By Sathya Shivakumar Global member HSTD
Radha Subramanian Artistic Director HSTD
The Mahakumbh at Prayagraj in 2025 marks a rare celestial alignment occurring after 144 years. This grand spiritual gathering celebrates the sacred Amrit Snaan at Triveni Sangam, where the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati converge. According to legend, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), the pot of nectar (Amrit) emerged along with celestial treasures, and drops of this divine nectar fell at four locations—Ujjain, Nashik, Haridwar, and Prayagraj. Devotees gather at these sites during the Kumbh Mela to take dips in the confluence, with specific alignments marking the highly auspicious “Amrit Snaan.”
Amrit: The Essence of Immortality
At a metaphysical level, Amrit represents that which is immortal, beyond birth and death. It signifies the soul element, the divine essence. The Mahakumbh is also an occasion to witness the revered Naga Babas, ascetics who walk the path of Shiva to experience Shiva. The event draws countless seekers of all ages who immerse themselves in the sacred vibrations of the Sangam, surrendering to the divine and seeking liberation. Beyond societal distinctions, a sacred thread of spiritual aspiration unites us all, binding us to the higher pursuit of Moksha.
Mohanji often narrates the story of how Adi Shankaracharya initiated the Kumbh tradition. The great saint instructed the Himalayan sages to share what they had in abundance with the world. When the sages claimed they possessed nothing, Adi Shankara reminded them that they held the power of penance (Tapo Shakti). When asked who was eligible to receive it, he responded, “Those who are empty.” Only when one is empty can one be filled with grace.
A Rare Celebration: Mohanji’s Birthday at Mahakumbh
This year, the grand occasion is further sanctified by the celebration of Mohanji’s birthday at Mahakumbh, within the sacred space of Mohanji Village. This gathering itself is a confluence, much like the Triveni Sangam. Each individual carries personal aspirations, ancestral lineage, and the unseen yet ever-present spiritual current—the mystical Saraswati—that connects all. Now, in the presence of our beloved Guru, these forces merge, forming a sacred space of transformation. May we become the Kumbh, the vessel, emptying ourselves to receive the divine nectar of grace and blessings.
The Nectar of Wisdom: Mohanji’s Satsang at Mahakumbh
Mohanji Village at Mahakumbh provides a sanctuary for seekers to unite, take dips in the holy Ganga, and bask in the presence of the Master. Through his daily satsangs, Mohanji offers invaluable guidance towards the highest truths, illuminating the significance of the river dips and self-awareness. He shared the deeper meaning of taking dips in a particular order:
- First, for yourself—for without you, the world outside does not exist.
- Second, for all your dependents—children, spouse, parents, pets, and those unable to come.
- Third, for your ancestors.
- Fourth, for your Guru.
- Finally, for your favorite deity, family deity, or any divine presence you revere.
Mohanji emphasized that the depth of intention matters more than the number of dips. If recalling each category individually felt difficult, he suggested placing the intention for all before entering the waters. Even a single dip, performed with complete remembrance, was enough.
“When you take a dip, you honor your existence. You express gratitude for life. And when you are grateful, you become graceful.” — Mohanji
Awakening to Higher Awareness
Mohanji elaborated on the nature of life, emphasizing that it consists of opposites—failure enables us to appreciate success, and every connection, relationship, and role builds towards a greater understanding.
“When we have preconceived notions, we are blind. A true Master never loses. Be open, like a buffet—take as much as you can. If you don’t take, you lose.”
Speaking on contentment, Mohanji stressed its necessity:
“If there is no contentment, the cycle continues—birth after birth.”
He encouraged contemplation (manana), watching within, and overcoming patterns through awareness.
“Be aware, watch, witness, and let go. Whatever you resist persists. Accept, allow thoughts to move on—nothing stays. Thoughts are just pillars keeping the mind alive.”
Be the Light: The Path to Liberation
Mohanji reminded everyone that self-connection is primary.
“Connection to the Guru is secondary; self-connection is primary. Get into the mode of self-acceptance.”
He explained that the soul is an extension of God—pure energy and continuity.
“The physical body perishes, but the metaphysical does not. If you have less baggage—or no check-in baggage at all—you stop coming!”
A Dance Offering to the Master
As we converge on February 23, 2025, to celebrate Mohanji’s birthday under this rare celestial alignment, let our hearts be illuminated with divine grace.
This year, the Himalayan School of Traditional Dance aspires to present a special choreography dedicated to Mohanji’s living presence. Just as Lord Shiva embodies both the yogi and the householder, Mohanji mirrors these diverse aspects—innocence, healing, universal friendship, detachment, and compassion.
The presentation celebrates the various forms of Lord Shiva:
- Vishweshwara—the cosmic Lord who pervades all existence.
- Mahadeva—the Supreme One beyond duality.
- Tryambaka—the three-eyed one who dissolves illusions.
- Tripuratanka—the destroyer of the three worlds of illusion.
- Trikagnikalaya—the one who resides in the sacred fires.
- Kaalagni Rudra—the fierce fire that dissolves time.
- Neelakantha—the blue-throated savior who swallowed the poison of the universe.
- Mrityunjaya—the conqueror of death.
- Sarveshwara—the Lord of all.
- Sadashiva—the eternal, ever-present consciousness within.
In the eternal search for divinity, we often look outward, yet the true journey is within. A key teaching of Mohanji is the importance of inner connection. May we aspire to find oneness, realize Shivoham (I am Shiva), and merge with the consciousness.
Let us become the sacred Kumbh, emptying ourselves to be filled with divine nectar, grace, and blessings.
