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Following the start of Maha Kumbh 2025, Kashi has seen a surge in devotees. To manage the crowds, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple administration has enforced key rules, including a ban on ‘Sparsh Darshan’
To manage the influx of devotees, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple administration has implemented essential rules during Maha Kumbh. (PTI)
Maha Kumbh, the world’s biggest religious and spiritual congregation, got underway on January 13, 2025 in Prayagraj, with the first holy dip taking place on Paush Purnima. As per reports, by 4pm, around 1.5 crore devotees had taken the holy dip at 44 ghats in the Sangam City. During the snan (holy bath or dip), around 20 quintals of flowers were showered on devotees from helicopters.
If you are also planning to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple after taking a dip at Maha Kumbh, it is advised to plan in advance as the holy city is expected to host crores of devotees for the duration of the festival.
New Rules Implemented For Maha Kumbh
To manage the influx of devotees, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple administration has implemented essential rules during Maha Kumbh. Chief Executive Officer of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Vishwabhushan Mishra, announced that ‘Sparsh Darshan’ would be completely banned throughout the festival, instead being replaced by ‘Jhanki Darshan’.
The temple trust has decided that ‘Sparsh Darshan’ will remain closed from January 13 to February 28, 2025. Devotees will be able to witness the tableau of Baba Vishwanath during all aartis except Mangala Aarti. Additionally, the sale of tickets for all aartis, excluding Mangala Aarti, has been suspended during Maha Kumbh.
VIP Darshan Timings
A specific time has been allocated for VIP darshan, restricted to 2pm-4pm daily. Even during this period, ‘Sparsh Darshan’ will remain prohibited. The temple trust will make further decisions based on crowd management and devotee convenience, with provisions for relaxing rules as required.
Amrit Snan
On Tuesday, Akharas took ‘Amrit Snan’ of the Maha Kumbh Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara were the first ones to take ‘Amrit Snan’ on Makar Sankranti.
The first ‘Amrit Snan’ is special in many ways. It took place a day after the first major ‘snan’ on Monday in the Sangam area on the occasion of ‘Paush Purnima’.
Thirteen Akharas of seers from different sects are participating in the Maha Kumbh.
- Location :
Varanasi | Prayagraj, India