Pilgrims continue to converge at Sangam for Makar Sankranti

Ardh Kumbh Nagar, Jan 15 (UNI) Lakhs of devotees continued to take a holy dips on the occasion of 'Makar Sankranti', the second important bathing day of the month-long Ardh Kumbh Mela, today at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers.

Makar Sankranti, the day when Sun god enters into Capricorn, is an auspicious festival for Hindus who take holy dip in the river Ganga. The festival, incidentally would be celebrated for two days.

Over 40 lakh pilgrims converged at Sangam yesterday, while about thirty-five lakh more pilgrims are expected to take bath today.

Makar Sankranti would also be marked as the first of the four 'Shahi Snans' (Royal Bath) during the month-long Ardh Kumbh mela- Mauni Amvaasya (Jan 19), Basant Panchami (Jan 23) and Mahashivratri (Feb 15).

The 'shahi snan' started early in the morning. The 'shahi snan' commenced with saints and seers of the Mahanirvani akhara taking the holy dip, which continued for forty minutes. So far, five akharas have taken bath.

Besides, a large number of pilgrims were seething on the sandy beds of the Ganga to take a spiritual dip in the river. Around 80 lakh people have taken the spiritual dip and the process is still expected to continue till late evening..

Biting cold was not deterring the faith of the people and they were taking bath in the icy water of the river Ganga. People offered prayers to 'Ganga Maa' for the well-being of their loved ones and participated in the early morning 'Ganga Arti'.

According to the Hindu mythology, a spiritual dip at Sangam is said to wash all the sins and free human from the cycle of birth. The site of Sangam is a treat to the eyes. One can see the muddy and pale yellow water of the Ganges merging with green water of Yamuna.

The Ganges is only 4 ft deep, while Yamuna is 40-ft-deep near the point of nexus.

The river Yamuna ends at this point and the Ganges continues after this till it meets at the Bay of Bengal. By bathing in the holy waters of the Sangam one is ridden of all sins. The devout is granted all his desires. This is the significance of an ordinary bath, and hence the importance of a bath during the Kumbh is manifold. It cannot be described and has to be experienced to be known.

According to myths, the Prakrista Yajna was performed here by Lord Brahma. That is how Allahabad received its ancient name, Prayag. Allahabad is also called Tirtha-Raja (Prayag Raj), king of all holy places. It is said Lord Rama visited Allahabad when He was in exile.

Kalpvaas has a special significance in Prayag. It holds special significance in the month of Magh, and it lasts from the 11th day of the month of Paush till the 12th day of the month of Magh. Kalpavas is marked by patience, non-violence and devotion, and meals are to be partaken only once a day. It is believed that kalpavasis who fulfill all the vows gets reborn as a king.

The Magh bathing ritual must start from Paush Shukla Ekadashi or Poornamasi or Amavasya. The best bathing time is when the stars are out, the medium time is when the stars set down, and the least important is when the sun has arisen.

Anyone who stays put in Prayag throughout the month of Magh and performs Kalpavas, yagya, shaiyya, godan, Brahmin bhoj, Ganga puja, Beni Madhav puja, vrat and daan gets special impostance and blessings.

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