According to official data from the Uttar Pradesh government, over 1.98 million pilgrims visited the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj by 10 AM on Saturday.
Among the visitors, over 10 lakh Kalpvasis and 9.84 lakh pilgrims took a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam on the sixth day of the event.
By Friday, 17 January, the total number of pilgrims had exceeded 73 million, highlighting the immense turnout at this spiritual gathering.
Adding a unique touch to the event, Mahamandaleshwar Narayanand Giri Maharaj, popularly known as ‘Golden Baba’, captivated attention with his striking jewellery collection weighing over 6 kilograms.
Swami Narayan Nand Giri Maharaj, a prominent Hindu spiritual leader from Kerala, explained the significance of his jewellery during an interaction with ANI.
He noted that the ornaments, dedicated to deities such as Natraj, Narasimha, Murugan, and Bhadrakali, are an integral part of his puja rituals and a source of ‘positive energy’.
The jewellery features rudraksha beads, coral, crystals, and precious stones like ruby, sapphire, and emerald, along with the sacred Shri Yantra symbol.
Sharing his story, the Golden Baba stated, “My name is Shri Shri 1008 Anant Shri Vibhushit Swami Narayan Nand Giriji Maharaj. I am from Kerala, and I am the Chairman of Sanatana Dharma Foundation. It has rukdraksha, coral, crystals and moonga. All honor the gods Natraj, Narishma, Murugan, and Bhadrakali. I need different stones like ruby, sapphire, and emerald during puja. It has Shri Yantra also.”
“There is something special in all this jewellery. I am wearing jewellery weighing over 6.8 kg. I started wearing these 15 years ago. These rudrakshas were given by my father. It gives positive energy which is reflected to others also. If I was wearing trousers and a shirt, you would not have come to talk to me. God has given me this opportunity to spread positive energy,” he added.
Laurene Powell, widow of late Apple CEO Steve Jobs, has been spending time at the Maha Kumbh.
Influenced by Hindu teachings, she now seeks to embrace Sanatan Dharma, according to her Guru, Swami Kailashanand Giri.
Since the Maha Kumbh began on Monday, devotees from across India and the world have thronged the Triveni Sangam for the first Amrit Snan (sacred dip) on Makar Sankranti.
The confluence of rivers has been a magnet for Indian and foreign pilgrims alike, creating an atmosphere charged with devotion and unity.
Foreign participants have immersed themselves in the experience, singing bhajans and blending into the spiritual ambiance of the Mela.
At the Sangam, devotees from diverse backgrounds – rich and poor, men and women, traders and officials – stand united in faith, taking part in the ancient tradition of Kalpavas.
The Maha Kumbh continues to demonstrate the spirit of devotion, transcending differences and bringing people together in this unparalleled spiritual gathering.
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