Mahakumbh 2025: Janhvi Singh Decodes the Spiritual Significance of Paush Poornima

The much-anticipated Mahakumbh 2025 has finally begun with the Paush Poornima, marking the first 'snan' (holy dip) of the event today. Devotees have gathered in large numbers at the Kumbh Mela to take part in this sacred ritual. The holy bath during Kumbh Mela is considered significant as it is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual benefits. The Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, continues to attract millions of pilgrims, with various rituals and cultural activities scheduled throughout the event.

Jahnvi Singh on Paush Poornima:

Now, content creator Janhvi Singh has explained the holy significance of Paush Poornima. Sharing the details, she said, "Paush Poornima Snan is an important ritual observed during the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world. It is held on the full moon day (Poornima) during the Hindu month of Paush (December-January). This auspicious day marks the beginning of the Kalpvas, a period of spiritual austerities undertaken by devotees."

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The Mythological Origins Of The Kumbh Mela:

The Sanskrit word kumbh means pitcher, or pot. The story goes that when Devas (gods) and Asuras (loosely translated as demons) churned the ocean, Dhanvantri emerged carrying a pitcher of amrita, or the elixir of immortality. To make sure the Asuras don't get it, Indra's son, Jayant, ran off with the pot. The Sun, his son Shani, Brihaspati (the planet Jupiter), and the Moon went along to protect him and the pot.

As Jayant ran, the amrita spilt at four spots: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik-Trimbakeshwar. He ran for 12 days, and as one day of the Devas is equal to one year of humans, Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these locations every 12 years, based on the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Jupiter.

Prayagraj and Haridwar also hold the Ardh-Kumbh (ardh means half), every six years. The festival held after 12 years is called the Poorna Kumbh, or the Maha Kumbh.

All four places are located on the banks of rivers — Haridwar has the Ganga, Prayagraj is the sangam or meeting point of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, Ujjain has the Kshipra, and Nashik-Trimbakeshwar the Godavari.

Kumbh Melas are also the venue where Sadhus and other holy men gather — the sadhu akhadaas attracting a lot of curiosity — and regular people can meet them and learn from them.