Prayagraj/Varanasi, Jan 18: Thousands of pilgrims arrived at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj and the Ganga ghats in Varanasi on Sunday to take a holy dip in the sacred waters on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.
According to a report from Prayagraj, on Mauni Amavasya, the third and most significant bathing day of the Magh Mela, devotees have been taking a dip in the sacred Sangam, seeking salvation. The Magh Mela is the largest religious congregation held annually on the banks of the Sangam.
The influx of pilgrims began late Saturday night, with devotees entering the holy waters from midnight onwards. Since early morning, lakhs of people have continued to arrive to take the ritual dip.
As per religious belief, on Mauni Amavasya, the sun and moon align in the same zodiac sign, and taking a silent dip in the Sangam is believed to bestow the spiritual merit equivalent to performing a hundred Ashwamedha Yagnas (horse sacrifices). Despite intense cold and fog, enthusiasm among devotees remained undiminished, with people eager to earn religious merit by bathing in the holy Triveni.
The month of Magh holds special significance in Hindu scriptures, and the Amavasya falling mid-month is considered particularly sacred. It is believed that on this day, the waters of the Ganga turn into nectar, making Mauni Amavasya especially important for the Magh Snan (bathing).
The district administration has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety and smooth movement of devotees. According to officials, around three crore pilgrims are expected to take a holy dip at the Sangam on Sunday.
Meanwhile, reports from Varanasi said a massive crowd of devotees began gathering at the Ganga ghats of Kashi from early Sunday morning. On Mauni Amavasya, silent bathing in holy rivers, acts of charity, and worship of Lord Vishnu are believed to bring special spiritual blessings.
Mahant and astrologer Jitendra Mohan Puri of the Batuk Bhairav Temple said that people residing along the banks of the Ganga, whether in Prayagraj, Kashi, or Haridwar, should observe a vow of silence and bathe in the river on this day. He said the ritual is believed to cleanse devotees of physical sins, unintentional transgressions and those arising from planetary influences. It is also believed that on Mauni Amavasya, all deities reside in the Ganga and grant liberation from sins.
Devotees were seen taking holy dips at major ghats of Kashi, including Dashashwamedh, Sheetla, Rajendra Prasad, Darbhanga, Shivala, Rana Mahal, Assi, Bhadaini, Ravidas and Rajghat. Officials estimate that over four lakh devotees will bathe in the Ganga in Varanasi on Sunday.
Mauni Amavasya began at 11:38 pm on Saturday and will continue until 12:57 am on Sunday. Holy bathing can be performed throughout January 18. To manage the crowd, the stretch from Godaulia to Maidagin and Dashashwamedh Road has been declared a no-vehicle zone. Long queues were also reported at Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
Tirth Purohit Raju Tiwari said that bathing in silence and meditating on God on Mauni Amavasya grants liberation from sins. He added that bathing purifies the body, silence purifies the mind, and charity purifies and enhances wealth.