Mumbai: The Mahakumbh Mela 2025, set to take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, is a grand spiritual event that draws millions of ascetics, seekers, and devotees from around the world. It is a celebration of India’s spiritual heritage and an opportunity for participants to connect with the divine.
Among the notable figures attending this year’s Kumbh is Laurene Powell Jobs, the 61-year-old American billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist, wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Powell Jobs plans to participate in various rituals, including taking a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam and will observe the spiritual practice of Kalpvas during her 17-day stay.
Kalpvas is a sacred tradition that involves deep spiritual practices, including meditation, rituals, and devotion and is considered an essential part of the Kumbh Mela experience. Let us learn more about this timeless Indian tradition- rules, process, rituals and benefits.
What is Kalpvas?
Kalpvas is a deeply rooted Hindu tradition, mentioned in sacred texts like the Mahabharata and Ramcharitmanas. It is a period of self-purification, intense spiritual discipline, and devotion, where devotees, known as Kalpvasis, engage in a range of rituals.
The duration of Kalpvas is one month, symbolising a day in the life of Lord Brahma, or a Kalpa. During this time, Kalpvasis establish temporary tents near the Sangam, immerse themselves in daily rituals, take holy dips in the Ganga River, and partake in spiritual gatherings such as kirtans and teachings from revered saints.
Kalpvas is observed from Paush Purnima to Maghi Purnima, coinciding with the Kumbh Mela. Devotees, or Kalpvasis, take daily purifying dips in the Ganga, listen to spiritual discourses, and participate in devotional activities like bhajans (devotional singing) and kirtans (chanting).
This practice is integral to the Kumbh Mela, which serves as a platform for spiritual awakening. Kalpvasis adopt an austere lifestyle, living in temporary tents, fasting, and meditating while focusing on their spiritual growth.
The ultimate goal of Kalpvas is to purify the mind and body, seek spiritual enlightenment, and receive divine blessings. The practice culminates with the observance of Maghi Purnima, where devotees perform rituals and prayers to honour the divine.
Kalpvas: Rules and Rituals
Kalpvas is not just about physical presence at the Sangam, but it involves strict spiritual discipline. Devotees camp by the river for a month, adhering to specific rules that include celibacy, fasting, and daily rituals. Some begin the observance on Makar Sankranti, while others follow the full month of Magh.
The tradition is said to bring freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth, and in the Mahabharata, it is mentioned that observing Kalpvas for a month can yield the same spiritual merit as performing penance for a century without food.
The rules associated with Kalpvas are designed to purify the body and soul. Maharishi Dattatreya outlined 21 essential practices in the Padma Purana, which include speaking the truth, practising non-violence, controlling the senses, engaging in self-discipline, and performing charitable acts.
Key practices include waking up early, bathing in a holy river thrice a day, doing daily prayers, and meditating. These practices aim to foster inner peace, self-control, and devotion to God.
On the first day, the devotee installs and worships Tulsi and Shaligram, and sows barley seeds at the site of the Kalpvas, which are carried with them when the period ends. After the observance concludes, the Tulsi is immersed in the Ganga, symbolising the completion of the spiritual journey.
Benefits of Kalpvas
Kalpvas is believed to rejuvenate the body and soul. In the Mahabharata, it is mentioned that anyone who follows the practices of Kalpvas—bathing in the sacred Ganga, meditating, and observing rituals—attains a place in heaven, securing spiritual liberation.
Kalpvas, with its profound spiritual discipline and devotion, serves as a means to cleanse one’s soul, seek divine blessings, and earn eternal peace. The practice not only purifies the individual but also enhances their connection with the divine, offering an opportunity for ultimate spiritual fulfilment.
The Kumbh Mela is a remarkable spiritual gathering that brings millions together to celebrate faith, unity, and collective harmony. Laurene Powell Jobs’ participation in the Mahakumbh 2025 is a testament to the global appeal of this sacred event, which transcends cultural boundaries and connects people from all walks of life. Through her observance of Kalpvas and her deepening connection to Hindu spiritual practices, Powell Jobs is embracing a profound journey of self-purification, devotion, and spiritual growth.
The event will be a beautiful display of India’s spiritual legacy and serve as a reminder of the universal quest for inner peace, self-realisation, and spiritual enlightenment.
Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is set to participate in the sacred practice of Kalpvas during the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. This ancient Hindu tradition involves intense spiritual discipline, devotion, and rituals, where participants seek purification and spiritual growth by spending a month on the banks of the Sangam. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
