Abhyanga Snan 2025: The Sacred Bath Ritual Before Diwali – Time, Ubtan, and Meaning

Sonali Singh
Oct 19
3 min read

Curious why Abhyanga Snan is done prior to Diwali? Learn about Sanatangyan wisdom, auspicious time, and sacred rituals of ubtan in Abhyanga Snan 2025 that cleanse body, mind, and soul.

Abhyanga Snan is observed on Narak Chaturdashi, the day before Diwali. It holds deep spiritual significance in the Sanatangyan tradition. Rooted in Vedic teachings and shastras, this ritual purifies the body, mind, and soul. Performed during the Brahma Muhurat, it is believed to wash away sins, bring good fortune, and invite divine blessings. In 2025, Abhyanga Snan will be observed on 20 October, with the auspicious bath time from 5:13 AM to 6:25 AM.

The Essence of Abhyanga Snan in Sanatangyan Tradition

Abhyanga Snan has strong Sanatangyan roots. It is not merely a bath—it is a manner of cleansing the body and paying homage to the divine forces of nature. This holy practice represents the triumph of light over darkness, purity over impurity, and knowledge over ignorance. Devotees rise before dawn on this day. They rub their bodies with sesame oil, use fragrant ubtan, and take a sacred bath while reciting holy mantras.

The Shastras say that taking an early morning bath on Narak Chaturdashi cleanses one of past sins. It also protects a person from negative energies. The Garuda Purana states:

“स्नानं च दानं जपहोमकर्म च

पुण्यं भवेत् प्रातःकाले तु स्नानात्।”

Translation: “Bathing, charity, chanting, and sacrifice—when performed in the early morning—grant immense spiritual merit.”

This sacred time is called Brahma Muhurat. In 2025, it ranges from 4:44 AM to 5:34 AM. It is held to be the most favorable time for reaching divine consciousness.

Mythological Roots: The Victory of Light over Darkness

Narak Chaturdashi, as per Hindu mythology, commemorates Lord Shri Krishna's triumph over the demon Narakasura. The triumph signifies the victory of evil, ignorance, and impurity. According to the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna liberated 16,000 women imprisoned by Narakasura. In this way, he restored their honor and brought them light into their lives.

Taking Abhyanga Snan on this day represents washing away inner darkness. This is the meaning of a verse of the Shubh Shastra:

“असतो मा सद्गमय। तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय।”

“Lead me from falsehood to truth; from darkness to light.” — Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.3.28)

Each drop of water in this sacred bath is said to contain divine energy. It washes away both sin and sorrow.

Abhyanga Snan 2025 – Date, Time, and Muhurat

Narak Chaturdashi falls on October 19 in 2025. But Abhyanga Snan will be done on October 20. The reason is that the pre-dawn muhurat coincides with sunrise that day.

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: October 19 at 1:51 PM
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: October 20 at 3:44 PM
Abhyanga Snan Muhurat: 5:13 AM to 6:25 AM
Brahma Muhurat: 4:44 AM to 5:34 AM
Abhijit Muhurat: 11:43 AM to 12:28 PM
Siddhi Yog: Sarvartha Siddhi Yog and Amrit Siddhi Yog throughout the day

Performing Abhyanga Snan during the Brahma Muhurat is considered the highest form of spiritual purification. This is stated in the Sanatangyan shastras.

Ritual Process and Ubtan Preparation

Oil Massage (Taila Abhyanga):

Start with a sesame oil (til ka tel) massage before sunrise. This is considered a sacred practice. Ayurveda Shastras recommend it for rejuvenating the body and removing toxins.

A Sanskrit quote from the Charaka Samhita states:

“अभ्यङ्गं आचार्यवर्गो नित्यं कर्तव्यम्”

Translation: “The wise should practice oil massage daily; it brings longevity and strength.”

Application of Ubtan:

The ubtan—a mixture of sandalwood, besan, turmeric, and rosewater—is massaged on the body prior to a bath. It represents cleansing with the earth's divine elements.

Ritual Bath:

After applying the ubtan, worshipers wash themselves while reciting prayers to Lord Krishna and Yama Dev. It purifies physical impurities. It also helps in spiritual awakening.

Evening Rituals: Diyas and Lord Yama

In the Narak Chaturdashi evening, 14 diyas are lit by devotees. 13 diyas are lit with ghee to keep the family safe from premature death and ill fortune. One diya, with mustard oil, is lit for Lord Yama, the god of death. These diyas are said to light not only houses but also hearts when lit.

As the Vedic Shastras say:

“दीपं जलेद् यमायैव प्रातः स्नानेन संयुतः।

अकालमृत्युं नाप्नोति तस्य पुण्यं न संशयः॥”

Translation: “He who takes the sacred bath and lights a lamp for Lord Yama shall never face untimely death; his virtue is unquestionable.”

Briefly, Abhyanga Snan 2025 is not merely a bath. It is a sacred ritual based on Sanatangyan wisdom. The ritual cleanses the body, mind, and soul. Following the auspicious muhurat, applying ubtan, and performing prayers, devotees wash away the inner darkness. It also invites divine blessings. This prepares them for a joyful and spiritually uplifting Diwali.