Maha Kumbh Mela – how to positively optimize your trip?

Your trip to the Maha Kumbh mela 2025 at Prayagraj can be optimized if you can also visit the nearby holy cities of Kashi & Ayodhya in your journey.

The Maha Kumbh mela in 2025 is being held in the city of Prayagraj(earlier known as Allahabad) from 13th January 2025 to 26th February 2025.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 dates

There are, in total, only 3 Shahi Snan dates in the Kumbh Mela 2025 at Prayagraj.

1. First Shahi Snan date = 14th January 2025 [Makar Sankranti]
2. Second Shahi Snan date = 29th January 2025 [Mauni Amavasya]
3. Third Shahi Snan date = 3rd February 2025 [Basant Panchami]

Though there are other important dates of Snan(taking a holy dip in the river at Triveni Sangam), but only 3 shahi snan dates exist for the Maha Kumbh mela 2025 being held at Prayagraj. Other important dates of snan are:-

• 4) Paush Purniuma = 13th January 2025
• 5) Maghi Purnima = 12th February 2025
• 6) Maha Shiv Ratri = 26th February 2025

[Shahi snan date = royal bathing date = that date which is of very high significance. It is believed that having bath at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj bears the following favorable results:- it calms down the malefic effects of planets, one attains prosperity & success in desired field, one’s spiritual progress gets fast-tracked, excellence in academics is achieved etc.

However if one takes a holy dip in the river at the Triveni Sangam on the dates of Shahi Snan, then the results are amplified many(thousands of times) folds. Thus the shahi snan dates are of extreme importance]

Where exactly is the Shahi Snan supposed to be taken in the Maha Kumbh 2025?

The exact place of the Shahi Snan for the Maha Kumbh 2025 which is going to be held in Prayagraj is at the Triveni Sangam. One should take a holy bath within the declared, stipulated auspicious time(shubh muhurat) on the day of the shahi snan.

What is Sangam? What is the Triveni Sangam?

The Triveni Sangam is supposed to be the junction point of three of the holiest rivers in Prayagraj, according to the Sanatan scriptures of Hinduism. The names of these rivers is Ganga, Jamuna & Saraswati.

Though the river Saraswati seems to have dried up, but one can clearly distinguish the water of two rivers(Ganga & Jamuna) as both have different colors. The river Jamuna has green colored water & the river Ganga has more of brownish colored water(muddy). You can easily reach the Sangam area by road from the railway station or from the airport by road.

Though the Triveni Sangam is very near to the river bank, however if one wishes, then he can hire a small boat to reach the exact junction point ie the Triveni Sangam on normal days. On days of festivals like the kumbhs & maha kumbhs, due to very large crowd there is heavy barricading.Hence it is practically not possible to get a boat ride up to the Sangam.

NB – WARNING:- One needs to be very careful while taking a holy dip in the river if he/she does not know swimming as water can be very deep & due to the rush of the crowd you could be easily pushed into the deeper part of the river without you even realizing it.

After Maha Kumbh Mela 2025…

As there is always a few days gap between two consecutive snans or shahi snans during a kumbh mela, if you plan a trip where you can stay in and/or around the Maha Kumbh area for around a week, you will be able to visit two of the holiest cities on this planet named Ayodhya & Kashi(Varanasi or Benares) which are situated nearby.

Both the cities of Ayodhya & Kashi are at a distance of less than 180 kms from the Maha Kumbh Mela area Prayagraj, though on a different route & in different directions. So if not both the cities, you can plan to visit at least one of either Kashi and/or Ayodhya during your Maha Kumbh Mela pilgrimage.

Distance from Maha Kumbh Mela area in Prayagraj to Ayodhya

Ayodhya is at a distance of 160 kms to 170 kms(depending on from where you take a bus/cab & where is your drop in the city) from Maha Kumbh mela area in Prayagraj. You can travel by road or by train. The road condition is fine & the journey will be of around 4 hours. You can travel by train as well. If you board an express train, then you will reach in around 3 hours & 30 minutes.

Which places should one visit in Ayodhya?

Ayodhya is a city of temples. You will find a lot of temples & river banks in Ayodhya. But there are a few places which you must not miss while you are in Ayodhya. These places are:-

1) Ram Mandir 2) Hanuman Garhi[Hanuman Gadhi] 3) Gopratar tirth(Guptar ghat of the river Saryu)

{Note:- Before entering the temple areas your mobile devices & bags will not be allowed inside. You can keep your mobile in a locker(key will be given to you) in nearby shops which sell fruits, prasad etc. They will charge a nominal fee for keeping your mobile.

Hence it is advisable to travel light(less luggage/bag). Once you are done with visiting the temples then you can go for shopping.}

Hanuman Garhi, Guptar Ghat of Saryu & Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

1) Significance of Hanuman Garhi – It is a temple of Lord Hanuman(also known as Bajrang Bali). Lord Hanuman is also known as the protector of Ayodhya. Normally, first, people take a holy dip in the river Saryu. Then they reach Hanuman Garhi. One needs to climb more than 70 steps(76 steps, to be precise) to reach the temple as it is situated on a hill.

It is customary to first take the blessings & permission of Bajrang Bali, the protector of Ayodhya, before entering Ayodhya. After successfully defeating & slaying the demon king Ravan, Lord Ram had asked Bajrang Bali to guard Ayodhya from this place as it is very strategically located. Hanuman Garhi being situated on a hill gives a bird’s eye view of the entire city of Ayodhya. Thus it is the place where Lord Hanuman resides since those times.

Kaal Sarp Dosh, Mangal Dosh, Dashas, Rahu Maha dasha, Shani Dosh, Sadhe Sati remedies at Hanuman Garhi

Those who are under the malefic effects of planets, according to their birth-chart, visit the Hanuman Garhi to get relief from the ill effects, as predicted according to their horoscopes. One needs to humbly visit the temple & seek blessings. Most people sit there & recite the Shri Hanuman Chalisa within the temple premises at least 3 times. Some recite it 11 times – depending on the time they have at their disposal during their visit.

It is imperative that one prays with faith & surrenders himself in front of Bajrang Bali. On reaching home after the pilgrimage, one needs to continue recitation of Shri Hanuman Chalisa at least once – daily.

2) Ram Janma Bhumi(RJB) & significance of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya :-

After visiting Hanuman Garhi, you can continue your journey to visit Ram Mandir. A grand & new Ram Mandir has been constructed at the place which is considered to be the birth place of Lord Shri Ram[in Hindi it is known as Ram Janma Bhoomi].

Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, the Vatican city & the Mecca( Makkah)

There are 3 main religious hubs in the world. The Ram Mandir is considered as one of the three global hubs of spiritualism, much like the Vatican city(for Christianity) & the Mecca or the Makkah(for Islam) in Saudi Arabia. The Ram Mandir, though has been existing since times much before Christianity(around 1900 to 2000 years old) & Islam(around 1400 years old) came into existence.

The war of Mahabharat was held 5200 years ago with Lord Shri Krishna taking a passive part in it(he was the charioteer of Arjuna’s chariot). And Lord Ram ruled Ayodhya much before the Avatar of Lord Shri Krishna. Which means Ayodhya, Lord Ram, Ram Janma Bhumi & the Ram temple have been existing since time immemorial. All of this has also been corroborated & proved scientifically by carbon dating, by the ASI(Archeological Survey of India) & also in the Supreme Court of India.

The origin of Christianity & Jesus Christ

Christianity was propagated after 270 AD ie more than 270 years after the death of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the Son of God, by the Christians, was crucified & more than 270 years after his crucifixion Christianity was propagated.

Muhammad & the origin of Islam in Saudi Arabia

Muhammad or Mohammad, who is the prophet of Islam, was born around 1400 to 1500 years ago. Thus Islam originated & was propagated since around 1400 to 1500 years ago, from Saudi Arabia.

Ram Mandir & Sanatan Dharma/Hinduism

The Mahabharata war was held in the era of Lord Shri Krishna around 5200 years ago. And Lord Shri Ram ruled Ayodhya much before the era of Lord Shri Krishna. Thus Ram Mandir & Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma has been existing since ancient times much before the inception of Christianity & Islam.

Due to repeated invasions from foreigners(Islamic, British, Portuguese) a lot of temples of India were destroyed. Ram Mandir at Ayodhya is one amongst them. The Ram Mandir & Hanuman Garhi have witnessed countless bloody battles & sacrifices. Only recently, under the leadership of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, BJP’s CM Yogi Adityanath, the glory & grandeur of Ram Mandir has been restored.

Thus the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya holds immense historical & cultural value.

Hallelujah Ram or Hail Lord Ram or Jai Shri Ram at Ram Mandir Ayodhya

Hallelujah is a term in Hebrew which means to praise the Lord or express joy & gratitude. Hail Lord Ram or Jai Shri Ram(Hindi) is a synonymous term praising Lord Shri Ram & expressing gratitude towards him.

Pray, seek blessings & absorb the intensely spiritual & devotional vibes of this place by spending some time, sitting quietly within the premises of Ram Mandir. This historic place is considered as the pillar and center of renaissance of Hinduism.

3) Gopratar tirth or Gopratar ghat or Guptar ghat at the banks of Saryu river

Ayodhya is a city which is situated on the banks of the river Saryu. Thus there are many ghats/river banks where one can take a holy dip. But one ghat known as Gopratar ghat or Guptar ghat which is now considered as a tirtha(place of spiritual significance) is of immense value. Gopratar ghat is the place where Lord Shri Ram had entered the Saryu river along with residents of Ayodhya to leave for Vaikuntha, once his time on earth as Lord Ram was nearing completion.

Though not many people are aware of this and as it is situated at a distance of a few kms from the Ram Mandir hence not all pilgrims who visit Ram Mandir are able to visit this ghat. Thus it is relatively less crowded.

Distance from Maha Kumbh 2025 area, Prayagraj to Varanasi = 130 kms

Varanasi is at a distance of 125 kms to 135 kms from the Maha Kumbh 2025 area in Prayagraj. You can go by train/bus/cab. The exact distance depends on your boarding & drop off points from which you will take a bus/cab. It is widely believed that one must be really blessed or lucky to be able to visit the cities of Ayodhya & Kashi or Benares(now known as Varanasi). Kashi & Ayodhya are two of the seven cities which grant moksha or liberation.

What to do in Kashi or Varanasi?

Like Ayodhya & Prayagraj, Varanasi is a city of temples. It is also known as Banaras. People also spell it as Benares & Benaras. However the ancient name of Varanasi is Kashi.

You will find a lot of temples in Varanasi. However, if you are on a spiritual journey seeking spiritual advancement then there are a few places which you cannot afford to miss while in Varanasi. These places have such intensely spiritual vibes about them that can supercharge your journey in spiritualism.

These places are 1) Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga temple of Lord Shiva 2) Lord Kaal Bhairava temple 3) Sankat Mochan temple of Lord Hanuman 4) The Ganga aarti at Dasashwamedha ghat near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

There are other temples & ghats of great significance near the above locations. But the above 4 locations one must not miss.

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Kaal Bhairav & Ganga Ghat.

1) Lord Kaal Bhairava temple – The Kaal Bhairava temple in Kashi is also known as the Kashi Kotwal. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Kaal Bhairava – a fierce form of Lord Shiva himself. He is known as the protector of the holy city of Kashi.

It is customary to first visit the Kaal Bhairava temple to seek his blessings & permission to enter Kashi. Though it is a very small temple & is situated on the right hand side of a narrow lane, it holds immense significance. Those who suffer from Shani Dosha, Kaal Sarpa dosh, Rahu dosh, Pitra dosh & other such malefic effects of planets regularly visit this temple to alleviate themselves off their sufferings.

2) Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Once you have visited the Kaal Bhairava temple, you can go to visit the Jyotirlinga temple. Kashi is known for the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

One needs to travel light & for security purposes cell phones may not be allowed inside. So you will have to deposit your cell phone outside at some shop & keep it in a locker. You will be provided the locker’s key. Either you need to pay a nominal fee for the locker or you will have to buy some fruits or dry fruits from the same shop so that you can keep your mobiles & shoes at that shop.

There are huge serpentine queues in these temples especially in the month of Shravan(around June/July), on MahaShivratri, on Poornima(full moon days), Amavasya(no moon days) & on other major Hindu festivals.

Beware of monkeys in the vicinity around the temple area. If you are carrying fruits, sweets, milk etc as offerings to Lord Shiva, these monkeys will try to snatch it from you if you are not alert. Hence stay vigilant & cover anything that you are carrying.

3) The Ganga aarti at Dasashwamedha Ghat :- The Dasashwamedha ghat of Ganga river is situated at a walking distance from the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga temple. One can take a holy dip in the river Ganga & then perform the normal rituals like offer flowers, milk & a lighted oil lamp to the river Ganga at this ghat.

The world famous Ganga aarti normally starts after sunset. It is a mesmerizing sight. The Ganga aarti is performed daily evening around sunset. It is an experience which one must not miss if he/she is in Varanasi

4) The Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple :- It is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is at this place that Lord Hanuman appeared in front of the great saint Tulsidas. As a mark of respect, a temple has been constructed at that place & is known as the Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple. Again, beware of monkeys.

As mentioned earlier there are a lot of temples in Ayodhya as well as the city of Kashi. One can decide on visiting other temples in the vicinity of these temples mentioned above like Mata Annapoorna Devi temple just next to Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga temple which is in fact within it’s premises. Mata Annapoorna is a form of Goddess Parvati. Depending on the free time that one has at disposal the itinerary can be decided.

Banarasi Paan, Benarasi Saree(Sadi – female attire), Banarasi Lassi & Chaat

The city of Kashi is also known for tasty, delicious & often spicy food as well as street food. One should try the Banarasi Paan after having breakfast or lunch, in Kashi. Though it’s been famous since ages, but it was immortalized by Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan’s song with lyrics – “Khai ke paan Banaras wala…” from the Bollywood movie Don.

The ladies can check the Banarasi sarees. These sarees have beautiful embroidery & are considered a status symbol & worn on important occasions like weddings, parties etc.

While in Benares one must try the famous Banarasi Lassi. Make sure you ask for the Lassi to be given to you in kulhad(earthen cup). That’s the very essence of having Lassi in Kashi. You will get thick Banarasi Lassi in a kulhad with a bit of cream added at the top. You can enjoy it with a spoon or simply drink it like you would drink a thick shake.

Banarasi chaat is delightfully tasty. There are a lot of chaat vendors all over Varanasi. The Banarasi chaat is made up of a lot of constituents with boiled potatoes being the major constituent in it, most of the time. You can get the taste customized according to your liking. You can get it made extra spicy or extra sweet by giving instructions initially while ordering.

That’s how you can derive maximum benefit from your trip if you have decided to visit India for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, which is to be held in Prayagraj.