Kalpavas (

Sanskrit Sanskrit (; stem form ; nominal singular , ,) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in northwest South Asia after its predecessor languages had Trans-cultural ...

: कल्पवास) is a month-long spiritual tradition in Sanatan Dharma (

Hinduism Hinduism () is an Hypernymy and hyponymy, umbrella term for a range of Indian religions, Indian List of religions and spiritual traditions#Indian religions, religious and spiritual traditions (Sampradaya, ''sampradaya''s) that are unified ...

) that involves a period of deep spiritual practice, austerity, and detachment from worldly life, practiced by staying near the bank of a holy river. In

Hindu scriptures Hindu texts or Hindu scriptures are manuscripts and voluminous historical literature which are related to any of the diverse traditions within Hinduism. Some of the major Hindu texts include the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Itihasa. Scholars ...

, Kalpavas is said to be the combination of Sanyaas and Vanprastha Ashram.

Etymology

Kalpavas is a combination of the Indic words ''

Kalpa Kalevan Pallo (KalPa) is a professional ice hockey team which competes in the Finnish Liiga. They play in Kuopio, Finland at the Niiralan monttu, Olvi Areena. Team history Established in 1929 as ''Sortavalan Palloseura'' in Sortavala, the club r ...

'' and ''Vas''. The word 'Kalpa' means Refers to a long cycle of time, signifying an era or aeon in Hindu cosmology 'Vas' means dwelling or to stay. Thus the literal meaning of Kalpavas is to stay for a certain period of time. On this basis, Kalpavas, is said to remain on the banks of the

Ganges The Ganges ( ; in India: Ganga, ; in Bangladesh: Padma, ). "The Ganges Basin, known in India as the Ganga and in Bangladesh as the Padma, is an international which goes through India, Bangladesh, Nepal and China." is a trans-boundary rive ...

for a certain period of time. The certain period of time is one month in general but according to capacity of devotees, it could be reduced to 5, 11 or 21 days.

Features of Kalpavas

* Bathing in the Holy River: Daily early-morning baths in the sacred river are considered purifying for the body and soul. * Meditation and Prayer: Devotees dedicate time to chanting mantras, reading scriptures, and meditating. * Fasting: Simple sattvic meals (without onion, garlic, or rich spices) are consumed. * Listening to Discourses: Saints and spiritual leaders deliver teachings on the Vedas, Upanishads, and other scriptures.

References

Hindu rituals {{Hinduism-stub