Why saints and sages are silent on Mauni Amavasya: Magh Mela started with Paush Purnima on 3 January 2026 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh and will end with Mahashivratri on 15 February 2026. Now after Makar Sankranti, the third and most important Magh Snan will be done on Mauni Amavasya i.e. 18 February 2026.

According to religious beliefs, Mauni Amavasya is very important among all Amavasya dates. On this day, saints and devotees take bath in the Ganga.

Why do sages and saints remain silent on Mauni Amavasya?

On the day of Mauni Amavasya, saints and most of the people observe the fast of silence. By doing this one gets spiritual energy along with mental peace. Both mind and speech remain under control. For this reason, a fast of silence is observed on the date of Mauni Amavasya.

Sages and saints observe the fast of silence on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya so that it can help in deep spiritual concentration, conservation of energy and increase the power to purify the mind and speech.

way to awaken silent consciousness

According to religious gurus, the state of silence helps them connect with their inner soul and God. This is a spiritual practice which is especially done during Magh Mela to increase spiritual virtue.

The word silence may seem to most people as a punishment, abdication, or a dramatic withdrawal, whereas it is intended as a form of restraint. The first key to truly understanding Mauni Amavasya is that it is meant to stop speaking, but to concentrate the consciousness.

Mauni Amavasya 2026 Benefits of Maun Vrat

According to Hindu Vedic astrology, the factor of mind is considered to be of Moon God. If the moon is not visible on the occasion of Amavasya, the state of mind may deteriorate. In such a situation, to control the mind, one should observe the fast of silence on the day of Mauni Amavasya. By doing this the mind becomes calm.

To meditate on God in life, it is very important to have a calm mind. According to religious beliefs, observing a fast of silence on the day of Mauni Amavasya leads to salvation.

Along with this, keeping a fast of silence purifies both mind and speech.

Important rules related to silent fast

If you are also observing Maun Vrat on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya on 18 January 2026, then you should know about the important rules-

• On the date of Mauni Amavasya, take a pledge of silence after taking bath in the morning in Brahma Muhurta.
• Worship the Gods and Goddesses properly.
• Break the fast of silence only after the date of Amavasya ends.
• During the fast, do not let wrong thoughts come in both mind and speech.
• Do not talk to anyone during the fast of silence.

Vaishno Devi Ancient Cave Road: On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Vaishno Devi temple administration has reopened the ancient cave route for devotees to visit. A big good news has been received before the festival for the devotees coming to Vaishno Devi.

This decision has been taken keeping in mind the devotees coming to Katra, so that the crowd is controlled. This ancient route is spiritually very important and will provide a more profound pilgrimage experience.

Ancient cave route opened for devotees to visit

With the opening of the ancient route to Maa Vaishno Devi Dham in Katra, Jammu, devotees can once again reach the sanctum sanctorum through the historical cave route and can also have darshan of the holy Pindis.

On January 14, 2026, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the temple administration has opened the ancient cave route for pilgrims. This path is very special from spiritual point of view for the devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi.

With the reopening of the ancient route, pilgrims will be able to take advantage of the darshan of the sacred bodies through the ancient cave. It is expected that this decision will prove helpful in controlling the increasing crowd of pilgrims during busy days. Along with this, devotees will also be able to take advantage of this revered traditional route.

#WATCH | Katra, Jammu and Kashmir: On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) reopened the old cave at the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. The reopening was marked by special rituals and prayers, accompanied by Vedic chanting.… pic.twitter.com/OfPzG8whi6

— ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2026

How many people did Vaishno Devi Yatra in the year 2025?

Last year 2025 saw fluctuations in the number of devotees coming to Vaishno Devi. According to the information available on the internet, last year more than 70 lakh devotees visited Mata Vaishno Rani, in which a huge crowd was seen on Chaitra Navratri and New Year.

In 2026, on the occasion of New Year, a huge crowd was seen to visit Vaishno Devi, which included more than 40 thousand devotees on the first day of the year.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based only on assumptions and information. It is important to mention here that ABPLive.com Does not constitute any endorsement or verification of information. Before implementing any information or belief, consult the concerned expert.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given a big statement. Describing the greatness of Hindu religion, he said that we have never enslaved anyone and have always adopted the path of welfare of humanity. We never imposed our views on anyone, even though we had power and intelligence, but we never misused it.

CM Yogi Adityanath attended a special program organized on ‘National Youth Day’ on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda in Lucknow. During this, he said that remembering Swami Vivekananda, he had played a big role in introducing India’s eternal culture and spiritual consciousness on the global stage with his intellectual talent.

Sanatan showed the path to welfare

Vivekananda had said that Sanatan Dharma always showed the path for the welfare of humanity and proudly said that he was a Hindu. He represented that India, which at that time had lost its sense of self due to dormant consciousness. A handful of foreign invaders had succeeded in enslaving India. India was being looted by a few people. During that period he played a role in making India aware.

‘We did not enslave anyone’

Swami Vivekananda had said in the Chicago Synod that I come from the tradition of India which has always shown the path of human welfare. We did not force our views on anyone. India provided shelter to the world powers in times of distress. He had said, “I proudly say that I am a Hindu.” We have not enslaved anyone and have adopted the great path of welfare of humanity. We have not imposed our views on anyone. We had power and intelligence but we did not misuse it.

The world’s eyes are on India

Due to the turmoil that is going on in the world today, the voice of every country is coming, Modi ji do something.. This is the world’s faith in India’s capability, the symbol of that faith is the youth of India. When the faith of the person sitting at the last position in the government becomes strong, then the schemes are seen moving forward rapidly.

Our aim is to have a ground in every panchayat. Modi ji says that if you play, you will blossom. Due to which our youth stay away from drugs. We have to keep the youth away from drugs and crush the drug dealers. You participate in this. Addiction ruins the youth.

Devkinandan Thakur demanded to build a temple in AMU, said- ‘If you don’t have Tilak, you can’t even wear a cap’

Rules for reading religious texts: Having a feeling of respect for religious texts while reading them is considered important in all religions. Books are not only a source of knowledge but also a symbol of spiritual energy and faith.

Reading religious texts increases our understanding and attention. Often many people use pen or highlight while reading religious texts, so that important passages can be remembered and can be easily seen in future.

This method is considered correct in modern practice, but it is wrong to do so from religious point of view. According to narrator Shivam Sadhak Maharaj, it is not right to highlight religious texts with pen or pencil. Know what he said on this subject?

What did the narrator Shivam Sadhak Maharaj say?

According to narrator Shivam Sadhak, ‘While studying the scriptures or Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta, we often highlight good verses. But using the pen on the scriptures means using the pen on Shri Krishna.

In many stories we find that if a devotee accidentally touched the book with a pen, the pen touched Thakur ji’s heart or face. So we should never use our pen on the book.

He further said, ‘What is that scripture or what is Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta? It is Shri Krishna only, because every word has emerged from the mouth of Krishna, so if you are drawing a line on it, then you are definitely drawing a line on the mouth or heart of Shri Krishna. This may seem like a big mistake to you.

Keep it in your mind, if something seems good, implement it in your life. If you are afraid of forgetting, write it down on some other paper, but never use the pen on the book by mistake.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based only on assumptions and information. It is important to mention here that ABPLive.com Does not constitute any endorsement or verification of information. Before implementing any information or belief, consult the concerned expert.

Lord Rama Famous Temple: India is such a vast country, where there are temples of innumerable gods and goddesses. In fact, temples of some Gods and Goddesses can be seen in almost every corner of our country. However, Lord Ram’s place is highly revered in the hearts of millions of Hindus in India.

Lord Rama who is considered to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Being the hero of Maharishi Valmiki’s epic Ramayana, Lord Rama has been called Maryada Purushottam. Apart from the Ram temple of Ayodhya, there are some famous Ram temples of India which everyone should visit at least once in their life.

Sita Ram Chandraswami Temple of Bhadrachalam

Located on the banks of the Godavari River in Bhadrachalam, Telangana, South India, this temple is quite revered. The idols of Lord Ram, Mother Sita and brother Lakshman are present in the temple. The presence of only three deities purifies the souls of the devotees visiting the temple and creates a positive atmosphere.

According to the priests of the temple, if you come to this temple with your family and pray to the Lord with true devotion, all your wishes are fulfilled.

This place of Bhadrachalam is also special from the spiritual point of view because Lord Rama had come here during his exile period.

The temple sees a crowd of lakhs of devotees on special festivals like Ram Navami.

Devotees who come to visit the temple say that the divine energy of God can be felt in the temple premises even today.

Kalaram Temple located in Nashik Maharashtra

Kalaram Temple, located in Nashik Maharashtra, was built by Sardar Rangraj Odhekar, a spiritual guru and one of the most devoted devotees of Lord Rama. It is believed that visiting this temple brings harmony in the family, peace of mind, end of difficult times and increase in self-confidence.

The most beautiful thing about this temple is that the color of the idol of Lord Ram here is black, which the local people call Kalaram. The height of this idol of Lord Ram is 7 feet which is made of black stone only.

Apart from this, devotees visiting the temple take a dip in the holy Godavari river before worshiping the deity. The folk beliefs behind this are that Lord Rama used to take bath in this river during his exile.

This temple is built at the place where Lord Rama stayed during his exile.

It was constructed in 1782 by Sardar Rangrao Odhekar in place of an old wooden one.

People believe that it took 12 years to make this statue of Lord Ram and 2000 people were employed daily.

Shri Ram Raja Temple of Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

The temple of Shri Ram Raja located in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh has special significance as a very holy place. The local people worship Lord Rama as a king and are fondly and respectfully called Ram Raja, which means the ruler of Orchha.

Apart from this, he is also given Royal Guard of Honor by the police every day.

If we look at the history of this place, it was actually a royal palace, which was built by King Madhukar Shah of the Bundela dynasty in the late 16th century.

According to the stories, Rani Ganesh Kunwar was bringing the idol of Lord Ram from Ayodhya and due to the orders of the God, the group could not proceed further.

Therefore, it was decided that this palace would be converted into a temple. Thousands of devotees from all over India come to visit this temple.

Punjab Amritsa Shri Ram Tirath Temple

Shri Ram Tirath Temple located in Amritsar, Punjab is very special from the spiritual point of view. Religious gurus say that this temple was once the ashram where Valmiki wrote Ramayana. Apart from this, it is believed that this was also the birthplace of Luv-Kush.

There is an old well near the temple, it is believed that Sita Devi used to do her work here every day. Devotees strongly believe that worshiping Lord Rama in this holy temple brings blessings, spiritual and material well-being to the children.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based only on assumptions and information. It is important to mention here that ABPLive.com Does not constitute any endorsement or verification of information. Before implementing any information or belief, consult the concerned expert.

Magh Mela 2026: Magh Mela has started grandly in Prayagraj. During this time, thousands of Kalpavasis come to the Sangam to take part in a month long spiritual practice, which is full of simplicity, discipline and devotion.

In these religious rituals, special attention is given to holy bath in the morning and ascetic lifestyle. But as much as the Kalpvasis are being discussed, less is being discussed about their food. Let us tell you that Kalpavasi kitchen completely follows the Satvik rules.

Why is food necessary in Kalpavas?

Kalpvas is a spiritual fast celebrated in the month of Magh (January-February) of Hindu religion, in which Kalpvasi enjoys spiritual practice by living on the banks of the river.

In such a situation, for the Kalpavasis, the definition of food is not just in taste or abundance, but in the purification of body and mind. Whatever we eat affects our mind, thoughts and discipline.

Principles related to Satvik diet

Kalpavasi diet follows sattvik principles based on ancient Hindu philosophy. Satvik food is considered sacred, pure, light and beneficial for mental clarity.

In this, distance is created from those materials which are of Tamasic nature and which bring excessive desires, aggression and laziness in the body.

While cooking satvik food in Magh Mela, special attention is paid to these things-

• Freshly cooked food, prepared daily.
• Use of minimum spices and oil
• Avoiding onion and garlic
• Food is mostly cooked by boiling or on low flame.

What do Kalpavasi usually eat?

• Khichdi and simple cereals
• whole grain breads
• seasonal vegetables
• milk and milk products
• Fruits and dry fruits

What kind of food should Kalpavasis avoid?

• onion and garlic
• meat, fish and eggs
• packaged foods
• food containing excess salt, spices or oil
• stale and reheated food
• Even the consumption of tea and coffee is often abandoned and one should drink plain water and warm milk instead.

spiritual reason behind food

• For the Kalpavasis who come to Magh Mela, eating food is not a luxury but a disciplined task. According to beliefs, by eating satvik diet-
• Ease of meditation and prayer
• Helpful in reducing physical indulgence
• Promote self-control and detachment
  Helpful in purifying the body and mind and keeping it clean
• Food is often prepared in silence or with a devotional atmosphere, which is important for both spiritual and physical well-being.

Statue of Neelkanth Varni at Akshardham: Situated in the country’s capital New Delhi, Akshardham has always been a center of attraction, which is known for its amazing architecture. A bright and huge statue of Neelkanth Varni in the Akshardham temple complex is attracting people’s attention.

In the 108 feet high Swaminarayan Tapa statue, the young saint Neelkanth Varni is standing on one leg and raising his arms towards the sky, engrossed in deep meditation.

The statue is yet to be officially unveiled

Let us tell you that this huge statue of Neelkanth Varni has not been officially unveiled yet, but the work of construction of the base is going on at a fast pace. This statue of the young saint is attracting the attention of people from all around the temple.

It is expected that the consecration and worship ceremony of the statue will be organized by the month of March this year.

Swaminarayan’s statue inspired by his adolescence

This statue to be installed in Akshardham is inspired by Swaminarayan’s childhood, when people used to call him Neelkanth Varni. At the age of just 11, he left his home in Uttar Pradesh, lived a simple life with only a cloth tied around his waist and traveled on foot for seven years.

During this period, he traveled thousands of kilometers including India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and Bangladesh, visited holy pilgrimage sites and lived on minimum food and water.

The posture depicted in the statue shows a moment of his deep penance at Muktinath in Nepal, where he stands on one leg with both hands raised, absorbed in deep meditation. This time of sacrifice and study is considered an important chapter in his life and teachings.

Coming Soon at Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi

Parabrahma Bhagwan Swaminarayan as Tapomurti Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj — a 108-foot-tall murti, embodying austerity, renunciation, and spiritual discipline.

Murti will be ceremonially inaugurated at the end of March 2026 by… pic.twitter.com/np8Xgs4hzt

— Swaminarayan Akshardham – New Delhi (@DelhiAkshardham) January 2, 2026

Importance of statue in Akshardham?

Akshardham in Delhi is one of the most visited cultural and spiritual religious places, known for its intricate workmanship and traditional Indian architecture. The installation of the new statue will add a new attraction among the devotees.

Like other Swaminarayan temples around the world, the installation of this huge statue will work to connect people with Sanatan culture. A similar statue is also installed in the Swaminarayan temples of Gandhinagar and New Jersey.

Who was Neelkanth Varni?

Born in 1781 in a village near Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh, Lord Swaminarayan spent his early life in Chhapaya and Ayodhya. At an early age, Neelkanth Varni started traveling thousands of miles barefoot.

During this time he met people from different backgrounds and learned from them about life, faith, compassion and inner strengths.