Mahakumbh Nagar: As the Prayagraj Mahakumbh nears its conclusion, the sacred gathering is witnessing the gradual departure of devotees and saints. Following the Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami, the 13 Akharas were the first to bid farewell to Mahakumbh Nagar, followed by the departure of Kalpvaasis after the Magh Purnima bathing festival. Continuing this sequence, the revered ‘Pratham Sadhak’ Dandi Swami sants, who observed Kalpavaas throughout the Magh month, have now also departed from Mahakumbh Nagar.
The Dandi Swami sants, revered as protectors of Sanatan Dharma, had been residing on the holy sands of Sangam for a month. Their final sacred bath in Mahakumbh took place on Trayodashi, after which they returned to their respective maths.
Jagadguru Swami Maheshashram Ji, head of the All India Dandi Parishad, explained that while Kalpavaas of Magh month traditionally concludes with a holy dip on Magh Purnima, there is a belief that during Kalpavaas, one may unknowingly commit sins of sight, hearing, or touch. These are purified only through the Trijata Snan in Sangam, which is performed on Trayodashi of Falgun, after which the Dandi Swami sants depart from Mahakumbh.
Before leaving Prayagraj Mahakumbh, the Dandi Swami saints reflected on the significance and impact of this grand spiritual event. Swami Shankarashram, President of the Dandi Sanyasi Parishad, who has been observing Kalpavaas on the banks of Triveni for 45 years, remarked that the participation of over 50 crore Sanatanis in this Mahakumbh signifies the growing influence of Sanatan Dharma.
What sets this year’s Kumbh apart, he noted, is the overwhelming presence of the new generation, particularly those aged 18 to 35, surpassing that of older devotees. Unlike previous years, where youth indifference towards religion and Sanatan was noticeable, this Mahakumbh witnessed a remarkable shift—young devotees took the sacred dip at the confluence, adorned tilaks, and actively engaged in seva (service).
Swami Shankarashram attributed this revival of faith among the youth to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision and unwavering commitment to the Mahakumbh, stating that his efforts in organising and promoting the event have deeply resonated with the younger generation. “Yogi ji has emerged as a youth icon, inspiring this new wave of devotion and enthusiasm towards Sanatan Dharma,” he remarked.
