Maha Kumbh 2025: 1,100 priests to perform ‘Maha Yajna’ for status of ‘Rashtra Mata’ for cows

To demand the status of ‘Rashtra Mata’ for cows, 1,100 priests will perform ‘Maha Yajna’ at the largest ‘Yagya Kund’ during the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela. The sacred ritual, which will take place in the camp of Jyotish Peethadhishwar Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, is aimed at eradicating the practice of cow slaughter in India, ANI reported.

#WATCH | Mahakumbh 2025 | Prayagraj, UP | Drone visuals of the largest ‘Yagya Kund’ of Maha Kumbh Mela where 1100 priests will perform ‘Maha Yagya’ to demand the status of ‘Rashtra Mata’ for cow.

Being organized in the camp of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand… pic.twitter.com/foR5Xp24Hr

— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2025

The Maha Yajna is all set to be conducted in as many as 324 kunds (sacred fire pits) arranged in a nine-shikhara formation (nine peaks). It symbolises spiritual elevation and unity. With each ‘kund’ having three priests, this ritual will go on for nine hours daily. This will continue for a month.

#WATCH | Mahakumbh 2025 | Prayagraj, UP | The largest ‘Yagya Kund’ of Maha Kumbh Mela is being prepared where 1100 priests will perform ‘Maha Yagya’ to demand the status of ‘Rashtra Mata’ for cow.

Being organized in the camp of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand… pic.twitter.com/8oDUf7iBeV

— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2025

The primary objective behind holding the Maha Yajna is to raise awareness among the masses about cow protection and demand the status of ‘Rashtra Mata’ (National Mother) for them.

“Lord Shri Ram and Lord Krishna hold the highest importance in our lives, and in their lives, ‘Gau Mata’ holds the greatest significance. In our country, cows are being slaughtered, and this practice should end. They should be given the highest respect,” the news agency quoted Mukundanand Brahmachari as saying.

He noted that the work for the Maha Yajna has been going on for more than a month now, with 50 volunteers working daily to build the Yajna Mandap. The construction of the kunds is 75% completed, he said, adding as many as 35 breeds of indigenous cows will be housed in the camp.

For them, Gaushalas (cow shelters) have also been made at the venue.

“Our cow protectors from across the country, who are bringing these indigenous cows for the Lord, have already set out and will soon arrive at the camp,” he added.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, considered one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, will take place in the holy city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh from January 13 to February 26. Over 450 million people from various cities across India and abroad are expected to take part in the mega-religious event.