Latest news with #Akharas
India Gazette
3 days ago
- General
- India Gazette
In a spiritual shift, Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 to replace 'Shahi Snan' with 'Amrit Snan'
Nashik (Maharashtra) [India], June 1 (ANI): The upcoming Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 will witness a significant traditional change, as the age-old practice of 'Shahi Snan' or royal bath will be replaced with 'Amrit Snan' for the first time. This decision was taken during a meeting of the Akhara Parishad and the Kumbh Mela organisers with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Nashik on Sunday. 'The Kumbh Mela is held at four locations across the country Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik and it takes place based on where the drops of Amrit fell. The term Shahi Snan was introduced during the Mughal era. Therefore, this tradition is now being changed, and the Shahi Snan will henceforth be referred to as Amrit Snan. This decision was taken after discussions during a meeting between all 13 Akharas and the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Nashik,' Mahant Bhakti Charan Das, spokesperson of All India Vaishnav Akhara told ANI. The move aims to infuse the event with a deeper spiritual and religious essence, steering it away from the display of grandiosity and power. Saints from various Akharas have stressed that the bathing ritual should symbolize spiritual discipline rather than royal pageantry. 'Referring to the sacred bath as 'Amrit Snan' aligns more closely with the true purpose of the event,' said Mahant Bhakti Charan Das. According to Hindu beliefs, bathing during the Kumbh Mela cleanses one of all sins. The name 'Amrit Snan' draws from the mythological tale of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), where drops of divine nectar--Amrit--were believed to have fallen at the Kumbh sites, including Nashik. The Akharas view 'Amrit Snan' as a return to the festival's spiritual roots, ensuring the focus remains on devotion, penance, and salvation rather than spectacle. Earlier today, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said preparations have been underway following discussions with chiefs of various Akharas ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 in Nashik. 'A meeting was organised in relation to the Kumbh Mela of Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, in which the 13 major Akharas were also present. We discussed the event in the presence of all the Mahants, saints, priests... This time the fair is going to be long, so people will get to see many important 'Amrit Snan' dates and holy festivals...,' CM Fadnavis told reporters here. He also said that the government has come up with a plan to ensure the cleanliness of the Godavari River.'A plan has also been prepared to ensure that our Godavari Maa flows clean and uninterrupted... Works worth Rs 2,000 crores are in the pipeline. Overall, preparations have been made here so that a divine and grand fair is held,' CM Fadnavis said. The Nashik Kumbh, one of the largest religious gatherings in India, is held once every 12 years, where devotees come to take a holy bath on the banks of the Godavari River. The Maharashtra government is focused on ensuring smooth arrangements, including sanitation, security, and infrastructure development. Key decisions are expected to be finalized in the coming months. (ANI)
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
CM Fadnavis chairs 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela prep meet, assures smooth arrangements
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited Nashik on Sunday to chair a key preparatory meeting for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, slated to be held in 2027 and ensured that the grand event will be held smoothly. The meeting was attended by seers from 13 prominent akharas along with representatives from various government agencies involved in planning the mega spiritual gathering. Addressing reporters after the meeting, Fadnavis said: "A meeting was organised regarding the Kumbh Mela, in which the 13 prominent Akharas were present. Saints, sadhus, and mahants all participated. We held discussions regarding the arrangements for the event." He said that important aspects like event scheduling, infrastructure planning, crowd management, and the issue of pollution in the Godavari River were discussed in depth. "The dates for the important events were also fixed, and the announcements regarding the same will soon be made…How to manage the crowd of pilgrims will also be seen. Godavari pollution was also discussed," he added. Fadnavis further noted that every effort would be made to ensure that the 2027 Kumbh Mela is organised smoothly with a focus on cleanliness, convenience, and coordination among departments. Mahant Rajendra Das Ji Maharaj of Abha Nirvani Akhara, also known as the Nirvani Akhara, stated that the date for the Amrit Snan would be declared soon. Raising a significant cultural point, he echoed the demand of several seers to replace the term Shahi Snan with Amrit Snan. Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad national spokesperson, Bhakti Charan Das Maharaj, said: "The recent decision follows the precedent set during the previous Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj, where the term 'Shahi Snan' was replaced with 'Amrit Snan' after extensive discussions among scholars and saints." "The word 'Shahi' is believed to have Mughal-era origins, and many experts agreed it was inappropriate in a spiritual context. The new term reflects Indian spiritual values more accurately," he said. In the meeting, the seers also pressed for land reservations specific to the Nashik Kumbh Mela, stronger enforcement against pollution of the sacred Godavari, and the creation of a dedicated Kumbh Mela authority to ensure better amenities for saints and devotees. Addressing reporters, Nirmohi Akhara's Rajendra Das Maharaj said, "We pray to the sacred Godavari River that this Kumbh Mela becomes grand and divine. The arrangements of Amrit Snan and other requirements were discussed with the Chief Minister." The 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik is expected to witness participation from millions of pilgrims and saints, like as seen in the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh this year.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Prayagraj Mandal Sant Samiti to bring together all temples, mutts
Prayagraj: The Prayagraj Mandal Sant Samiti has been officially formed with the aim of bringing together all temples and mutts (monasteries) within the Prayagraj region. The decision was unanimously agreed upon during a recent meeting held at the historic Baghambari Mutt, attended by various revered seers and members of different Akharas. The primary objective of the Samiti is to unify small and large temples across Prayagraj and work collaboratively towards the restoration and preservation of lesser-known or deteriorating shrines and mutts. The committee will also ensure that the voices and rights of saints associated with these institutions are acknowledged and upheld. A major highlight of the meeting was the consensus that, similar to Kashi (Varanasi) and other districts that have established religious councils, Prayagraj too needs a cohesive body to represent and safeguard its spiritual heritage. Mahant Balveer Giri, head of Baghambari Gaddhi Mutt and a key figure in the religious community, and a central voice in this initiative, said, "Through the Prayagraj Mandal Sant Samiti, we aim to unite every mutt, temple and saint in the region so that their issues, traditions and rights are given due respect. A strong collective voice is essential for our spiritual and cultural continuity." Additionally, the Samiti plans to organise dedicated camps for these temples during the upcoming Magh Mela, further enhancing religious cooperation and public engagement. According to Devendra Shastri of the Nirmal Akhara, the formation process is complete, and the selection of officials such as President and General Secretary will be finalised in the coming days.
News18
04-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Anant Ambani, Wife Radhika Merchant Offer Prayers At Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri
Last Updated: Anant Amban and his wife, Radhika Merchant, performed the Ganga pujan with purohits of the Ganga Sabha Anant Ambani, who recently became a whole-time director of Reliance Industries Limited, visited Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri with his wife, Radhika Merchant, on Sunday. Ambani performed the Ganga pujan with purohits of the Ganga Sabha. Har ki Pauri is a pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand. Har ki Pauri or Brahmakund is the main ghat of Haridwar. It is believed that this is the place from where Ganga river leaves the mountains and takes the direction of the plains. Last month, Ambani completed his 170-kilometre padyatra from Jamnagar to Shree Dwarkadhish Temple to mark his 30th birthday. Ambani started the padyatra to the temple on March 29. 'It's my religious yatra. I begin this yatra with the name of God, and I am completing it with his name. I thank Bhagawan Dwarkadhish. I also thank the people for joining me on this yatra," he told ANI. The younger son of Mukesh Ambani is a devoted pilgrim and philanthropist who often visits India's revered temples and generously supports their causes. His contributions have helped restore and maintain iconic temples such as the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara, and the Kamakhya Temple in Assam. In February, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, along with his family, attended the Mahakumbh Mela and took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. He was accompanied by his mother, Kokilaben Ambani, and other family members, including his sons Akash and Anant, daughters-in-law Shloka and Radhika, grandchildren Prithvi and Veda, and sisters Dipti Salgaocar and Nina Kothari. During the Maha Kumbh, Anant Ambani also extended his support to several Akharas. Additionally, he serves as a trustee at the sacred Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham, further solidifying his commitment to India's spiritual heritage. Reliance had launched Teerth Yatri Seva for the Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 and ends on February 26, taking forward its 'We Care' philosophy. As part of the Seva, Reliance provided the pilgrims with a wide spectrum of services – from nourishing meals and essential healthcare to safe transportation and seamless connectivity. 'It is said that when we serve Teerth Yatris, we too are blessed. Our services to the pilgrims who are on a spiritual journey, in a once-in-a-millennium event, aim to meet the needs of the most vulnerable among them," Anant Ambani, Director, Reliance Industries Limited, had said, announcing the launch. The Ambani family, which attended the Ram Lalla pran pratishtha at Ayodhya, also made a donation of Rs 2.51 crore to the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Anant Ambani also serves on the boards of several Reliance group companies, including Jio Platforms since March 2020, Reliance Retail Ventures since May 2022, and Reliance New Energy and Reliance New Solar Energy since June 2021. He has also been a board member of Reliance Foundation since September 2022. Ambani, who has a Bachelor's degree from Brown University in the US, is also very passionate about animal welfare and has spearheaded several initiatives, including Jamnagar's Vantara, focused on rehabilitating at-risk animals. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : anant ambani Radhika Merchant Reliance foundation Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 04, 2025, 17:15 IST News india Anant Ambani, Wife Radhika Merchant Offer Prayers At Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri
Times of Oman
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Maha Kumbh: 30 dead and 60 injured in stampede, says DIG Vaibhav Krishna
Prayagraj: At least 30 people have been killed and 60 were injured in the pre-dawn stampede on Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj here, a top police officer said. Twenty-five bodies have been identified and the rest are yet to be identified, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, said in a press conference. 'A total of 30 people have died unfortunately in the stampede that took place at the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj. Twenty-five bodies have been identified and the rest five are yet to be identified,' he said. Among the deceased, four are from Karnataka, one from Assam and one from Gujarat, the DIG said. Further, he said that 36 people were being treated at a local medical college. '36 people are currently being treated at the local medical college. Keeping in mind the convenience of the devotees, the CM Yogi Adityanath has requested all Mahamadaleshwar, saints and Akharas to take their holy dips with some delay. The Amrit Snan of the Akharas has been concluded safely…' he said. Giving details of the incident, the DIG said that the stampede occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning when a huge crowd on the Akhara Marg broke the barricade to take a holy dip. 'Before Brahma Muhurta, between 1 am to 2 am, a huge crowd gathered on the Akhara Marg. Due to this crowd, the barricades on the other side broke and the crowd ran over the devotees waiting to take a holy dip on the other side. About 90 people were taken to the hospital through ambulances but unfortunately, 30 devotees have died…' he said. Meanwhile, to monitor the situation of Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has postponed his visit to Delhi for the election campaign tomorrow. Earlier, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, the President of Parmarth Niketan Ashram expressed condolences over the stampede and called it an 'unfortunate incident' and stressed the importance of following the instructions of the administration for the safety. Saraswati said, "Whatever happened was very unfortunate. The administration's orders and messages should have been followed. People are coming in large numbers and taking a holy dip. I express my condolences to those who lost their lives."
