Gently Down’s BATHED-BEATEN-BLESSED operations are complete. On this auspicious day, we performed two interwoven rituals, tapping into the immense devotional currents of the Kumbh Mela—by some estimates, carrying the compounded energy of nearly 5% of Earth's living population. These rites aligned with the Grand Bathing Day, the power of the Full Moon in Ashlesha, and the celestial dialogue between Venus and Jupiter, the two great benefics in the sidereal zodiac.
(1) SHIVA PUJA BLESSING
On this grand blessing day, we returned to a small, humble, out-of-the-way temple—the very place where we completed the BLESSED portion of our last BATHED-BEATEN-BLESSED Project in 2015. Many of the Varanasi boat wallahs live in this neighborhood, and it was the local boatmen—those whose livelihoods depend on Ganga Ma—who recommended this temple. It felt as though we were receiving Ganga’s direct support through her people and through Lord Shiva.
(2) PRAYER OFFERINGS
After the puja, and just before the Full Moon began to wane, we set out on a small boat, carrying with us many personal prayers of earnest gratitude and hope. We read each prayer aloud—including those sent to us—and then released them onto Ganga in floating lamps (dīpās) adorned with flowers. A luminous way to close the day, completing the BATHED-BEATEN-BLESSED consecration and performative ritual.
We will remain in Varanasi through Maha Shivaratri, which this year also marks the final Mukhya Snan (Final Bathing) of the Maha Kumbha Mela on Wednesday, February 26.
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