PM Modi's Mahakumbh visit happened on a significant date for the Hindu rituals

Modi took a boat ride from Arail Ghat to the Triveni Sangam -- the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati

Modi Mahakumbh Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes a holy dip at Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, in Prayagraj | PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited the Maha Kumbh Mela and took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. The Prime Minister, dressed in a full-sleeve deep orange jersey and blue lowers, chanted mantras as he offered prayers to the Sun and River Ganga. 

Modi took a boat ride from Arail Ghat to the Triveni Sangam -- the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.

Interestingly, the Prime Minister chose February 5, the eighth day of the Magha month (the 11th month of the lunar calendar) for the visit. Three important Hindu rituals are observed on this auspicious date.

The first is Durga Ashtami falling during the Gupt Navratri. While two Navratris observed with fervour- Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri observed in March and September, respectively- the Gupt Navratris are observed in secret. 

While the eighth day of every lunar calendar is dedicated to Goddess Durga, in the month of Magha and Ashadh, the nine days of the month are celebrated as Gupt Navratri. Ashadh stretches from the middle of June to the second week of July.

During the Gupt Navaratri, sadhaks and tantriks worship the forms of Goddess Durga to seek spiritual salvation. The form of the Goddess worshipped today is Baglamukhi who bestows upon her believer the power to destroy enemies.

Today also marks Buddha Asthami- a day when fasting and praying are believed to bolster the strength of Mercury in one’s life. Mercury is the planet which controls intelligence and wisdom. It guides one who prays to it to make good decisions.

Today is also the death anniversary of Bhishma Pitamah- the son of Ganga and the commander of the forces of the Kauravas in the Mahabharata. Though injured in the battle, Bhishma, who had the boon to die on a day of his choice, chose a period when the sun started its journey back into the North as per the lunar calendar. It is the eighth day of the Shukla paksha which is the bright fortnight in the month of Magha. The day is revered as Bhishma ashthami and prayers for ancestors are supposed to be especially beneficial today.

Since Ganga is the mother of Bhishma, offering sesame seeds to her and bathing in her waters brings special blessings to devotees this day.

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