Author Dr M S Krishnamurthy MD PhD (Ayu) is a clinician, academician as well as a researcher.
A ‘Holy Bath’ can refer to different practices depending on the cultural, spiritual, or religious context. As per ayurveda perspective, bathing (snana) has several health benefits like carminative, aphrodisiac, anti-ageing, health restorative, energy enhancing, immunity promoting and body strengthening; it also helps to relieve the body morbidity and to take away the blemishes (shareera mala) and relive itching. Additionally, it helps to overcome the fatigue or work exhaustion, drowsiness too.Among few, it induces good sleep also. Burning of the body, excess thirst etc also considerably decreased by the fresh water bath. A cold water bath is especially recommended for all of these. Importantly ayurveda proclaims that bathing helps to relieve the ‘papma’ i.e sin.
Now with this background it becomes easy to explore the benefits of holy bath which is practiced with several perspectives in India. During this holy season of ‘Maha kumbha mela’ which is being celebrated in Prayagraj of Uttara Pradesh of North India, it becomes more relevant and important to understand the rationality and sanctity of this.
Holy bathing- Spiritual and Religious Contexts
In some spiritual traditions, a Holy Bath (‘Punya snana/Teertha snana’) is a ritualistic cleansing practice to purify the body, mind, and spirit. This can involve immersion in water associated with prayer and meditation. In Christian traditions, ‘baptism’ is a sacred ritual that involves water, symbolizing spiritual rebirth and cleansing. In Jewish tradition, a ‘mikvah’ is a ritual bath used for spiritual purification and cleansing. In the Muslim community too bathing/holy baths are considered to be part of spiritual purification and are known as ‘Ghusl’ or ‘Istinja’. Further, ‘wudu’ is a partial bath taken to purify oneself before prayer.
Today, some wellness retreats and spas offer Holy baths as a way to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and spiritual growth. Often they appear as commercials too. The newer trends are also emerging like E- service of holy bathing where on proper payment of the fee, the holy dip is being taken on account of the payee’s name or family. However, its relevance, the hidden agenda behind such tactics are not the scope of this article.
In Ayurvedic medicine, apart from the bathing in respective holistic places of the individual’s choice like Rameshwaram, Kashi, Gaya, Gangotri etc, holy baths can refer to herbal baths or other cleansing practices used to balance the body’s energies.
Why is a holy bath important?
The significance of a Holy bath can vary depending on the cultural, spiritual, or religious context. However the holy dips are believed to purify the body, mind, and spirit, preparing individuals for spiritual growth, prayer, or rituals.
In some traditions, holy baths symbolize spiritual rebirth, renewal, and transformation too. Sacred baths can facilitate a deeper connection with the divine, promoting spiritual awareness, and introspection.
Just like regular baths, holy baths can be a calming and soothing experience, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. But due to the sanctity, holiness of the area or rive, time period etc, further the true benefits may be multifold!
Some holy baths, like those using herbal or mineral-rich waters, can have therapeutic benefits for the body. Also, few of the river water or water of the ponds/well or flow have shown the presence of sulphur or sodium/potassium etc which may be again the factors to support the body immunity apart from religious perspectives. The ritualistic nature of Holy baths can provide emotional comfort, solace, and healing. The sacred hymns or chants or the herbs/ decoction themselves may act on a subtle level to take away the morbidity and hence to detoxify the body and mind.
If we see the present context of ‘Maha kumbha mela’, it appears that Holy baths can be an integral part of rites of passage, and it can foster a sense of community, shared values, and spiritual connection among participants. Undoubtedly it enhances the cultural heritage, preserving traditional practices and customs.
Holy dip in ‘Maha Kumbha mela’ and its significance
The Holy dip in Kumbha mela is a sacred ritual that holds immense significance in Hinduism. Kumbha mela takes place at a specific astrological conjunction, considered highly auspicious for spiritual growth and self-realization. The festival brings together saints, sages, and spiritual seekers from across India, creating a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and exchange.Also, Kumbha mela is a celebration of India’s rich spiritual heritage, showcasing the country’s diverse cultural and religious traditions. It occurs once in twelve years(kumbha mela) and the present one is Maha kumbha mela, which is celebrated once after twelve Kumbha mela, meaning once in 144 years! Importantly, it is believed that taking a holy dip during the kumbhamela can redeem past sins and negative karma. The holy dip in Kumbha mela is a transformative experience that offers devotees a chance to connect with the divine, purify their souls, and experience spiritual growth and liberation.
Reference of holy bath (Punya snana) in Ayurveda
Classical Ayurveda literature mentions the concept of Holy bath, and it is understood today as ‘Punya Snana’ or ‘Dharmika Snana’. This ancient Ayurvedic text describes the importance of bathing in holy rivers and streams for purification and spiritual growth. Ashtanga Hridayam- classical Ayurvedic text emphasizes the importance of holy bathing as a means of physical and mental purification. It also describes the various types of holy baths, including bathing in sacred rivers, streams, and lakes. Bhavaprakasha text mentions the benefits of holy bathing in various sacred sites, including the Ganges river.
Holy dips in Ancient Indian texts
The Rigveda mentions the sacred river Ganges as a symbol of purification and spiritual growth. Mahabharata – the epic poem describes the holy bath of the Pandavas in the Ganges River, highlighting its purifying and rejuvenating properties. Bhagavata Purana – Hindu scripture describes the holy bath of Lord Krishna in the Yamuna River, emphasizing its spiritual significance. The Padma Purana mentions the holy bath of Lord Vishnu in the Ganges River, highlighting its purifying and redemptive properties.
Other Indian literature like Tirukkural – ancient Tamil text emphasizes the importance of holy baths in sacred rivers and streams, highlighting their role in spiritual growth and self-purification. The Bhakti movement’s literature (BhaktiVedanta) often describes the holy bath as a symbol of devotion and spiritual surrender, highlighting its role in the devotee’s spiritual journey.
Important rivers in India, considered auspicious for holy dips
· Ganges River (Ganga)- (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
The Ganges River is considered the most sacred river in Hinduism, originating from the Gangotri glacier in the Himalayas.
· Yamuna River-(Mathura, Uttar Pradesh)
The Yamuna River is another sacred river in Hinduism, originating from the Yamunotri glacier in the Himalayas.
· Godavari River-(Nashik, Maharashtra)
The Godavari River is considered one of the seven sacred rivers in Hinduism, originating from the Western ghats in Maharashtra.
· Krishna River-(Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh)
The Krishna River is a sacred river in Hinduism, originating from the Western Ghats in Maharashtra.
· Kaveri River-(Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu)
The Kaveri River is a sacred river in Hinduism, originating from the Western Ghats in Karnataka.
· Narmada River
The Narmada River is a sacred river in Hinduism, originating from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh.
· Saraswati River
The Saraswati River is a sacred river in Hinduism, believed to be invisible and flowing underground.
· Tapti River
The Tapti River is a sacred river in Hinduism, originating from the Satpura Range in Madhya pradesh.
· Brahmaputra River
The Brahmaputra River is a sacred river in Hinduism, originating from the Angsi glacier in Tibet.
· Shipra River
The Shipra River is a sacred river in Hinduism, originating from the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh.
Holy dips in these rivers are believed to purify the soul and grant spiritual growth. They are meant to grant spiritual liberation and wash away sins.
Importantly, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) is the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. So, its importance is being highlighted in past as well as present days.
Hindu Festivals and special occasions of Holy dip
Makar Sankranti, Kumbh Mela, Lord Jagannath Rathayatra, Mahalaya amavasya, .
Navaratri/Dusshera, Diwali etc are the various occasions people take holy bath.Other than that during the solar eclipse, lunar eclipse and planetary alignments also in different parts of the country opt holy dip, as pert their belief, practices and with their convenience.
Holy bath during personal and spiritual milestones
Birth and naming ceremonies, sacred thread ceremony, in few communities in wedding ceremonies as well as funeral rites holy dips are taken.
Few opt full moon(Amavasya) and new moon(Pournami) days for holy dips to harness the lunar energy.
Holy dip/ sacred bath in skin diseases and psychological disturbances
In Leucoderma, eczema, psoriasis etc holy dips are recommended in most of the ayurveda literatures including Charaka- Sushruta samhita, Ashtanga hrudaya/sangraha, Basavarajeeyam etc. In the psychological disturbances like Epilepsy,Depression,Anxiety, Mania, Schizophrenia etc too in various contexts indigenous literatures like Jyotisha granthas have referred to have holy dips or Punya snana. Interestingly, in several varieties of chronic fevers, infectious diseases, infertility conditions and menstrual disorders too sacred baths are recommended.
Rare Holy dips – Present Indian practices
Kumbh mela holy dip- Occurs every 12 years, during the Kumbh Mela festival, where millions gather to take a holy dip in the Ganges River.
Maha Kumbh mela holy dip- Occurs every 144 years, considered the rarest and most auspicious holy dip, where millions gather to take a holy dip in the Ganges River.
Simhastha Kumbh mela Holy dip- Occurs every 12 years, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, where devotees take a holy dip in the Shipra River.
Ganga sagar Holy dip- Takes place every year on Makar Sankranti, where devotees take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganges River and the Bay of Bengal.
Pushkar Lake holy dip- Occurs every year during the Pushkar fair, where devotees take a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar lake.
Brahma Sarovar holy dip- Takes place every year during the solar eclipse, where devotees take a holy dip in the sacred Brahma sarovar.
Yes., Holy dip includes religious concerns, traditional celebrations, cultural significance, and health perspectives. In fact Indian culture and heritage is not mere rituals or blind acts; they have a long history of practices and diversity too.
Hara hara Mahadev….Shiva shambhu… swayambhu….Namaste
Best wishes of the seasons to all.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy BAMS, MD (Ayu), PhD
