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The Mahakumbh Mela is currently going full steam ahead in Prayagraj at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Among the myriad traditions, the Kalpavas holds a special, almost ethereal significance.
A ritual steeped in ancient scriptures like the Brahma Purana and Padma Purana, the Kalpavas is a sacred observance, a period of penance, and an opportunity to transcend the mundane. Incidentally, Steve Jobs’ widow Laurene Powell Jobs also partook in this ritual while she was in Prayagraj.
As per Maharishi Dattatreya’s detailed outline in the Padma Purana, the Kalpavasi (one who observes Kalpavas) must adhere to 21 stringent rules encompassing mind, speech, and action, offering a transformative journey towards spiritual elevation.
The essence of Kalpavas lies in a disciplined life dedicated to simplicity, self-restraint, and devotion, according to kumbh.gov.in. Observers are required to rise before sunrise, renounce indulgence, and practice celibacy (brahmacharya), which Maharishi Dattatreya described as evolving oneself to embody the divine. True celibacy transcends mere abstinence, demanding the renunciation of desires, including luxury, rich foods, and sensory indulgences.
Fasting is another cornerstone of Kalpavas, divided into Nitya Vrat (daily fasting for spiritual upliftment) and Kamya Vrat (fasting with specific desires), the official site of Kumbh explained. The practice necessitates observing the ten aspects of dharma, as described by Manu: patience, forgiveness, selflessness, non-stealing, physical purity, control of senses, wisdom, knowledge, truthfulness, and non-violence.
During the Kumbh Mela, the act of daan (donation) attains unparalleled significance. Donations—be it cows (gau-daan), clothes (vastra-daan), or gold (swarn-daan)—are believed to purify the soul of both the donor and the recipient.
Similarly, Dev Pujan, or the worship of deities, holds a profound place during Kalpavas. It is believed that gods visit the sacred Sangam during Kumbh, and meditating in their honour brings immense well-being. Complete devotion during these rituals is paramount for their spiritual efficacy.
The practice of Satsang, which means “in the company of truth,” is integral to Kalpavas. Devotees engage with saints and intellectuals, absorbing their wisdom to move beyond selfishness and towards the path of enlightenment.
The ritual of Veeni Daan, wherein one shaves off their hair except for a shikha (top knot) and offers it to the Ganga, is another profound act. This symbolic gesture is believed to absolve sins, with the hair representing the base of all impurities.
A Kalpvasi adheres to a life of simplicity, wearing only clean silk or woollen garments in white or yellow, Kumbh’s official website explains. Meals are taken once a day, and one sleeps on the ground to cultivate humility and discipline. This austere lifestyle is designed to purify the body and soul, paving the way for spiritual enlightenment.
