What is Shahi Snan and Importance in Kumbh Mela

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Shahi Snan

Shahi Snan, also called as Rajyogi snan refers to the holy bath taken by the saints and their disciples and the members of the Akhadas in the holy river during the prescribed time at the start of Khumb Mela that happens once in twelve years. Ujjain is one of the four places where Khumb Mela happens when the Jupiter enters the Leo (Simhastha) zodiac sign. Shahi Snan happens in the river Kshipra in Ujjain.

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The Mythology

It is said that following the churning of ocean by gods and demons, the pot of nectar emerged. There was a stiff fight between both the parties to grab the pot. Meanwhile to safeguard the pot, Garuda, the celestial eagle transported the pot of nectar.

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The Mythology

On the way, the nectar dropped in four places including Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik and Ujjain. The event of Shahi Snan is said to give the blessed characteristics of the holy rivers in these places due to acquiring the nectar of immortality to those who bathe during the scheduled time.

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The Tradition

During ancient times, the saints in the Akhadas had to resort to killing as part of their mission to protect Dharma. Therefore, they wished to cleanse themselves of their sins through a holy dip in the River Kshipra during the Khumb Mela.

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The Tradition

Therefore during the event of Shahi Snan, the ascetics were given priority and importance over the others and common people. This tradition continues to this day. Shahi snan is the central highlight of Khumb Mela and the most important part of the celebrations. Only after the Shahi Snan, the common people are allowed to take bath.

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The Procession

The Rajayogi Snan or the Shahi Snan commences on the appointed date at 4am. Before the scheduled time, there goes a long procession of saints and their disciples from various ascetic orders and Akhadas. The participants carry different kinds of deadly weapons in their hands and shout the divine names and religious slogans in ecstasy.

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The Procession

All along the route, crowds of common people cheer up the saints. There are rangolis drawn all along the way and petals of flowers thrown on the saints as mark of honour. Several saints come in the procession sitting on horses and elephants and in decorated chariots drawn by their disciples. The devotees also hold decorated umbrellas over their heads.

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The Strange Scenes

The procession is a strange scene to watch for those who are new. Thousands of ascetics are seen walking naked or with bare minimum clothing as per their choice. They too wear garlands and hold shining swords in their hands besides flags and other kinds of weapons. Some hold conches and dumbbell shaped musical instruments. Their bodies are smeared with the holy ash and their looks are often terrific causing fear.

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What Happens after Shahi Snan

After the holy dip, all the saints visit the temples in the vicinity and then return to their original places. All the devotees are found lined up on either sides of the procession path displaying arches, flags and strewing flowers.

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What Happens after Shahi Snan

Some ascetics wait for a while allowing the devotees to touch their feet and in return the saints bless them. Some saints scare the devotees by raising their weapons. The devotees bath in the river after Shahi Snan.

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