Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 with Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gyaneshwar Puri Ji
Yoga in Daily Life at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 with Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gyaneshwar Puri Ji
At the sacred Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Vishwaguruji, Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Sri Swami Maheshwarananda Ji, was represented by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gyaneshwar Puri Ji, accompanied by sannyasis and numerous international devotees of Yoga in Daily Life.
This grand spiritual gathering at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati rivers, began on 13 January and is scheduled to continue till 26 February 2025.
Om Sri Alakhpuriji Siddha Peeth Parampara Camp
On 8 January 2025, the Akharas, spiritual organisations, and mahamandaleshwars finalised their camps and prepared for the first sacred bath. Om Sri Alakhpuriji Siddha Peeth Parampara had a camp in the Panchayati Maha Nirvani Akhara from where they explored the grand Maha Kumbh Mela.
The group went with boats to the sacred Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers, where they took a holy dip, offered prayers, and sought blessings.
Days were filled with prayers, chants and divine rituals on the banks of the sacred rivers.
Given Vishwaguruji’s esteemed reputation and deep respect among the spiritual dignitaries of the akharas, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gyaneshwar Puri Ji, along with the sannyasis and devotees of Yoga in Daily Life, received a warm and heartfelt welcome by the revered saints and mahamandaleshwars in their camps, including:
Mahanirvani Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vishokanand Bharti Ji Maharaj from Bikaner (Haridwar, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata)
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Atmanand Puriji Maharaj
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shivsvarupanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj from Jodhpur
Senior Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kamlanand Ji Maharaj from Haridwar
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shyam Chaitanypuri Maharaj
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Nityananda Ji Maharaj from Gujarat (Shanti Mandir, New York) and many others
The Sacred Shahi Snan: Holy Bath on Makar Sankranti
The Maha Kumbh Mela follows an auspicious bathing schedule, based on special planetary constellations. This year’s event includes six significant bathing days, among which three are Royal Baths (Shahi Snan):
- 13 January 2025 – Paush Purnima
- 14 January 2025 – Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan)
- 29 January 2025 – Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)
- 3 February 2025 – Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)
- 12 February 2025 – Maghi Purnima (Fourth Shahi Snan)
- 26 February 2025 – Maha Shivratri (Final Shahi Snan)
Vishwaguruji, in an interview during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in 2013, spoke about the significance of the Shahi Snan at Kumbh Mela:
“The ministers of the Akhara are called mahamandaleshwars. From time to time, mahamandaleshwars working in different parts of the world and in various fields, gather on occasions such as Kumbh Mela. The Akhara then honours them with what is known as the Royal Bath (Shahi Snan). This symbolises their status as heroes of the land because they preserve and spread tradition, wisdom and knowledge. This is a symbolic act, a recognition of their work, rather than a means to attain moksha (liberation). Even if someone claims to have attained moksha, they still do not fully possess it. As long as the body exists, one must continue to work and practice.”
On 14 January, the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Panchayati Maha Nirvani Akhara, the spiritual lineage to which Vishwaguruji belongs, and thus Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gyaneshwar Puri Ji, led the First Shahi Snan, the Holy Bath.
In the early hours before sunrise, mahamandaleshwars started a grand procession to the Sangam, travelling in beautifully decorated carriages, accompanied by devotees. The air resonated with sacred mantras, filling the atmosphere with divine energy. As devotees immersed themselves in the cold but sacred waters of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, they experienced profound joy and lightness of the soul.
Media Coverage and Inspiring Encounters
The Maha Kumbh Mela received extensive coverage from both local and international media. Many journalists conducted interviews with Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gyaneshwar Puri Ji and foreign devotees of Yoga in Daily Life, highlighting their deep spiritual experiences and reflections on this sacred occasion.
Farewell with the Light of Lohri Festival
The spiritual journey at the Maha Kumbh Mela concluded with a beautiful celebration of the Lohri Festival (Makar Sankranti) at Mahamandaleshwar Swami Atmanand Puriji Maharaj's camp. The evening was enriched with the chanting of Vedic mantras, prayers and spiritual discourses, leaving everyone with hearts filled with peace and profound inner happiness.
Following this incredible event, the group returned to OM Ashram, in Jadan, Rajasthan carrying the blessings and spiritual nourishment gained from this special Maha Kumbh Mela.