Mahakumbhnagar, Amrit Vichar: Rohini Jha, 68, from the Maithili region of Bihar, sleeps on the ground in her camp on the banks of the Sangam even in the bitter cold, wakes up early in the morning to take a dip in the Ganga and eats only once a day. Rohini is doing Kalpavas in Mahakumbh.
Kalpvas means staying on the banks of Sangam for a whole month and studying Vedas, meditating and worshiping. Kalpvas, which takes place from Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima, has been a part of the spiritual heritage of this region for centuries. This ritual was mentioned in various Vedic texts including Mahabharata and Ramcharitmanas, indicating its deep significance in Hindu spirituality.
Rohini is one of the more than 10 lakh devotees who perform Kalpavas at Mahakumbh. On her 11th Kalpvas, Jha told that she did her first Kalpvas when she was four years old and at that time she did Kalpvas with her parents. He said, “It is considered auspicious to do at least 12 Kalpavas. This religious ritual begins with the devotees reaching the Sangam, where they set up their temporary tents. This is the first step in the spiritual journey.” He said, ”Devotees are cut off from all the comforts of home and adopt a simple lifestyle.” Rohini is accompanied by seven of her family members, all senior citizens, also at Kalpavas. Are on. He said, “It is believed that the more pain or difficulty you face during Kalpavas, the more successful it is… You feel closer to God and free from the pleasures and worries of life.” Are there.”
Kalpavasi give up modern comforts to live in makeshift tents near the Sangam. His daily routine includes bathing in the Ganges, attending discourses and listening to devotional music aimed at promoting spiritual growth and inner purification. Shivanand Pandey (51) said, “Kalpvas usually starts with planting of banana, basil and barley plants. During this period, we should observe fast and adopt a disciplined lifestyle.” Pandey is a lawyer and he takes a month off from work for Kalpavas.
Describing the religious ritual, he said, “The Kalpavasi camp on the banks of the Sangam, perform the religious ritual with dedication and take a bath in the Ganga thrice. Apart from penance, they follow the principles of patience, non-violence and devotion.” He said, ”This tradition should be followed continuously for 12 years to fulfill the vow.” His wife Neha Pandey completed 12 Kalpavas. And now she is with her husband. Neha said that she did not take the resolution this time due to health reasons. Mahakumbh, a big religious event organized every 12 years, has started in Prayagraj from January 13 and will continue for 45 days. Till now, more than seven crore devotees have taken a dip in the Sangam. Additional District Magistrate of Mahakumbh Nagar, Vivek Chaturvedi said that more than 15 lakh Kalpavasis are expected to arrive.
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