A lot of people from India and other countries have recently thronged into Prayagraj to have a dip in Tribeni during the Maha Kumbh festive season. A large number of Naga (Naked) Sadhus and ladies and gents are seen dipping into the so called holy water without realizing the extent of pollution caused by millions taking bath in a relatively small area when many may be even dropping their body filths (Mul-Mootar) in the same flowing water. I personally visited this spot in January 1948 (after moving to Allahabad after the partition of India)) at the age of 10yrs.It was a pretty embarrassing for me to witness a large numbers of well built naked Sadhus whose bodies were even coated with ash moving around in wide public.

I saw many videos showing the crowds, including some Sikh couples were also spotted who may have gone there for just sightseeing of with their Hindu spouses.

Gurbani gives a clear picture about such pilgrimages with bathing rituals. Guru Nanak Sahib Guides as clearly:-

ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਵਣ ਜਾਉ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ॥ (Raag Dhanaasree M. 1, GGS. 687-14).
Theerathh Naavan Jaao Theerathh Naam Hai ||
Why should I bathe at sacred shrines of pilgrimage? The Naam, the Name of the Lord, is the sacred shrine of pilgrimage.

ਤੀਰਥੁ ਸਬਦ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਹੈ ॥
Theerathh Sabadh Beechaar Anthar Giaan Hai ||
My sacred shrine of pilgrimage is spiritual wisdom within, and contemplation on the Word of the Shabad.

ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਥਾਨੁ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਦਸ ਪੁਰਬ ਸਦਾ ਦਸਾਹਰਾ ॥
Gur Giaan Saachaa Thhaan Theerathh Dhas Purab Sadhaa Dhasaaharaa ||
The spiritual wisdom given by the Guru is the True sacred shrine of pilgrimage, where the ten festivals are always observed.

ਹਉ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਸਦਾ ਜਾਚਉ ਦੇਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਧਰਣੀਧਰਾ ॥
Ho Naam Har Kaa Sadhaa Jaacho Dhaehu Prabh Dhharaneedhharaa ||
I constantly beg for the Name of the Lord; grant it to me, O God, Sustainer of the world.

ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਰੋਗੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਦਾਰੂ ਮੈਲੁ ਲਾਗੈ ਸਚ ਬਿਨਾ ॥
Sansaar Rogee Naam Dhaaroo Mail Laagai Sach Binaa ||
The world is sick, and the Naam is the medicine to cure it; without the True Lord, filth sticks to it.

ਗੁਰ ਵਾਕੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਸਦਾ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਨਿਤ ਸਾਚੁ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਮਜਨਾ ॥੧॥
Gur Vaak Niramal Sadhaa Chaanan Nith Saach Theerathh Majanaa ||1||
The Guru’s Word is immaculate and pure; it radiates a steady Light. Constantly bathe in such a true shrine of pilgrimage. ||1||

ਸਾਚਿ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਕਿਆ ਮਲੁ ਧੋਈਐ ॥
Saach N Laagai Mail Kiaa Mal Dhhoeeai ||
Filth does not stick to the true ones; what filth do they have to wash off?

ਗੁਣਹਿ ਹਾਰੁ ਪਰੋਇ ਕਿਸ ਕਉ ਰੋਈਐ ॥
Gunehi Haar Paroe Kis Ko Roeeai ||
If one strings a garland of virtues for oneself, what is there to cry for?

ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ਮਾਰੈ ਤਰੈ ਤਾਰੈ ਉਲਟਿ ਜੋਨਿ ਨ ਆਵਏ ॥
Veechaar Maarai Tharai Thaarai Oulatt Jon N Aaveae ||
One who conquers his own self through contemplation is saved, and saves others as well; he does not come to be born again.

ਆਪਿ ਪਾਰਸੁ ਪਰਮ ਧਿਆਨੀ ਸਾਚੁ ਸਾਚੇ ਭਾਵਏ ॥
Aap Paaras Param Dhhiaanee Saach Saachae Bhaaveae ||
The supreme meditator is Himself the philosopher’s stone, which transforms lead into gold. The true man is pleasing to the True Lord.

ਆਨੰਦੁ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਹਰਖੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਦੂਖ ਕਿਲਵਿਖ ਪਰਹਰੇ ॥
Aanandh Anadhin Harakh Saachaa Dhookh Kilavikh Pareharae ||
He is in ecstasy, truly happy, night and day; his sorrows and sins are taken away.

ਸਚੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਗੁਰਿ ਦਿਖਾਇਆ ਮੈਲੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਸਚ ਮਨੇ ॥੨॥
Sach Naam Paaeiaa Gur Dhikhaaeiaa Mail Naahee Sach Manae ||2||
He finds the True Name, and beholds the Guru; with the True Name in his mind, no filth sticks to him. ||2||

ਸੰਗਤਿ ਮੀਤ ਮਿਲਾਪੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਨਾਵਣੋ ॥
Sangath Meeth Milaap Pooraa Naavano ||
O friend, association with the Holy is the perfect cleansing bath.

ਗਾਵੈ ਗਾਵਣਹਾਰੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੁਹਾਵਣੋ ॥
Gaavai Gaavanehaar Sabadh Suhaavano ||
The singer who sings the Lord’s Praises is adorned with the Word of the Shabad.

ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ਸਾਚੇ ਮੰਨਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੁੰਨ ਦਾਨ ਦਇਆ ਮਤੇ ॥
Saalaahi Saachae Mann Sathigur Punn Dhaan Dhaeiaa Mathae ||
Worship the True Lord, and believe in the True Guru; this brings the merit of making donations to charity, kindness and compassion.

ਪਿਰ ਸੰਗਿ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਨਾਵੈ ਬੇਣੀ ਤ ਸੰਗਮੁ ਸਤ ਸਤੇ ॥
Pir Sang Bhaavai Sehaj Naavai Baenee Th Sangam Sath Sathae ||
The soul-bride who loves to be with her Husband Lord bathes at the Triveni, the sacred place where the Ganges, Jamuna and Saraswaati Rivers converge, the Truest of the True.

ਆਰਾਧਿ ਏਕੰਕਾਰੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਨਿਤ ਦੇਇ ਚੜੈ ਸਵਾਇਆ ॥
Aaraadhh Eaekankaar Saachaa Nith Dhaee Charrai Savaaeiaa ||
Worship and adore the One Creator, the True Lord, who constantly gives, whose gifts continually increase.

ਗਤਿ ਸੰਗਿ ਮੀਤਾ ਸੰਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਨਦਰਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ॥੩॥
Gath Sang Meethaa Santhasangath Kar Nadhar Mael Milaaeiaa ||3||
Salvation is attained by associating with the Society of the Saints, O friend; granting His Grace, God unites us in His Union. ||3||

ਕਹਣੁ ਕਹੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਇ ਕੇਵਡੁ ਆਖੀਐ ॥
Kehan Kehai Sabh Koe Kaevadd Aakheeai ||
Everyone speaks and talks; how great should I say He is?

ਹਉ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਅਜਾਣੁ ਸਮਝਾ ਸਾਖੀਐ ॥
Ho Moorakh Neech Ajaan Samajhaa Saakheeai ||
I am foolish, lowly and ignorant; it is only through the Guru’s Teachings that I understand.

ਸਚੁ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਾਖੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਭਾਖੀ ਤਿਤੁ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ਮੇਰਾ ॥
Sach Gur Kee Saakhee Anmrith Bhaakhee Thith Man Maaniaa Maeraa ||
True are the Teachings of the Guru. His Words are Ambrosial Nectar; my mind is pleased and appeased by them.

ਕੂਚੁ ਕਰਹਿ ਆਵਹਿ ਬਿਖੁ ਲਾਦੇ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਚੈ ਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ॥
Kooch Karehi Aavehi Bikh Laadhae Sabadh Sachai Gur Maeraa ||
Loaded down with corruption and sin, people depart, and then come back again; the True Shabad is found through my Guru.

ਆਖਣਿ ਤੋਟਿ ਨ ਭਗਤਿ ਭੰਡਾਰੀ ਭਰਿਪੁਰਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸੋਈ ॥
Aakhan Thott N Bhagath Bhanddaaree Bharipur Rehiaa Soee ||
There is no end to the treasure of devotion; the Lord is pervading everywhere.

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਚੁ ਕਹੈ ਬੇਨੰਤੀ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਂਜੈ ਸਚੁ ਸੋਈ ॥੪॥੧॥
Naanak Saach Kehai Baenanthee Man Maanjai Sach Soee ||4||1||
Nanak utters this true prayer; one who purifies his mind is True. ||4||1||

-ਗੁਰੁ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਰਤਨੀ ਭਰਪੂਰੇ ॥ (Raag Dhanaasree M. 1, GGS. 685-12).
Gur Saagar Rathanee Bharapoorae ||
The Guru is the ocean, filled with pearls.

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸੰਤ ਚੁਗਹਿ ਨਹੀ ਦੂਰੇ ॥
Anmrith Santh Chugehi Nehee Dhoorae ||
The Saints gather in the Ambrosial Nectar; they do not go far away from there.

ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਚੋਗ ਚੁਗਹਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਾਵੈ ॥
Har Ras Chog Chugehi Prabh Bhaavai ||
They taste the subtle essence of the Lord; they are loved by God.

ਸਰਵਰ ਮਹਿ ਹੰਸੁ ਪ੍ਰਾਨਪਤਿ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੧॥
Saravar Mehi Hans Praanapath Paavai ||1||
Within this pool, the swans find their Lord, the Lord of their souls. ||1||

ਕਿਆ ਬਗੁ ਬਪੁੜਾ ਛਪੜੀ ਨਾਇ ॥
Kiaa Bag Bapurraa Shhaparree Naae ||
What can the poor crane accomplish by bathing in the mud puddle?

ਕੀਚੜਿ ਡੂਬੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Keecharr Ddoobai Mail N Jaae ||1|| Rehaao ||
It sinks into the mire, and its filth is not washed away. ||1||Pause||

ਰਖਿ ਰਖਿ ਚਰਨ ਧਰੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥
Rakh Rakh Charan Dhharae Veechaaree ||
After careful deliberation, the thoughtful person takes a step.

ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਛੋਡਿ ਭਏ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ ॥
Dhubidhhaa Shhodd Bheae Nirankaaree ||
Forsaking duality, he becomes a devotee of the Formless Lord.

• ਸਚੁ ਵਰਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ॥ (Raag Sarang M. 1, GGS. 1245-10).
  Sach Varath Santhokh Theerathh Giaan Dhhiaan Eisanaan ||
  Those who have truth as their fast, contentment as their sacred shrine of pilgrimage, spiritual wisdom and meditation as their cleansing bath,

ਦਇਆ ਦੇਵਤਾ ਖਿਮਾ ਜਪਮਾਲੀ ਤੇ ਮਾਣਸ ਪਰਧਾਨ ॥
Dhaeiaa Dhaevathaa Khimaa Japamaalee Thae Maanas Paradhhaan ||
Kindness as their deity, and forgiveness as their chanting beads – they are the most excellent people.

ਜੁਗਤਿ ਧੋਤੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਚਉਕਾ ਤਿਲਕੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਹੋਇ ॥
Jugath Dhhothee Surath Choukaa Thilak Karanee Hoe ||
Those who take the Way as their loincloth, and intuitive awareness their ritualistically purified enclosure, with good deeds their ceremonial forehead mark,

ਭਾਉ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਤ ਕੋਈ ਕੋਇ ॥੧॥
Bhaao Bhojan Naanakaa Viralaa Th Koee Koe ||1||
And love their food – O Nanak, they are very rare. ||1||

• ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥ (Jap, Guru Nanak, GGS. 2-10).
  Guraa Eik Dhaehi Bujhaaee ||
  The Guru has given me this one understanding:

ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੫॥
Sabhanaa Jeeaa Kaa Eik Dhaathaa So Mai Visar N Jaaee ||5||
There is only the One, the Giver of all souls. May I never forget Him! ||5||

ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਵਾ ਜੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਭਾਣੇ ਕਿ ਨਾਇ ਕਰੀ ॥
Theerathh Naavaa Jae This Bhaavaa Vin Bhaanae K Naae Karee ||
If I am pleasing to Him, then that is my pilgrimage and cleansing bath. Without pleasing Him, what good are ritual cleansings?

Guru Amar Das Ji and Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Bhagat Kabir Ji further endorse as follows:-

• ਪੰਡਿਤੁ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਉਚਾ ਕੂਕਦਾ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 3, GGS. 86-7).
  Panddith Parr Parr Ouchaa Kookadhaa Maaeiaa Mohi Piaar ||
  The Pandits, the religious scholars, read and read, and shout out loud, but they are attached to the love of Maya.

ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਨ ਚੀਨਈ ਮਨਿ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਗਾਵਾਰੁ ॥
Anthar Breham N Cheenee Man Moorakh Gaavaar ||
They do not recognize God within themselves-they are so foolish and ignorant!

ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਜਗਤੁ ਪਰਬੋਧਦਾ ਨਾ ਬੂਝੈ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
Dhoojai Bhaae Jagath Parabodhhadhaa Naa Boojhai Beechaar ||
In the love of duality, they try to teach the world, but they do not understand meditative contemplation.

ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਮਰਿ ਜੰਮੈ ਵਾਰੋ ਵਾਰ ॥੧॥
Birathhaa Janam Gavaaeiaa Mar Janmai Vaaro Vaar ||1||
They lose their lives uselessly; they die, only to be re-born, over and over again. ||1||

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਨ ਸੇਵਿਓ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਰਖਿਓ ਉਰ ਧਾਰਿ ॥ (Salok Vaaraan and Vadheek M. 3, GGS. 1414-3).
  Sathiguroo N Saeviou Sabadh N Rakhiou Our Dhhaar ||
  Those who do not serve the True Guru, and do not keep the Shabad enshrined in their hearts

ਧਿਗੁ ਤਿਨਾ ਕਾ ਜੀਵਿਆ ਕਿਤੁ ਆਏ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥
Dhhig Thinaa Kaa Jeeviaa Kith Aaeae Sansaar ||
Cursed are their lives. Why did they even come into the world?

• ਬਾਵਰੇ ਤੈ ਗਿਆਨ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Suhi Bhagat Kabir , GGS. 793-2).
  Baavarae Thai Giaan Beechaar N Paaeiaa ||
  O mad man, you have not obtained spiritual wisdom and meditation.

ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Birathhaa Janam Gavaaeiaa ||1|| Rehaao ||
You have wasted this human life, and lost. ||1||Pause||

Guru Gobind Singh guides us against such pilgrimages and rituals:-

• ਕਹਾ ਭਯੋ ਦੋਊ ਲੋਚਨ ਮੂੰਦ ਕੈ ਬੈਠਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਬਕ ਧ੍ਯਾਨ ਲਗਾਇਓ ॥ (Dasam Granth)
  Kahaa Bhayo Doaoo Lochan Mooaanda Kai Baitthi Rahiao Baka Dhaiaan Lagaaeiao ॥
  Of what use it is if one sits and meditates like a crane with his eyes closed.

ਨ੍ਹਾਤ ਫਿਰਿਓ ਲੀਏ ਸਾਤ ਸਮੁੰਦ੍ਰਨ ਲੋਕ ਗਇਓ ਪਰਲੋਕ ਗਵਾਇਓ ॥
Nahaata Phiriao Leeee Saata Samuaandarn Loka Gaeiao Parloka Gavaaeiao ॥
If he takes bath at holy places upto the seventh sea, he loses this world and also the next world.

ਬਾਸੁ ਕੀਓ ਬਿਖਿਆਨ ਸੋ ਬੈਠ ਕੇ ਐਸੇ ਹੀ ਐਸ ਸੁ ਬੈਸ ਬਿਤਾਇਓ ॥
Baasu Keeao Bikhiaan So Baittha Ke Aaise Hee Aaisa Su Baisa Bitaaeiao ॥
He spends his life in such performing evil actions and wastes his life in such pursuits.

• ਸਾਚੁ ਕਹੌ ਸੁਨ ਲੇਹੁ ਸਭੈ ਜਿਨ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਕੀਓ ਤਿਨ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਪਾਇਓ ॥੯॥੨੯॥
  Saachu Kahou Suna Lehu Sabhai Jin Parema Keeao Tin Hee Parbhu Paaeiao ॥9॥29॥
  I speak Truth, all should turn their ears towards it: he, who is absorbed in True Love, he would realize the Lord. 9.29.

ਕਾਹੂੰ ਲੈ ਪਾਹਨ ਪੂਜ ਧਰਿਓ ਸਿਰਿ ਕਾਹੂੰ ਲੈ ਲਿੰਗੁ ਗਰੇ ਲਟਕਾਇਓ ॥
Kaahooaan Lai Paahan Pooja Dhariao Siri Kaahooaan Lai Liaangu Gare Lattakaaeiao ॥
Someone worshipped stone and placed it on his head. Someone hung the phallus (lingam) from his neck.

ਕਾਹੂੰ ਲਖਿਓ ਹਰਿ ਅਵਾਚੀ ਦਿਸਾ ਮਹਿ ਕਾਹੂੰ ਪਛਾਹ ਕੋ ਸੀਸ ਨਿਵਾਇਓ ॥
Kaahooaan Lakhiao Hari Avaachee Disaa Mahi Kaahooaan Pachhaaha Ko Seesa Nivaaeiao ॥
Someone visualized God in the South and someone bowed his head towards the West.

ਕੋਊ ਬੁਤਾਨ ਕੌ ਪੂਜਤ ਹੈ ਪਸੁ ਕੋਊ ਮ੍ਰਿਤਾਨ ਕੌ ਪੂਜਨ ਧਾਇਓ ॥
Koaoo Butaan Kou Poojata Hai Pasu Koaoo Mritaan Kou Poojan Dhaaeiao ॥
Some fool worships the idols and someone goes to worship the dead.

ਕੂਰ ਕ੍ਰਿਆ ਉਰਝਿਓ ਸਭ ਹੀ ਜਗੁ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗਵਾਨ ਕੌ ਭੇਦੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ॥੧੦॥੩੦॥
Koora Kriaa Aurjhiao Sabha Hee Jagu Sree Bhagavaan Kou Bhedu Na Paaeiao ॥10॥30॥
The whole world is entangled in false rituals and has not known the secret of Lord-God 10.30.

Conclusion:-

I do wish that appropriate steps are taken to provide guidance to such well built Sadhus to take up some KIRATS (Vocations) to better serve themselves and the Nation and their fellow country beings as per the Gurmat Advice: – NAAM JAPO, VAND CHACKO and KIRAT KARO, rather than staying/hiding in caves and living on receiving meger donations from their blind chelas or bhagats etc. Gurmat advice is handy:-

ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਤੂੰ ਆਇਆ ਲਾਹਾ ਲੈਣਿ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 5, GGS. 43-3).
Praanee Thoon Aaeiaa Laahaa Lain ||
O mortal, you came here to earn a profit.

ਲਗਾ ਕਿਤੁ ਕੁਫਕੜੇ ਸਭ ਮੁਕਦੀ ਚਲੀ ਰੈਣਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Lagaa Kith Kufakarrae Sabh Mukadhee Chalee Rain ||1|| Rehaao ||
What useless activities are you attached to? Your life-night is coming to its end. ||1||Pause||