When I saw millions taking a dip in the confluence of the rivers (Triveni Sangam) during the ongoing Maha Kumbha Mela in Allahabad, I had this overwhelming desire to be one of them. Though my plans to visit did not materialize but the significance of the holy dip made its way into my awareness.
Awareness of Spiritual Science
As per Indian philosophy and spiritual science, the energies of the subtle body flow through the innumerable nadis (energy channels) in our body. According to texts, there are 72000 or more such nadis in our body of which 3 (Sushumna, Ida, Pingala) are considered to be most important. The 7 Chakras are the intersection points of these nadis within our body. Ida, Pingala and Sushumna intersect in the Ajna Chakra (on the forehead between the brows) or the point which opens the doorway to intuition.
Ida is the left channel signifying river Ganges and corresponding to the moon, referring to everything feminine and controlling all our mental functions. It is known to originate in the Root Chakra (Mooladhar) in the base of the spine and end in the left nostril.
Pingala is the right channel signifying river Yamuna and corresponding to the sun, referring to everything masculine and controlling all the vital functions in our body. It is known to originate in the Root Chakra (Mooladhar) in the base of the spine and end in the right nostril.
Sushumna is the central channel signifying the river Saraswati and holds the key to unlocking our consciousness. It is known to originate in the Root Chakra (Mooladhar) and end in the Crown Chakra (Sahasrar)
What is a Holy Dip?
A holy dip is akin to immersing oneself in the energy of consciousness. A dip in the Triveni Sangam, where Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati merge into one another is like immersing oneself in the depths of Ajna Chakra and experiencing the energies of Ida, Pingala and Sushumna clear our blocks and fill our beings with expanded consciousness which manifests itself in greater patience, acceptance, love and peace. My friend returned from Kumbh touched by the order and respect for personal space by fellow pilgrims. I kept wondering on her words until realization dawned that we are but cells in the universal body and respecting each other is key to survival, like in life we enjoy good physical health when we love and care for each and every cell of our body.
Planning for a Holy Dip
Like me, if you have not made it to the Kumbh this time, but lived it through travelogues and photo stories, spend a few minutes a day focusing on the Ajna Chakra (between the brows on our forehead) and taking a dip in the inner Kumbh and the joy and pleasure will be no less. I feel blessed and so will you. Again, it re-iterates my belief that what we see outside is a reflection of what lies within !!!
Mark your calendar for 29/01/25, most important bathing date (Mouni Amavasya) Maha Kumbh Mela, we might be just immersing ourselves unknown to each other
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