The Relevance of bathing

during the Month of Maagha

Maagha Snaana :
Maagha Snanam  or bathing during the holy month of Maagha masam is given special significance for taking bath that is known as Maagha Snanam.  It generally starts from Pushya sukla Pournami and ends with Magha sukla Pournami or it can also be from Makara Sankramana to Kumbha Sankramana as per Solar/Luni-Solar calendar. For followers of lunar calendar it starts from Pushya Bahula Amaavaasya and ends with Maagha Bahula Amaavaasya.  During this period it is prescribed to take bath early in the morning before Sunrise or the Arunodaya kala. This sacred bath is preferred to be taken in any river, lake or theertha or at least at home. Apart from the daily routine (Nithya Karma) special arghya is to be given to Lord Madhava and Sun God after Maagha Snanam.

Benefits  of bathing in Maagha Snaanam :

As always in our  Hindu philosophy it is prescribed to take bath early in the morning before Sunrise or the Arunodaya kaala. This sacred bath is preferred to be taken in any river, lake or theertha or since we cant do that in the present days we can do it at home. Taking a bath (Snana) which is always refreshing, not only cleanses our external body, but also has significance from religious and spiritual point of view in the daily routine of an individual. In the Dharma Saastras, it is said that Maagha Snanam purifies a person from dreadful sins committed by us. Taking bath early in the morning during Maagha maasam is highly sacred, spiritual and meritorious. Sacred texts like Vayu Purana, Brahmaanda Purana are said to have made reference to the merits and significance of Maagha Snanam.

Merits  or Snana phala :

According to Dharma Saastras merits  or Snana phala of Maagha Snaana gets increased depending on the place where the bath is taken as given below:
•    When taken with hot water at home–equals to  Six years of such Snana phala
•    When taken with water from a well – equals to 12 years of such Snana phala
•    In a lake –equals to 24 years of such Snana phala
•    In any river – equals to 96 years of such Snana phala
•    In any sacred river – equals to 9600 years of such Snana phala
•    At the confluence of sacred rivers–equals to 38400 years of such Snana phala
•    In Ganga (Ganges) River–equals to  38400000 years of such Snana phala
•    At Triveni Sangam (Prayaga) – equals to100 times of Ganga Snana phala
 

They say that when you take the Maagha Snana or bath in the sea or ocean (Samudra)  its is considered more meritorious than all the above. So at least try and bathe in the sea when you get an opportunity this month.
Wherever may be the place of bath; one should always remember to pray to  Lord Vishnu with either his sahasranaamam or  a basic Vishnu sthothram.

Those who cannot take bath as said above for the entire month should at least take it for the last three days which is known as Anthya Pushkarini. Maagha Snanam is prescribed for all ages of men and women and children.

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