Mahakumbh Mela 2025: Mahakumbh has great importance in Sanatan Dharma. This fair, which is held once in 12 years, is organized in Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. In the coming year 2025, Mahakumbh Mela is going to be held in Sangamnagari Prayagraj and will start from Paush Purnima on 13 January and will continue till Mahashivratri on 26 February. Mahakumbh Mela is also considered as the Mahakumbh of religion, spirituality and culture and millions of devotees and tourists from all over the world reach here. The Mahakumbh Mela held in Prayagraj is held at the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, hence its importance increases further. There are religious beliefs that by bathing in Mahakumbh, the person attains salvation and the sins of a lifetime are erased. The importance of bathing on the banks of Triveni Sangam in the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj is very high. Bathing at Triveni Sangam is known as Shahi Snan. Let us know what is Shahi Snan.

There is no mention of Shahi Snan in the scriptures: There is no mention of the procession taken out for Shahi Snan in the scriptures and Puranas, but this tradition is centuries old. It is believed that Shahi Snan started between the 14th and 16th centuries. That's when the Mughal rulers started establishing their roots in India. Due to the difference in the religion of both, the sadhus became aggressive towards these rulers and started fighting with them directly. When the conflict between the sadhus and the rulers started increasing, a meeting was held for this. In which both will respect each other's religion and will not say anything in the work of religion. In this meeting, the work and flags were also divided. To give respect to the sadhus, their procession was taken out on elephants and horses to make them feel special during Kumbh. During the bath, the pomp and show of the sadhus was like that of kings, due to which their bath was called Shahi Snan. Since then, the process of Shahi Snan is going on. A period of conflict had started between the Akharas regarding Shahi Snan. Earlier, due to Shahi Snan, even the water of the river had turned red with blood. After this, the British Empire decided a sequence and time for the royal bath of the Akharas. Since then, this rule is being implemented till date. Even today, the Akharas take the royal bath in the same sequence.

Peshbai comes out on palanquin: The saints and sages of the Akhara take out a procession sitting on gold and silver palanquins for the royal bath in Kumbh. After this, they reach the banks of Triveni in the order and auspicious time set by the British and shout loudly. It is believed that by bathing in the Ganga in the auspicious time, the water becomes Amrit, which gives immortality. After the saints and sages, the general public reaches Triveni to take a bath.

Naga Sadhus are great warriors: Naga Sadhus are a major class of Akharas, who play a special role in the royal bath of Kumbh Mela. These sadhus remain naked and apply ash on their body. Naga Sadhus are known for their difficult penance and restraint. Their presence makes the royal bath even more impressive. Naga Sadhus are also called "Mahayodha Sadhu", because in ancient times they used to act as an army to protect religion and society.

Naga sadhus take bath first: The process of royal bath is done under specific rules. The dates of bath are fixed according to the Panchang. Every Akhara takes bath at the Sangam bank according to its fixed turn. First of all, Naga sadhus and prominent saints take bath, which is called 'Pratham Snan Adhikar'. After this, other Akharas and devotees take bath.