Pramod Giri Maharaj’s Ritual Gains Attention at Maha Kumbh Mela

With just one week remaining until the Maha Kumbh Mela, thousands of devotees, sadhus, and saints from India and around the world have started arriving in Prayagraj. This grand spiritual event has already seen the arrival of Naga sadhus, who are drawing attention with their unique attire and rigorous Hatha yoga practices.

Naga Sadhu Pramod Giri Maharaj’s Remarkable Ritual

Among the Naga sadhus, Pramod Giri Maharaj has become the subject of widespread discussion due to his extraordinary daily ritual. Each morning at 4:00 AM, despite the frigid temperatures, he bathes with 61 pots of cold water while most people prefer to stay indoors. Following the cold bath, he applies ash to his body and sits by a sacred fire for meditation. What’s unique about his practice is that the number of pots used increases each day.

A Selfless Practice for Humanity

Speaking with ANI, Naga Sadhu Pramod Giri Maharaj, from Atal Akhara, explained that his practice is done for the welfare of humanity and society, with no selfish intentions. “We undertake this practice for the welfare of humanity and society, with no selfish motive behind it,” he said. “With a mala in one hand and a bhala in the other, we are ready to stand for Sanatan Dharma whenever necessary. This is my ninth year of performing this Hatha Yoga practice, and as long as the grace of Guru Maharaj is with us, we will continue doing it.”

A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations

Pramod Giri Maharaj added that performing tapasya, or intense spiritual practices, has been the Naga sanyasi’s tradition for ages. “We are naga sanyasi, and performing tapasya has been our purpose for ages,” he said. “Our gurus have followed this path, and we are continuing this tradition.”

The ritual typically lasts for 41 days, but due to time and space limitations at the Maha Kumbh Mela, it has been shortened to 21 days. Pramod Giri Maharaj shared that the ritual started with water from 51 pots on the first day and will continue to increase by a few pots each day. “Today, there were 61 pots. When the 21 days are complete, we will perform the ritual bath with water from 108 pots,” he said.

The First Shahi Snan on January 14

On January 14, the Naga sadhus will perform their first Shahi Snan, which will be the most challenging part of the ritual for Pramod Giri Maharaj. “On that day, this ritual will be the most challenging for me, as I will perform this ritual here first and then proceed for the Shahi Snan,” he explained. After bathing, the sadhus apply ash to their bodies while still wet, and it remains on them throughout the day.

Maha Kumbh Mela Begins on January 13

The Maha Kumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years, will begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26. More than 45 crore devotees are expected to attend the event. During the Mela, people will gather at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, to take a holy dip, believed to cleanse sins and grant moksha (liberation).