Kalpwas (कल्पवास)

People spend Kalpwas by staying on the Sangam banks of Prayag for a month. This tradition has been going on for centuries. ‘Kalpwas’ is a vrat which is observed on the banks of pilgrimage sites like Prayag. Kalpwas means living on the banks of Sangam and studying the Vedas and meditating. Prayagraj Sangam is generally performed on the banks from the 11th day of the month of Paush to the 12th day of the month of Magh. However, some people observe Kalpwas till Magh Purnima.Kalpwas has its own separate rules. According to religious beliefs, those who stay in Kalpwas continuously for twelve years are eligible for salvation. Every work in ritual or worship starts with a resolution and in the resolution, “Shri Shwetavarah Kalpe” is addressed.

History of Kalpwas
According to religious texts, in ancient times, there used to be a dense forest in Tirtharaj Prayag and here was the ashram of sage Bhardwaj. Brahmaji had performed Yagya here, since then there is a tradition of the sages coming here every year during the Magh Mela and Kumbh and performing Kalpwas on behalf of the sages and householders.

Although there is always Kalpwas for sages and sages, but householders should be able to do their welfare in less time. For this, Kalpwas was established here. Here education and initiation were also given to householders for a short period.

There is a description of Kalpwas in Padma Purana, in which it is said that the one who resides on the banks of Sangam should be virtuous, peaceful and Jitendriya. Three tasks have been decided during Kalpwas. These works are penance, homa (havan) and charity. Nowadays, all the pilgrim priests make arrangements for huts.

Rules of Kalpwas
❀ Some rules of Kalpwas have been decided. Any householder who comes with the resolution of Kalpwas has to stay here in a parnakuti (hut) built by the sages or by himself. Food is eaten only once in Kalpwas. One has to engage in devotion, practicing patience, non-violence.

❀ This is a very difficult vrat. In this vrat, there is a rule of bathing before sunrise, eating only once, and bathing three times in the afternoon and evening, but most of the people take bath only in the morning and evening. The vrat of Kalpwas is completed in one month.

Importance of Kalpwas in Prayag
❀ The importance of Kalpwas in Prayag has been explained in Matsya Purana. It is said that one who takes the resolution of Kalpwas, becomes a king in the next life. But the one who comes here with the desire of salvation becomes free from the cycle of life and death.

❀ It is also said in religious texts that by taking bath in Magh in Prayag three times, one gets virtuous results equal to the results of performing ten thousand Ashwamedha Yagyas on earth. It is also said that in the month of Magh, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Rudra etc. come to the Sangam banks of Prayagraj.

❀ The importance of Kalpwas has also been shown in Ramayana. Lord Shri Ram and Mother Sita who came to Bhardwaj Muni Ashram of Prayagraj hear its glory from the mouth of the saints. There is a very beautiful depiction of this in Ramcharit Manas.

❀ The scientific process of Kalpwas is the process of purifying the body through food, bhajan, kirtan, sun arghya, bathing etc. religious activities i.e. the process of connecting the body with spiritual consciousness. Some people start it from Paush Purnima and some people start it from Makar Sankranti.

❀ During Kalpwas, a spiritual city is established on the banks of Sangam in Prayagraj, where many religious activities take place. Due to people from all over the country staying here for the entire month of Magh and engaging in spiritual activities, it is also known as Magh Mela Prayagraj. The first big bath of Kalpwas fair takes place on Paush Purnima.