Shahi Snan of 13 Akharas in holy Kshipra river was held during Simhastha at Ujjain on Monday. First of all, thousands of Naga Sadhus led by Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara's Peedhadhishwar Mahamandaleshwar Shri Avdeshanandji took the holy dip. At 4 am, groups of Naga Sadhus chanting 'Har-Har Mahadev', 'Jay Mahakal' and 'Kshipra Maiyaa Ki Jay' came running to the ghat to have a plunge in the river. Devotees eagerly had waited whole night for this unique and fascinating scene at Ramghat, Dutta Akhara and other ghats. A number of devotees saw this fascinating scene for the first time in their lives. A number of devotees captured the scene in their mobiles.
Along with Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, Mahamandaleshwars, saints and seers of Aavhan, Niranjani and Anand Akharas also took the holy dip. later, Mahanirwani and Atal Akharas took the holy dip.
On one hand Shaivite Akharas were taking the holy dip at Dutt Akhara ghat, Vaishnavite Akharas were doing the same at Ramghat. Saints and seers of Nirwani Ani Akhara, Digambar Ani Akhara and later Nirmohi Ani Akhara had the holy dip at Ramghat. later, saints and seers of Panchayati Bada Udaseen Akhara, Panchayati Naya Udaseen Akhara and Nirmal Akhara took the dip at Ramghat. They reached the ghat amidst great fanfare and beating of drums riding elephants, horses and chariots.
lakhs of devotees took the holy dip in Kshipra river during Second Shahi Snan at all ghats of Ujjain including Dutt Akhara, Ramgaht, Nrasingh Ghat, Sunahari Ghats etc. It is believed that during struggle between gods and demons at the time of Samudra Manthan, some drops of elixir had fallen in Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain and Nasik's rivers. This is the reason that Kumbh Parv is held at these places after every 12 years. Ujjain Simhastha is held when as per position of constellations Sun enters Aries position.
Ujjain Simhastha is considered more important since salvation is attained by taking the holy dip here.
Panchdashnam Juna Akhara: Its procession started from Bhukhi Mata Chhaoni at 3.20 am reaching Dutt Akhara Ghat at 4 am. After the holy dip, the Akhara returned to its Chhaoni. Juna Akhara's procession joined by Aavhan Akhara and Agni Akhara near Hanuman Garhi reached Dutt Akhara ghat via Badnagar road. They returned to their Chhaonis via Bhukhi Mata and Badnagar road.
Taponidhi Niranjani Akhara and Shri Panchayati Anand Akhara: Their processions left their Chhaonis on Badnagar road reaching Chhoti Rapat, Dutt Akhara ghat via Shankaracharya Chowk. After the holy dip at 5 am, the Akharas returned to their Chhaonis via the same route.
Panchayati Mahanirwani Akhara and Panch Atal Akhara: Their processions left their Chhaonis on Badnagar road reaching Chhoti Rapat, Kedar ghat and Dutt Akhara ghat via Shankarachaya Chowk. After the holy dip at 6 am, the Akharas returned to their Chhaonis via the same route.
All Mahamandaleshwars and Khalsas along with their Akharas participated in Shahi Snan. At the time fixed for Shah Snan of Akharas, entry of common devotees at Ramghat and Dutt Akhara ghat was prohibited.
After the holy dip by Akharas, common devotees entered the ghats and within no time a massive turnout was observed there.