Kalpvas Begins At Maha Kumbh 2025 With Rituals Of Purification And Devotion

The Maha Kumbh celebrations took a significant step forward on Paush Purnima with the commencement of Kalpvas, a revered spiritual practice. On this auspicious day, millions of devotees gathered at the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj to take a holy dip, marking the beginning of a month-long period of intense devotion and self-purification.

Kalpvas, an ancient tradition mentioned in the Padma Purana and Mahabharata, is believed to bestow spiritual merits equivalent to a hundred years of penance when performed during the Magh month at Sangam. This year, over 10 lakh devotees are expected to observe Kalpvas, dedicating themselves entirely to religious practices, rituals, and ascetic discipline.

Devotees Begin Kalpvas With Sacred Rituals

The tradition of Kalpvas requires devotees to follow strict rules of fasting, restraint, and devotion. As part of the ritual, thousands of devotees planted banana, Tulsi, and barley near their tents, marking the beginning of their spiritual journey. Banana plants are symbolic of Lord Vishnu, while Tulsi is revered as a sacred offering. Devotees also set up Lord Shaligram and took vows with Ganga water and Kusha grass, following time-honored practices that have been passed down through generations.

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Tirth Purohit Shyam Sundar Pandey explained the significance of the ritual: “Kalpvas means living by the Sangam for a fixed time, typically from Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima. Some devotees may choose shorter durations like three, five, or eleven days, depending on their capacity. Completing 12 years of Kalpvas during Maha Kumbh is said to be highly rewarding and liberating according to scriptures.”

A Month Of Discipline And Devotion

Throughout the month of Magh, Kalpvasis will follow a strict regimen of bathing in the Ganga thrice a day, offering prayers, chanting mantras, meditating, and engaging in satsangs (spiritual gatherings). Fasting, simple meals, and abstinence from worldly pleasures are integral to the practice. The Padma Purana outlines 21 specific rules, including truthfulness, non-violence, celibacy, and compassion, all aimed at fostering inner and outer purification.

The practice of Kalpvas is seen as a transition from the ‘Vanaprastha’ ashram (the stage of life dedicated to penance and spiritual practice) to the ‘Sanyas’ ashram (the stage of renunciation). It is considered a gateway to self-realization, where individuals detach from material desires and focus on spiritual growth and connection to the divine.

Kalpvas: A Spiritual Gateway

Kalpvas is much more than just a physical practice; it is seen as a spiritual gateway that provides an opportunity for deep self-purification. Devotees immerse themselves in devotion, meditation, and worship, making sacrifices and following strict guidelines to cleanse the body and mind. The tradition is a key element of Maha Kumbh, highlighting the transformative power of spirituality and the strong connection between the individual and the divine.

This year’s Kalpvas at Maha Kumbh 2025 embodies the essence of the festival—a time for self-discipline, reflection, and spiritual renewal. It not only serves as a path for personal growth but also enriches the collective spiritual energy of the millions who participate, adding to the grandeur and sanctity of the Maha Kumbh experience.