Bathing: Before bathing in the Ganges, chant "ॐ नमः शिवाय" (Om Namah Shivaya) and resolve to bathe for spiritual purification.
2. Submerge Three Times: Scriptures state that submerging three times in the Ganges purifies the body, mind, and soul.
3. Chant the Ganga Mantra: This mantra is considered highly beneficial during the bath: "गंगे च यमुने चैव गोदावरी सरस्वती। नर्मदे सिन्धु कावेरी जले अस्मिन सन्निधिं कुरु।।"
4. Donate After Bathing: Donating food, clothes, and dakshina (monetary gifts) to the poor and Brahmins after bathing in the Kumbh Mela is considered particularly important.
Remarkable Benefits of Bathing in the Ganges
• Liberation from Sin: Alleviation of sins from seven lifetimes.
• Attainment of Moksha: Release from the cycle of rebirth.
• Mental Peace: Negative energies are dispelled, fostering positivity.
• Purification of Body and Soul: Development of spiritual strength.
• Shiva's Grace: Bathing in the Ganges during Maha Shivratri is believed to bring Shiva's special blessings.
Administration's Appeal to Devotees
Considering the large gathering, the administration has implemented special security measures and requests devotees to follow certain guidelines.
• Adhere to safety regulations and do not disregard the administration's instructions.
• Leave the ghat immediately after bathing to facilitate smooth bathing for other devotees.
• Keep the Ganges clean; do not throw any litter, plastic, or other waste into the river.
• Bathe only at the designated bathing ghats to avoid inconvenience.
The final bath of Kumbh Mela 2025 is a unique spiritual occasion of immense religious and cultural significance. It is believed that devotees who bathe according to prescribed rituals receive immeasurable merit and their lives are filled with positive energy. Devotees should follow the traditional guidelines to fully benefit from this sacred occasion.
Note: This article is based on religious beliefs and scriptures. It does not have any scientific evidence. Readers should act on this information based on their own beliefs and faith.
