MUMBAI: Aishwarya Raj Bhakuni, known for her roles in films like Prithviraj Chauhan and Pride, as well as TV shows such as Shrimad Ramayan, Vighnaharta Ganesha, Gupta Brothers, and Tenali Rama, has now joined the cast of Jai Veer Hanuman. Recently, she had the rare opportunity to visit the sacred Mahakumbh in Prayagraj—a journey she describes as deeply enlightening and life-changing.
“Visiting the Mahakumbh this year was an incredibly profound and transformative experience,” she shares. “The moment I stepped onto that sacred land, I could feel an overwhelming surge of positivity and divine energy. It was as if the very air was charged with spiritual vibrations, making it impossible not to feel connected to something much larger than myself.”
A Spiritual Gathering Like No Other
Aishwarya was deeply moved by the sheer devotion of the pilgrims who had come from across the world to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime event. “It was awe-inspiring to see foreigners who had been fasting for 30 to 40 days as part of their spiritual journey,” she recalls. “Witnessing their dedication reinforced my belief that if one truly wants to experience the essence of India’s rich spiritual heritage, there is no better place than the Mahakumbh.”
For her, the most extraordinary part was encountering Naga Sadhus, revered Siddh Gurus, and Aghori Babas. “Walking on the same soil as these ascetics and taking a dip in the sacred Triveni Sangam, where they too have bathed, was an experience beyond words,” she says.
A Journey of Inner Transformation
Spending three days immersed in the divine atmosphere left Aishwarya completely mesmerised. “I have always been drawn to spiritual places, finding immense peace and energy in their surroundings,” she shares. “One of my favourite places to visit is the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain—the energy there is truly magnetic. But among all temples, the Harsiddhi Mandir in Bhopal holds a special place in my heart.”
This year’s Mahakumbh was particularly special as it coincided with a rare celestial alignment that occurs only once in 144 years. “It is believed that taking a dip in the Triveni Sangam during this time purifies the soul, amplifies spiritual power, and brings immense blessings,” she explains. “When I realised I might never get this opportunity again in my lifetime, I knew I had to be there. Without hesitation, I embarked on this journey and took the holy dip.”
A Sacred Family Experience
Making the experience even more special was the fact that her entire family joined her on this pilgrimage. “We stayed in a tent, fully immersing ourselves in the spiritual journey,” she says. “Together, we chanted bhajans, meditated, and performed rituals. Taking the holy dip as a family wasn’t just a religious act—it became a cherished memory.”
For Aishwarya, this journey wasn’t just about tradition; it was about personal transformation. “I wanted my dip in the Triveni Sangam to symbolise a rebirth—a moment where I could emerge as a better, more evolved version of myself,” she reflects. “It is said that meditating in such a sacred place yields a hundredfold benefit, and I truly felt that shift within me.”
An Unforgettable Experience
Aishwarya describes the energy at Mahakumbh as so intense that she often felt light-headed, almost as if in a constant state of deep meditation. “The land where our tent was set up is usually submerged under ten feet of water during the monsoons,” she reveals. “Standing there, knowing the power of this place, made the experience even more surreal.”
She also applauded the efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government in organising the grand event. “Managing one of the largest gatherings in the world is no small feat,” she acknowledges. “The arrangements were impeccable—clean bathrooms, changing rooms, well-maintained tents, and food provisions for millions of devotees. The management teams, police officers, and government authorities worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly. Hats off to them for making this a truly unforgettable experience.”
Reflecting on her time at Mahakumbh, Aishwarya feels deeply grateful. “This was not just a visit—it was a soul-stirring journey that left an indelible mark on me,” she says. “The experience was magical, and I will carry its energy with me forever.”
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