#Mahakumbh2025: A Rare Celestial Combination Of Planets After 144 Years

The mood is eclectic with profusing energy levels visible all over the place, the town being painted saffron. Prayagraj, the host city in Uttar Pradesh is gearing up to welcome saints and devotees alike for the Maha Kumbh 2025 for it is happening after 144 years due to a rare astronomical alignment of the four planets, Jupiter, Sun, Moon and Saturn(Shani) along with when three hours prior to Amavasya (January 29), ‘Pukh (also pushya) Nakshatra’ will also align with these four planets, making it the most auspicious of all the Maha Kumbh. As the city prepares to host millions of devotees, the excitement is intense among the sadhus, Kalpvasis, pilgrims, and local residents alike. So the energy levels are soaring like never before with approximately 40 crore people likely to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event. Spanning over 44 days, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 starts from Makar Sankranti on January 13 and concludes on Maha Shivaratri on February 26.

This auspicious celestial combination of planets is linked to the legend following the Samudra Manthan, or churning of the cosmic ocean. Ancient scriptures mention that it was followed by a battle between gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) for the nectar of immortality (Amrit). Jayant (Indra’s son) took away the pitcher full of Amrit, and to protect this Amrit, four gods were assigned different duties to support Jayant. The ‘Sun’ was asked to hold the pitcher, the ‘Moon’ was tasked to ensure that the Amrit did not spill out, Jupiter (Bhrihaspati) was assigned to protect Jayant from Asuras, and finally, Shani was told to act as a mediator in any conflict. It was during this journey, several drops of the nectar fell at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, which later became revered as sacred sites, where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated on a rotating basis. Millions of devotees from around the world come to participate in this holy event to take a dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj where the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati rivers occur. A dip in the holy river is believed to wash away sins and attain salvation (moksha).

During the Kumbh Mela, numerous ceremonies take place, including the traditional procession of Akharas called ‘Peshwai,’ featuring camels, horses, and chariots, the shining swords and rituals of Naga Sadhus during the ‘Shahi Snaan,’ and many other cultural activities that attract millions of pilgrims to attend the Kumbh Mela. Then there are the Shahi Snan days which are the most auspicious days to bathe due to the celestial positioning of the planets. This year they are:
January 13 – Paush Purnima Snan (Opening Day)
January 15 – Makar Sankranti Snan
January 29 – Mauni Amavasya Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan)
February 3 – Basant Panchami Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan)
February 12 – Maghi Purnima Snan
February 26 – Maha Shivratri Snan (Concluding Day)

The Maha Kumbh and Kumbh Mela are monumental occasions for spiritual purification and religious observance. This Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 promises to be an unparalleled experience in terms of its scale, significance, and the spiritual rewards it offers making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in this extraordinary event.