Mahakumbh 2025: Mahakumbh and Kalpwas share a profound connection. It is believed that anyone who completes the Kalpwas during Kumbh attains the blessings of Lord Vishnu. But what exactly is Kalpwas? Let’s understand its significance, rules, and benefit
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Beginning of Mahakumbh and Kalpwas
Mahakumbh 2025: The Mahakumbh will begin on Pausha Purnima (13th January 2025), marking the start of the largest religious gathering in the world, attracting over 50 crore people. Pilgrims, saints, and devotees from across the globe gather at the holy Triveni Sangam to take a dip, which holds immense religious importance in Hinduism.
The Role of Kalpwas During Mahakumbh
Mahakumbh 2025: Alongside the main rituals, many devotees observe Kalpwas during Mahakumbh. Kalpwas is believed to be a pathway to spiritual development and the acquisition of divine blessings. Those who follow the strict rules of Kalpwas with dedication are believed to receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu himself. According to ancient scriptures, Kalpwas can be undertaken at any time, but it holds special significance during Mahakumbh and the month of Magh.
What is Kalpwas?
Kalpwas can be understood as a spiritual discipline that involves residing on the banks of the holy river during the Kumbh period, dedicating oneself to the study of scriptures, meditation, and prayers. The duration of Kalpwas is filled with devotion, intense penance, and worship of the Lord. This year, Kalpwas will be observed from the 11th day of Pausha month until the 12th day of Magh month. It is believed that the period when the Sun moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn (Makar Sankranti) holds immense spiritual merit, equal to one day in Brahma’s day.
Start of Kalpwas in 2025
In 2025, Kalpwas will begin with the Mahakumbh on 13th January. For the entire month, devotees will stay at the Sangam, strictly following the Kalpwas rules, engaging in meditation, prayers, and sacred rituals.
Rules of Kalpwas
Mahakumbh 2025: The rules for observing Kalpwas are rigorous. Devotees must wear yellow or white clothes, and the minimum duration of Kalpwas is one night. However, it can extend for three nights, three months, six months, six years, twelve years, or even a lifetime. The Padma Purana mentions 21 key rules for Kalpwas. Those observing Kalpwas for 45 days must adhere to all 21 rules. Let’s explore these rule
- Serve saints and ascetics.
- Chanting and singing devotional hymns.
- Wake up during Brahma Muhurat.
- Control the senses.
- Speak truthfully.
- Practice non-violence.
- Observe celibacy.
- Show compassion to all living beings.
- Bathe thrice a day in a holy river.
- Perform rituals for ancestors (Pind Daan).
- Stay away from addictions.
- Engage in introspective chanting.
- Meditate during the Sandhya (dawn, noon, and dusk).
- Practice charity (Daan).
- Participate in satsangs (spiritual gatherings).
- Remain within the designated area (don’t wander).
- Avoid gossip and criticism.
- Eat only once a day.
- Sleep on the ground.
- Avoid consuming fire (smoking or other fire-related activities).
- Worship the Deities.
Among these, celibacy, fasting, worship, charity, and attending spiritual gatherings are considered the most important.
Benefits of Kalpwas
Mahakumbh 2025: Observing the rules of Kalpwas leads to the blessings of Lord Vishnu. It brings prosperity, happiness, and positive energy into the devotee’s life. According to the Mahabharata, performing Kalpwas during the month of Magh is believed to yield the same merit as performing penance without food for 100 years.
Those who perform Kalpwas with sincere devotion and discipline are believed to fulfill their desires and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
