Mauni Amavasya and 12-year Jovian cycle of Kumbh Mela
The 12-year Jovian cycle of the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela is rooted in the epoch of 6777 BCE, when Jupiter was positioned in Vrishbha Rashi (Taurus Sign). Since that time, the entry of Jupiter into Vrishabha Rashi has been commemorated every 12 years in Prayagraj.
The Prayag Kumbh Mela traditionally adheres to the Magha Shukladi calendar of Paitamaha Siddhanta. Pausha Amavasya also known as Maghi Amavasya or Mauni Amavasya, marks the final day of the five-year Yuga cycle, and the 12-year cycle begins on Magha Shukla Pratipada.
During the Mahabharata era, Pausha Amavasya was the last day of Dakshinayana, marking the transition of the Sun’s chariot from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana on Magha Shukla Pratipada. Magha Shukla Saptami was celebrated as Ratha Saptami to signify the completion of this transition. Consequently, Pausha Amavasya served not only as the last day of the year or cycle but also as the concluding day of Dakshinayana during the Mahabharata period.
Traditionally, ancient Indians observed the last day of the year as a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. The term “Mauna” is derived from “Muni.” Given that silence and meditation were practiced on Pausha Amavasya, it has become popularly known as Mauni Amavasya. Notably, this tradition has been transmitted to Southeast Asia; even today, the people of Bali, Indonesia, commemorate the last day of the year (Amavasya) as a day of silence, fasting, and meditation, referred to as “Nyepi.”
Thus, Pausha Amavasya or Mauni Amavasya holds significant importance during the Kumbh Mela in Prayag, and the Maha-Snana (Royal Bath) scheduled for 29 January 2025, on Pausha Amavasya, carries profound significance.
Vedveer Arya is a civil servant and an officer of 1997 batch of Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS). A postgraduate in Sanskrit from University of Delhi, he is author of 'The Chronology of India'.