"Yaksha, Gandharva, and Kinnars, all took the holy dip," says Mahamandaleshwar Juna Akhara after 'Amrit Snan'

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 14 (ANI): After taking part in the 'Amrit Snan' at the Triveni Sangam -- a sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and 'mystical' Saraswati river, on Makar Sankranti Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand of Juna Akhara said "Yaksha, Gandharva, and Kinnars, all took a holy dip today" and said he is praying for the well-being of Bharat.
Speaking to ANI, he said it marks the beginning of the Hindu month Magha, when devotees come to the Mahakumbh to perform 'anushthan' (rituals) and take part in 'snan' (bathing) during this occasion. "Water is synonymous with our Sanatan culture. Water has life-giving properties. The existence of our Gods is from water- Narayana, Brahma, among others... The Hindu month of 'Magha' starts today, Paush Purnima. Many devotees have come here for 'anushthan' in addition to 'snan'. Many have come here to look for the meaning and essence of human life...," he had said earlier.
While Mahamandleshwar Swami Gyan Puri of Mahanirvana Akhara said, "It's a huge crowd but it's amazing how everything flows. Everyone finds a place for a holy dip. I think it is only possible to see this here."
Another seer, Swami Lalitanand Giri, Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara wished for everyone's wellbeing and said, "Today, after one hundred and forty-four years, such a combination is being formed which is fruitful for everyone including gods and goddesses. On this great festival of Kumbh I wish for everyone's well-being and pray for peace in the whole world."
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of Kinnar Akhara said, "Today we are at Sangam Teerth. This is the first Amrit Snan of Mahakumbh 2025 and we are very happy that we got to participate in the Amrit Snan. Wishing everyone a very Happy Makar Sankranti."

Earlier, urging people to go back with the resolution to conserve rivers and plant trees, the spiritual head of the Rishikesh-based Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Chidanand Saraswati said, "The happiness I have seen on the faces of people who took holy dip on Paush Poornima today was incredible. Paush Purnima should be dedicated to conserving our rivers and environment. PM Modi has also said 'Ek Ped Maa ke naam'. One must go back with the resolution to conserve rivers and plant trees."
Notably, 20 million devotees have taken a holy dip in the Sangam here so far on Tuesday during the first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025. On the first day of Maha Kumbh around 16 million people had taken the holy dip.
Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 450 million devotees are expected for the event. The Maha Kumbh will conclude on February 26. (ANI)