Mahakumbh Mela 2025: This time Mahakumbh is being organized on a large scale in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. There is a religious belief that by taking bath in Mahakumbh, a person gets rid of all sins and attains salvation. A large number of people reach Mahakumbh for bathing. In such a situation, a very special sight is seen. Mahakumbh is related to Samudra Manthan. According to mythology, Amrit Kalash came out from Samudra Manthan, which is considered a symbol of Kumbh. Many Akharas (Akhada History) of saints are seen in Mahakumbh. All Akharas play an important role.

How many Akharas are there?

The total number of Akhadas across the country is 13. For your information, let us tell you that all these Akhadas belong to the ascetics of Udasi, Shaiva and Vaishnava sects. 7 Akhadas belong to the Shaiva ascetic sect and 3 Akhadas belong to the Bairagi Vaishnava sect. Apart from this, there are 3 Akhadas of the Udasi sect.  

What do the Akharas symbolize?

In Maha Kumbh, the saints and sages of the Akharas reach to take bath in the holy river. Although the word Akhara is used for the place where wrestlers wrestle, but in Maha Kumbh, the group of saints and sages is known as Akhara. Akharas are considered a symbol of religiousness and sadhana in Hinduism.  

Who built these arenas?

According to Hindu beliefs, Adi Shankaracharya created many organizations for the sadhus to protect Hinduism, who had more knowledge of the art of weapons. These organizations were known as Akhadas. It is said that the history of Akhadas is very old.  

When is the royal bath?

14 January 2025 - Makar Sankranti

29 January 2025 - Mauni Amavasya

3 February 2025 - Basant Panchami

12 February 2025 - Maghi Purnima

26 February 2025 - Mahashivratri  

There is a religious belief that by taking a royal bath in Maha Kumbh, all sins are washed away and one gets relief from the sorrows and troubles in life. Royal bath has special importance in Maha Kumbh. In the royal bath, saints and sages take bath first. After this, the general public takes bath.