Sharing some vastu tips for your everyday better life and health.
Credit - internet
Credit - internet
After learning about the Kumbh Yatra, a friend called me yesterday and asked:
How can one bathe in such a huge crowd?
Isn’t the water dirty?
It’s very cold.
Should we go now, or can we visit later?
Would it be okay to just take the name of the holy rivers at home?
Here are my responses in order:
I’ve had the privilege of taking a dip in the Ganges multiple times, and there’s a magnetism in the water that makes you forget everything else. When you’re there, you don’t think about what others are doing; you only think of your deity, your Guru, your ancestors, and your loved ones.
No matter how dirty the water may look, no one has ever fallen sick after bathing in it. Millions bathe daily and leave rejuvenated. It’s not a swimming pool that needs cleaning every few days; it’s flowing water that washes away your negativity and carries it to the ocean.
Cold is a mental perception, much like hunger. The more you dwell on it, the more you feel it. Those who fast regularly learn to control their hunger. Similarly, if you stop thinking about the cold, it will affect you less.
Prayagraj and the Triveni Sangam will always be there, but the cosmic alignment happening right now won’t occur repeatedly. Significant events are performed during auspicious times to ensure success. Even ISRO launches satellites based on precise timings. From January 14 to February 26, there are special planetary alignments during which bathing, charity, rituals, chanting, and offerings hold immense significance.
The fact that water has memory is something our sages knew for ages, and scientists are now confirming it. That’s why penance was always done by riverbanks, prayers for ancestors’ salvation were made after bathing in rivers, and wishes were expressed while immersed in their waters. And if it’s the confluence of the world’s holiest and most ancient rivers, it becomes even more extraordinary!
Bathing with a bucket or shower at home cannot provide the same spiritual experience as bathing at the Kumbh or Sangam.
After all, air is everywhere, but we still install air conditioners for clean and cool air.
Something truly extraordinary exists there.
(Disclaimer: Everyone’s experience may vary based on their destiny.)
Jai Shri Ram.
How can one bathe in such a huge crowd?
Isn’t the water dirty?
It’s very cold.
Should we go now, or can we visit later?
Would it be okay to just take the name of the holy rivers at home?
Here are my responses in order:
I’ve had the privilege of taking a dip in the Ganges multiple times, and there’s a magnetism in the water that makes you forget everything else. When you’re there, you don’t think about what others are doing; you only think of your deity, your Guru, your ancestors, and your loved ones.
No matter how dirty the water may look, no one has ever fallen sick after bathing in it. Millions bathe daily and leave rejuvenated. It’s not a swimming pool that needs cleaning every few days; it’s flowing water that washes away your negativity and carries it to the ocean.
Cold is a mental perception, much like hunger. The more you dwell on it, the more you feel it. Those who fast regularly learn to control their hunger. Similarly, if you stop thinking about the cold, it will affect you less.
Prayagraj and the Triveni Sangam will always be there, but the cosmic alignment happening right now won’t occur repeatedly. Significant events are performed during auspicious times to ensure success. Even ISRO launches satellites based on precise timings. From January 14 to February 26, there are special planetary alignments during which bathing, charity, rituals, chanting, and offerings hold immense significance.
The fact that water has memory is something our sages knew for ages, and scientists are now confirming it. That’s why penance was always done by riverbanks, prayers for ancestors’ salvation were made after bathing in rivers, and wishes were expressed while immersed in their waters. And if it’s the confluence of the world’s holiest and most ancient rivers, it becomes even more extraordinary!
Bathing with a bucket or shower at home cannot provide the same spiritual experience as bathing at the Kumbh or Sangam.
After all, air is everywhere, but we still install air conditioners for clean and cool air.
Something truly extraordinary exists there.
(Disclaimer: Everyone’s experience may vary based on their destiny.)
Jai Shri Ram.
Greetings, devotees! Once again, we warmly welcome you all to our channel, Astitva Darpan. This time, we bring you the divine presence of the revered Jagadguru Shankaracharya, Shri Nischalanand Ji Maharaj. Today, we have with us one of his disciples, Brahmachari Ji, and we will ask them some questions. Specifically, we will discuss the importance of bathing during the Kumbh Mela in 2025.
As you know, the saints and sages are the first to bathe, followed by the householders. We will ask Maharaj Ji about the significance of this ritual. How necessary is it for householders to participate in the sacred bath? What benefits can they gain if they do, and what blessings might they miss if they don't?
According to our ancient scriptures and the arrangements set by the divine since time immemorial, even minimal effort in such sacred acts can lead to immense spiritual merit. For instance, the scriptures describe that simply drinking the charanamrit (water sanctified by washing a deity’s feet) or bowing to the sacred land of a pilgrimage site can absolve one's sins and suffering. Similarly, acknowledging the divine presence in everyday symbols such as the sun or a cow and respecting one's elders, ancestors, and teachers can bring great merit.
The tradition of performing sacred rituals such as bathing and tarpan in holy rivers has been provided as a simple means to accumulate spiritual blessings. Kumbh Mela, in particular, is tied to celestial alignments involving the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter. This unique astrological configuration is believed to have profound significance, as mentioned in the Puranas, astrology, and other sacred texts. The legend of Garuda carrying the pot of nectar (amrit) and spilling drops at specific places gives Kumbh its spiritual association.
Kumbh also symbolizes the confluence of divinity and spirituality. Saints, sages, and learned individuals from various traditions gather during this period for discussions on spirituality and dharma. The collective presence of such enlightened beings brings forth divine revelations and profound insights.
Another significant tradition during Kumbh is Kalpavas. A Kalpa is a vast unit of time in Hindu cosmology, and during Kumbh, devotees observe strict discipline, living a life of simplicity, meditation, and fasting for a month. The fruits of this penance are believed to equal the spiritual merit of an entire Kalpa.
The rituals associated with the Kumbh bath are also deeply scientific and systematic. Devotees are advised to bathe in a specific manner, showing reverence to the sacred river. Polluting the river with waste, soap, or other materials is strictly discouraged. Instead, devotees should cleanse themselves beforehand and enter the river with humility and devotion.
During Kumbh, it is also important to stay in ashrams or tents set up by saints rather than in luxurious accommodations, thereby practicing renunciation and spiritual discipline. Serving saints, cleaning the pilgrimage sites, and avoiding unnecessary noise pollution are acts that enhance the sanctity of the event.
Maharaj Ji emphasizes that Kumbh should not become a noisy fair or a place for commercial exploitation. Misuse of the sacred name for other purposes, such as promotions or advertisements, disrupts the sanctity of this divine gathering. Strict measures should be taken to prevent such activities, ensuring that the spiritual essence of Kumbh remains intact.
This great festival of Kumbh is a divine blessing and a testament to the enduring spiritual heritage of Sanatan Dharma. Every devotee, even if only for a day or two, should strive to participate in this sacred event, bathe in the holy waters, and seek the blessings of saints and deities. Let us preserve its purity for future generations, honoring its spiritual and cultural significance.
As you know, the saints and sages are the first to bathe, followed by the householders. We will ask Maharaj Ji about the significance of this ritual. How necessary is it for householders to participate in the sacred bath? What benefits can they gain if they do, and what blessings might they miss if they don't?
According to our ancient scriptures and the arrangements set by the divine since time immemorial, even minimal effort in such sacred acts can lead to immense spiritual merit. For instance, the scriptures describe that simply drinking the charanamrit (water sanctified by washing a deity’s feet) or bowing to the sacred land of a pilgrimage site can absolve one's sins and suffering. Similarly, acknowledging the divine presence in everyday symbols such as the sun or a cow and respecting one's elders, ancestors, and teachers can bring great merit.
The tradition of performing sacred rituals such as bathing and tarpan in holy rivers has been provided as a simple means to accumulate spiritual blessings. Kumbh Mela, in particular, is tied to celestial alignments involving the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter. This unique astrological configuration is believed to have profound significance, as mentioned in the Puranas, astrology, and other sacred texts. The legend of Garuda carrying the pot of nectar (amrit) and spilling drops at specific places gives Kumbh its spiritual association.
Kumbh also symbolizes the confluence of divinity and spirituality. Saints, sages, and learned individuals from various traditions gather during this period for discussions on spirituality and dharma. The collective presence of such enlightened beings brings forth divine revelations and profound insights.
Another significant tradition during Kumbh is Kalpavas. A Kalpa is a vast unit of time in Hindu cosmology, and during Kumbh, devotees observe strict discipline, living a life of simplicity, meditation, and fasting for a month. The fruits of this penance are believed to equal the spiritual merit of an entire Kalpa.
The rituals associated with the Kumbh bath are also deeply scientific and systematic. Devotees are advised to bathe in a specific manner, showing reverence to the sacred river. Polluting the river with waste, soap, or other materials is strictly discouraged. Instead, devotees should cleanse themselves beforehand and enter the river with humility and devotion.
During Kumbh, it is also important to stay in ashrams or tents set up by saints rather than in luxurious accommodations, thereby practicing renunciation and spiritual discipline. Serving saints, cleaning the pilgrimage sites, and avoiding unnecessary noise pollution are acts that enhance the sanctity of the event.
Maharaj Ji emphasizes that Kumbh should not become a noisy fair or a place for commercial exploitation. Misuse of the sacred name for other purposes, such as promotions or advertisements, disrupts the sanctity of this divine gathering. Strict measures should be taken to prevent such activities, ensuring that the spiritual essence of Kumbh remains intact.
This great festival of Kumbh is a divine blessing and a testament to the enduring spiritual heritage of Sanatan Dharma. Every devotee, even if only for a day or two, should strive to participate in this sacred event, bathe in the holy waters, and seek the blessings of saints and deities. Let us preserve its purity for future generations, honoring its spiritual and cultural significance.
🌊 A Brief History of the Kumbh Mela: Who Started It and When?
The Kumbh Mela is a symbol of devotion for millions of pilgrims. It is not just a fair but a confluence of faith, tradition, and Hindu culture. For devotees, it is a sacred experience eagerly awaited by all. This year, after 144 years, a complete Maha Kumbh is being held. To explain simply, the Maha Kumbh occurs after 12 consecutive annual Kumbh Melas.
The Kumbh Mela is steeped in mysteries hidden in our scriptures, which are worth exploring. Let us delve into the secrets of the Kumbh Mela and understand when and where it was first celebrated.
The History of the Kumbh Mela
The history of the Kumbh Mela is ancient. This fair is unique to India, attracting people worldwide who bathe in sacred rivers. It holds immense religious importance and is considered a vital symbol of Indian culture. The Kumbh Mela lasts approximately 48 days, drawing saints, monks, ascetics, pilgrims, and devotees from around the world.
But do you know what "Kumbh" means, why it is celebrated, and who started it? Let’s explore these questions.
According to Hindu mythology, the Kumbh Mela is celebrated four times over 12 years. It is held at four holy sites:
Haridwar on the Ganga River (Uttarakhand),
Ujjain on the Shipra River (Madhya Pradesh),
Nasik on the Godavari River (Maharashtra),
Prayagraj at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers (Uttar Pradesh).
This year, the Kumbh Mela began on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and will continue until March 8, 2025.
The Origins of the Kumbh Mela
The term "Kumbh Mela" is derived from two words:
Kumbh, meaning the pot of nectar (Amrit) from ancient Vedic scriptures,
Mela, a Sanskrit word for "gathering" or "meeting."
As per legends, the origins of the Kumbh Mela are linked to the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).
The Legend of Samudra Manthan:
According to the story:
When Maharishi Durvasa cursed Indra and the gods, they became weak. Seizing the opportunity, demons attacked and defeated them. The gods sought refuge with Lord Vishnu, who advised them to churn the ocean (Ksheer Sagar) with the demons to retrieve the nectar of immortality (Amrit).
The gods made a pact with the demons and began churning the ocean. When the nectar emerged, Indra’s son Jayanta, under the gods' instructions, flew away with the pot of nectar. The demons pursued him, and a fierce battle ensued for 12 celestial days (equivalent to 12 years on Earth).
During this battle, drops of nectar fell at four places on Earth: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. This is why the Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these four sites every 12 years.
Scriptural References
The earliest written evidence of the Kumbh Mela is found in the Bhagavata Purana. Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang also mentioned it during the reign of Emperor Harsha (629-645 CE). The churning of the ocean is also described in the Shiva Purana, Matsya Purana, Padma Purana, and other scriptures.
Kurma Purana: Bathing here destroys all sins and grants divine pleasures.
Bhavishya Purana: Bathing here leads to heaven and liberation (moksha).
Skanda Purana: Bathing with devotion fulfills all desires.
Agni Purana: It yields rewards equivalent to donating millions of cows.
Brahma Purana: Bathing here is as meritorious as performing the Ashwamedha Yagna.
Mahabharata: The merit gained is described as immeasurable.
Significance of the Shahi Snan (Royal Bath)
The royal bath, led by saints, marks the beginning of the Kumbh Mela at 3:00 AM. Only after the Shahi Snan can common devotees bathe in the sacred rivers. Hindu mythology holds that a dip in these rivers during the Kumbh washes away sins, grants blessings, and leads to liberation.
It is believed that the Ganga's water during Kumbh is energized with positive electromagnetic radiation from celestial alignments, amplifying its spiritual significance.
The Kumbh Mela is a symbol of devotion for millions of pilgrims. It is not just a fair but a confluence of faith, tradition, and Hindu culture. For devotees, it is a sacred experience eagerly awaited by all. This year, after 144 years, a complete Maha Kumbh is being held. To explain simply, the Maha Kumbh occurs after 12 consecutive annual Kumbh Melas.
The Kumbh Mela is steeped in mysteries hidden in our scriptures, which are worth exploring. Let us delve into the secrets of the Kumbh Mela and understand when and where it was first celebrated.
The History of the Kumbh Mela
The history of the Kumbh Mela is ancient. This fair is unique to India, attracting people worldwide who bathe in sacred rivers. It holds immense religious importance and is considered a vital symbol of Indian culture. The Kumbh Mela lasts approximately 48 days, drawing saints, monks, ascetics, pilgrims, and devotees from around the world.
But do you know what "Kumbh" means, why it is celebrated, and who started it? Let’s explore these questions.
According to Hindu mythology, the Kumbh Mela is celebrated four times over 12 years. It is held at four holy sites:
Haridwar on the Ganga River (Uttarakhand),
Ujjain on the Shipra River (Madhya Pradesh),
Nasik on the Godavari River (Maharashtra),
Prayagraj at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers (Uttar Pradesh).
This year, the Kumbh Mela began on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and will continue until March 8, 2025.
The Origins of the Kumbh Mela
The term "Kumbh Mela" is derived from two words:
Kumbh, meaning the pot of nectar (Amrit) from ancient Vedic scriptures,
Mela, a Sanskrit word for "gathering" or "meeting."
As per legends, the origins of the Kumbh Mela are linked to the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).
The Legend of Samudra Manthan:
According to the story:
When Maharishi Durvasa cursed Indra and the gods, they became weak. Seizing the opportunity, demons attacked and defeated them. The gods sought refuge with Lord Vishnu, who advised them to churn the ocean (Ksheer Sagar) with the demons to retrieve the nectar of immortality (Amrit).
The gods made a pact with the demons and began churning the ocean. When the nectar emerged, Indra’s son Jayanta, under the gods' instructions, flew away with the pot of nectar. The demons pursued him, and a fierce battle ensued for 12 celestial days (equivalent to 12 years on Earth).
During this battle, drops of nectar fell at four places on Earth: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. This is why the Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these four sites every 12 years.
Scriptural References
The earliest written evidence of the Kumbh Mela is found in the Bhagavata Purana. Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang also mentioned it during the reign of Emperor Harsha (629-645 CE). The churning of the ocean is also described in the Shiva Purana, Matsya Purana, Padma Purana, and other scriptures.
Kurma Purana: Bathing here destroys all sins and grants divine pleasures.
Bhavishya Purana: Bathing here leads to heaven and liberation (moksha).
Skanda Purana: Bathing with devotion fulfills all desires.
Agni Purana: It yields rewards equivalent to donating millions of cows.
Brahma Purana: Bathing here is as meritorious as performing the Ashwamedha Yagna.
Mahabharata: The merit gained is described as immeasurable.
Significance of the Shahi Snan (Royal Bath)
The royal bath, led by saints, marks the beginning of the Kumbh Mela at 3:00 AM. Only after the Shahi Snan can common devotees bathe in the sacred rivers. Hindu mythology holds that a dip in these rivers during the Kumbh washes away sins, grants blessings, and leads to liberation.
It is believed that the Ganga's water during Kumbh is energized with positive electromagnetic radiation from celestial alignments, amplifying its spiritual significance.
Why Prayagraj Is Special
Prayagraj holds particular importance because it is the confluence of three sacred rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The Saraswati River is believed to flow underground. Bathing at this confluence is considered the ultimate act for attaining liberation.
Among the four cities, Prayagraj is home to the oldest Kumbh Mela.
🌸 Join the Kumbh Mela and Be a Part of This Sacred Festival! 🌸
"A Confluence of Faith, Culture, and Tradition"
Every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela not only symbolizes religious devotion but also celebrates India's cultural heritage.
🌊 Take a dip at Prayagraj Sangam and cleanse your sins through the divine nectar’s holy effect.
✨ Opportunity for Liberation: Open the path to salvation with a sacred dip.
🕉️ Seek Blessings: Receive spiritual guidance from saints and sages.
🌏 Experience Diversity: Join devotees from around the world in this grand celebration.
📅 Event Details:
👉 Kumbh Mela 2025: January 13, 2025, to March 8, 2025.
Come to Prayagraj, bathe in the sacred confluence, and make your life blessed during this extraordinary Kumbh festival.
"Kumbh: Where Heaven Descends to Earth."
🚩 You Are Invited! 🚩
Prayagraj holds particular importance because it is the confluence of three sacred rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The Saraswati River is believed to flow underground. Bathing at this confluence is considered the ultimate act for attaining liberation.
Among the four cities, Prayagraj is home to the oldest Kumbh Mela.
🌸 Join the Kumbh Mela and Be a Part of This Sacred Festival! 🌸
"A Confluence of Faith, Culture, and Tradition"
Every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela not only symbolizes religious devotion but also celebrates India's cultural heritage.
🌊 Take a dip at Prayagraj Sangam and cleanse your sins through the divine nectar’s holy effect.
✨ Opportunity for Liberation: Open the path to salvation with a sacred dip.
🕉️ Seek Blessings: Receive spiritual guidance from saints and sages.
🌏 Experience Diversity: Join devotees from around the world in this grand celebration.
📅 Event Details:
👉 Kumbh Mela 2025: January 13, 2025, to March 8, 2025.
Come to Prayagraj, bathe in the sacred confluence, and make your life blessed during this extraordinary Kumbh festival.
"Kumbh: Where Heaven Descends to Earth."
🚩 You Are Invited! 🚩
anyone who is willing to join kailash yatra they can join this group.
yatra has started after 5 years of gap.
FN, FNOI or NRI or Indian passport holders all can join us.
https://chat.whatsapp.com/GjgWXtljNKEKlCYNvS7QA9
yatra has started after 5 years of gap.
FN, FNOI or NRI or Indian passport holders all can join us.
https://chat.whatsapp.com/GjgWXtljNKEKlCYNvS7QA9