What is a Shahi Snan?

A Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) is the most significant ritual at the Mahakumbh Mela, where saints, sages, and millions of devotees take a dip in the holy waters of Triveni Sangam. It is believed that taking a sacred bath on specific days during the Kumbh Mela not only purifies the body but also washes away past sins, liberates the soul from karmic cycles, and grants spiritual upliftment.

Every Mahakumbh, Purna Kumbh, and Ardh Kumbh, these Shahi Snan days hold extraordinary significance, as they are determined by astrological alignments of Jupiter (Brihaspati), the Sun, and the Moon. Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj will witness six such Shahi Snan days, each carrying deep spiritual and astrological meaning.

Let’s explore the importance of the 6 Shahi Snan dates at Kumbh and why devotees consider these the most auspicious bathing days.

1️⃣ Paush Purnima (January 13, 2025) – The Initiation of Kalpavas

Paush Purnima marks the beginning of Mahakumbh 2025 and the start of Kalpavas, a period where thousands of devotees engage in meditation, fasting, charity, and spiritual practices. Taking a Shahi Snan on this full moon day is believed to purify the soul and bring peace, wisdom, and divine blessings.

The full moon’s energy amplifies spiritual vibrations, making it the perfect time to start one’s spiritual journey at Kumbh. This sacred bath helps cleanse the soul, remove past sins, and bring inner harmony.

2️⃣ Makar Sankranti (January 14, 2025) – A Shift Towards Light and Positivity

Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn (Makar Rashi), symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of longer, brighter days. This period is known as Amrit Kal, a divine moment when the Sun’s rays are believed to purify the holy rivers, making a dip even more powerful.

The movement of the Sun into Capricorn enhances fortune, removes obstacles, and energizes new beginnings. Bathing on this day is said to erase darkness, ignorance, and negativity from one’s life.

3️⃣ Mauni Amavasya (January 29, 2025) – The Day of Silence and Self-Realization

Mauni Amavasya, also known as the “Silent New Moon”, is when devotees observe complete silence and engage in deep meditation. It is believed that taking a Shahi Snan on this day enhances self-discipline, purifies speech, and brings clarity of thought.

Amavasya is a time of introspection and karmic cleansing, making it ideal for prayers, meditation, and connecting with one’s inner self. It is said that a holy bath on this day enhances wisdom, improves speech, and removes deep-rooted negativities.

4️⃣ Basant Panchami (February 3, 2025) – The Blessing of Maa Saraswati

Basant Panchami is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, and creativity. On this day, devotees wear yellow, offer prayers, and seek mental clarity and artistic inspiration.

The day is filled with positive energy and divine grace, making it an auspicious time to start new learning or spiritual pursuits. Bathing on Basant Panchami is believed to enhance intelligence, wisdom, and spiritual insight.

5️⃣ Maghi Purnima (February 12, 2025) – The Day of Charity and Blessings

Maghi Purnima is a full moon day that signifies the completion of the Kalpavas period. Devotees engage in charity, meditation, and acts of kindness, believing that whatever they give on this day will return to them as blessings.

The full moon in Magha month enhances generosity, positive karma, and spiritual upliftment. Bathing on Maghi Purnima is said to magnify good karma and bring divine grace.

6️⃣ Mahashivratri (February 26, 2025) – The Night of Divine Transformation

Mahashivratri, the final and most powerful Shahi Snan of Mahakumbh 2025, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the best day for deep meditation, prayers, and letting go of material desires. Devotees believe that a dip on this night cleanses the soul and brings one closer to Moksha (liberation).

The cosmic energy on this night is highly transformative, making it an ideal time for spiritual awakening and self-purification. It is believed that bathing on Mahashivratri releases past karma, destroys ignorance, and brings divine blessings from Lord Shiva.

The six Shahi Snan dates at Mahakumbh 2025 hold immense spiritual and astrological significance. Bathing in the holy waters of Triveni Sangam on these sacred days is believed to bring divine blessings, remove negative karma, and elevate one’s soul.