Millions of devotees across the nation and world took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on Tuesday morning which marked the first 'Amrit Snan' (bath) of the Maha Kumbh 2025 on Makar Sankranti. Devotees have assembled at the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers to attend this religious celebration that takes place every 144 years.
Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) president Mahant Ravindra Puri earlier told PTI that the first Amrit Snan of this Maha Kumbh would begin at 5.30 am on Tuesday.
The holy dip of 'Amrit Snan' is believed to cleanse devotees of sins and pave the path to salvation. According to the religious leaders, the ongoing edition of the Maha Kumbh holds remarkable significance due to rare celestial aligning occurring after 144 years.
As per reports, the Uttar Pradesh government expects an estimated 35 crore devotees to visit Prayagraj during the rare religious congregation which began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26.
'Shahi Snan' to 'Amrit Snan': Reason behind the name change
Puri highlighted that the common terms such as 'shahi snan' and 'peshwai' associated with the Kumbh have been changed to 'Amrit Snan' and 'Chhavni Pravesh' respectively.
Commenting on the reason behind the name change, Puri said, "All of us speak words in Hindi and Urdu. It cannot happen that we do not speak any Urdu words. But, we thought that when it comes to our Gods, we should make efforts to have a name in Sanskrit language or have a 'Sanatani' name. Our intention is not to make it as Hindus versus Muslims."
'Amrit Snan': 13 Akharas to take part
As per reports, the first Amrit Snan holds significance because the 'Akharas' or the monastic orders of Hinduism are participating in it. As per report by India Today, Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara led the ritual this morning.
In line with the detailed schedule shared by the authorities, the sequences of 'Amrit Snan' will continue throughout the day, with other Akharas, including Shri Taponidhi Panchayati Shri Niranjani Akhara, Shri Panchayati Akhara Anand, and the Sanyasi Akharas like Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, following their allocated slots.
A specific schedule has been allotted to each Akhara for departure, bathing, and return to ensure smooth coordination. Mahant Acharya Devendra Singh Shastri, secretary of Shri Panchayati Akhara Nirmal, confirmed the arrangements and expressed satisfaction with the schedule.
The first Amrit Snan comes just a day after Paush Poornima, another key bathing day that witnessed large crowds in the Sangam area.
Scheduled to be held from January 13 to February 26 (Maha Shivratri), the Maha Kumbh will elevate India's ancient cultural and religious traditions to global prominence, according to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who termed the event a testament to India's rich spiritual and cultural legacy.
