On 13th January, the Mahakumbh 2025 commenced in the holy city of Prayagraj, marking a spiritual celebration for millions of Hindus worldwide. This festival stands as a testament to faith and the vitality of ancient traditions, with roots as old as time itself. However, over the years, attempts to distort and dilute such sacred Hindu customs have been evident. One such attempt is the transformation of the once-proudly called “Rajasi” and “Amrit Snan” into the now-familiar but historically misplaced term “Shahi Snan.”
The ancient roots of Kumbh Snan
Since time immemorial, the act of a holy dip at the Kumbh has held immense spiritual significance. The tradition predates Islamic rule in India and has been a cornerstone of Sanatan Dharma for centuries. However, the term “Shahi Snan” has now replaced the original terminology, and questions have been raised from time to time about its origins. Why is this sacred ritual associated with an Urdu word? What was it called before the advent of Persian and Urdu influences? These questions have led to in-depth discussions among scholars and spiritual leaders alike.
How ‘Rajasi or Amrit Snan’ became ‘Shahi Snan’
To find answers to all these questions, OpIndia consulted Vishalbhai Rajyaguru, a Sanskrit scholar and a senior government officer. Rajyaguru revealed that before the Mughal era, the Kumbh Snan was known as ‘Amrit Snan’ or ‘Rajasi Snan.’ He explained that the term ‘Shahi,’ meaning royal or majestic in Urdu, is a Mughal addition to the tradition. During the Mughal period, Persian and Urdu were promoted, often at the cost of native practices and traditions. The grandeur of the processions of Naga Sadhus, Aghoris, and other ascetics, often arriving on elephants, horses, and chariots, was likened to royal processions. This visual spectacle, he noted, was described in Urdu as ‘Shahi.’
What the Hindu texts say
To understand the traditional nomenclature further, OpIndia delved into Sanskrit texts, specifically the Dharmasindhu. It is a reliable and authoritative text from the 17th-18th century. It was composed by Kashinath Upadhyay. The text draws upon the Vedas, Puranas, and other Hindu scriptures. According to the Dharmasindhu, the sacred Kumbh bathing ritual was called ‘Amrit Snan’ or ‘Rajasi Snan.’ This indicates that even centuries after the Mughal rule began, the original terms persisted before eventually being overshadowed.
Yogi government restores ancient Sanatan heritage
For years, sadhus and saints associated with various Hindu Akharas have opposed the use of ‘Shahi Snan,’ urging the government to revert to the traditional terminology. The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, undertook a thorough investigation into the historical context and, acknowledging the sanctity of the tradition, renamed it ‘Amrit Snan.’ This change symbolises a return to the roots of Sanatan culture, undoing the distortions of the Mughal era.
The return to the original term highlights a larger effort to protect and respect India’s ancient traditions. As the Mahakumbh unfolds, it not only shows the strength of these practices but also reminds us of the cultural endurance that has survived centuries of outside influence. OpIndia will continue to explore this topic and share updates as we find more.
The article was first published in OpIndia Gujarati, which can be checked here.