Chapter 12 - '6 Amrit Snans'
It was the year 2013. I was staying in Prayagraj. At that time, the city was called Allahabad. I was searching for a job there.
It was the time of 'Kumbh Mela-2013'. I was so happy to see the arrangements made by the government. At that time, we used to call 'Amrit Snan' ('अमृत स्नान') as 'Shahi Snan' ('शाही स्नान').
It was the 14th of January and a holiday for me. I thought there would be a huge crowd and that I should not go there. I was a bit unsure.
However, I saw everyone in my street lock their houses and start their journey towards Sangam. Sangam was almost 10-12 km far from my house. I also started walking. The whole city was moving in one direction.
I reached Sangam and understood the arrangements. It was the first time I had seen such a large crowd. According to reports, there were more than 10 million people present at the Sangam on that day. I was very happy. I had the first 'Amrit Snan' of my life. I saw the 'Akshay Vat Vriksh Temple' (अक्षय वट वृक्ष मंदिर) and the 'Saraswati Koop' ('सरस्वती कूप') inside the 'Akbar Fort'. This place used to be closed for the general public because the 'Akbar Fort' is a cantonment area. I was blessed to go inside. It was one of the most blessed moments of my life.
The biggest 'Amrit Snan' happens on 'Mauni Amavasya' ('मौनी अमावस्या'). In 2013, it fell on the 10th of February. I set out to have a bath on this day too. There was a queue several kilometers long. Someone told me the queue was 22 km long. Some people were asked to walk up onto the bridge, and then the bridge was closed from both sides. There were 40 million people at 'Sangam City' that day.
I was feeling tense. It was impossible for me to stand in a 22 km long queue.
But God was there.
I saw a VIP arrive with his family in a government vehicle. Their car was parked 1 km away from Sangam.
I did something silly. I followed them. I joined them and walked closely with them. Officials thought that I was also a family member of the VIP.
I reached Sangam in a short period of time. Approximately 1 million people were having bath in the 'Holy Ganga River' at a time.
I gave my bag to a friend and went for my bath. I only had a few dips before I was pulled out by a policeman.
I went back toward my friend, but the crowd was too large. I lost him. I did not have my clothes or my mobile phone. After much effort, I still could not find my friend. I gave up. I decided to go back to my room in the same condition in which I had gone for the bath.
But luckily, I found my friend after 40-45 minutes. I changed my clothes. Then it was my friend's turn for a bath. I showed him the highest tower and asked him to come back there after bath.
That is how I had my 'Amrit Snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya'.
Luckily, or coincidentally by God's grace and blessings, I had other 'Amrit Snans' too. But I could not have the 'Amrit Snan' on the day of 'Saraswati Pooja'.
Total 6 'Amrit Snans' happen during 'Kumbh Mela'. My score was 5 out of 6.
'The Kumbh Mela' takes place at 12-year intervals. The next occurrence is scheduled to be held in 2025.
I planned my trip to have a bath at 'Kumbh Mela-2025'.
I reached Prayagraj on the 1st of February, 2025. I had darshan at 'Bade Hanuman Mandir' ('बड़े हनुमान मंदिर'). There was a long queue of pilgrims. It took 4–5 hours of time. I had a very good time at Sangam.
I understood the arrangements of the 'Kumbh Mela'. I went back to my hotel and took some rest.
I started at 2 AM (very early in the morning). I wanted to have my bath during 'Brahma Kaal' ('ब्रह्म काल'). I reached Sangam. I was alone. I wondered how I would go for a bath because I was carrying a bag, a mobile, and other necessary stuff. I managed somehow.
It was February 2nd, 2025—the day of Saraswati Puja. I had my bath in the 'Holy Ganga River' at 3:45 AM during 'Brahma Kaal'. 'Saraswati Pooja' was on the 2nd of February, but the declared date for the 'Amrit Snan' was February 3rd. I am not sure of the logic.
I feel blessed to have taken the 'Amrit Snans' in the 'Holy Ganga River' at Sangam(Prayagraj) during the 'Kumbh Mela'.
जय गंगे मैया।
ॐ नमः शिवाय।
