Magh Purnima: Kalpavas, a month of fasting culminating in Sangam snan on Feb 12
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Synopsis
Kalpavas, a significant month-long fasting tradition, concludes on Maghi Purnima, February 12, with devotees taking a holy dip in Sangam. This year, over 1 million devotees have participated at Prayagraj, marking the importance of this spiritual observance during Maha Kumbh.
Key Takeaways
- Kalpavas involves a month of fasting and spiritual activities.
- It concludes on Maghi Purnima with a holy dip in Sangam.
- Over 1 million devotees have joined this year’s observance.
- Rituals include pujan, daan, and immersing barley in Ganga.
- Tulsi plant is taken home as a blessing.
Mahakumbh Nagar, Feb 11 (NationPress) The practice of Kalpavas — an extensive period of fasting, self-discipline, and spiritual discussions — carries profound importance during the Maha Kumbh. This year, over 1 million devotees have embraced Kalpavas at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam, closely following sacred customs.
Mythologically, observing Kalpavas along the banks of the Sangam in the month of Magh is believed to yield the benefits of a thousand years of penance, with its importance heightened during Maha Kumbh.
Traditionally, Kalpavas comes to an end on Maghi Purnima, February 12, when devotees are expected to take a sacred dip in the Sangam, conduct pujan, and perform daan before heading home.
This year's Kalpavas is particularly significant during the Maha Kumbh, a grand celebration of faith and spirituality. Devotees from all over the nation have gathered at the Sangam to observe this Kalpavas. According to ancient texts, the observance will conclude on February 12, Magh Purnima.
The Padma Purana explains that Kalpavas consists of a month of fasting, self-restraint, and Satsang on the Sangam banks, starting from Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima. Some devotees may also begin their Kalpavas from the Ekadashi of the Paush month to the Dwadashi of the Magh month.
On February 12, participants of Kalpavas will immerse themselves in the Sangam, symbolizing the end of their fast. The rituals for concluding Kalpavas are guided by Lord Dattatreya as prescribed in the Padma Purana. Following tradition, devotees will bathe in the Sangam, engage in worship with their Tirthpurohits, and fulfill their sacred vows as per established regulations.
According to the customs, Kalpvasis take a holy dip in the Sangam on Magh Purnima and observe fasting. Afterward, they return to their huts, where they listen to the Satyanarayan Katha and perform a Havan Puja.
Upon completing their Kalpavas vow, devotees donate ‘daan’ (charity) to their Tirthpurohits based on their ability. Additionally, the barley sown at the beginning of Kalpavas is immersed in the Ganga, and the Tulsi plant, revered as a representation of Maa Lakshmi in Sanatan tradition, is brought home as a blessing.
