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12. MAHANTS ROYAL BATH Khumbha Mela, Allahabad, India |
Within the several-month period of the Khumbha mela there are auspicious bathing days, usually coinciding with festivals of the periods. Most important are the days for the shahisnan "royal bath", in which the saints, the naga Sadhus first, go in procession to the river. Even the leaders, Mahants of the various sub-sects of sadhus remove their clothes and brave the cold waters during the Khumbha Mela. In the midst of the Waters, the Lord is moving, surveying men's truth and men's lies. How sweet are the waters, crystal clear and cleansing. Now may these great, divine Waters enliven me". -Rig Veda VII.49.3 |