Kumbh Mela - World Largest Religious Gathering Place

 Kumbh Mela

World famous religious festival celebrated by people across the nation – Kumbh Mela. Kumbh in the Sanskrit language means “Pot,” “Pitcher” or” Jar” and Mela means “Festival”. The origin of this festival lies in the ancient belief in the conflict between the Gods and Demons over the possession of the “Amrit Kumbh’, a pitcher filled with nectar. 

Kumbh Mela Origin

The origin of the Kumbh Mela dates back to the time when amrita kalasha (pot of nectar of immortality) was recovered from Samudramanthan (during the churning of the primordial sea), after which a brutal war between devatas (Gods) and asuras (Demons) ensued. To prevent the amrita kalasha being taken into possession by asuras, who were more powerful than the devatas, its safety was entrusted to the devatas Brahaspati (Jupiter), Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), and Shani (Saturn).The four devatas ran away with the amrita kalasha to hide it from the asuras. Learning the conspiracy of the devatas, the asuras turned ferocious and chased devatas running with amrita kalasha. The chase lasted 12 years, during which the devatas and asuras went round the earth. During this chase, the devatas hid amrita kalasha at the cities Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain and Nasik. According to other Pauranic legends, the fight took place between devatas and asuras, resulting in the amrita kalasha being knocked, out of which amrita (Nectar) fell down at the 4 religious places. To commemorate this holy event of the amrita kalasha being put at 4 places, Kumbh is celebrated every 12 years in Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Ujjain and Nashik.

Places of Kumbh Mela Gathering 

1: Haridwar (Uttarakhand)

2: Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)

3: Nashik (Maharashtra)

4: Allahabad known as Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) 

Names of The River Where Kumbh Event Happening 

1: Ganges River in Haridwar 

2: Shipra River in Ujjain

3: Godavari River in Nashik 

4: Confluence of the Rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati in Allahabad (Prayagraj)

Types of Kumbh Melas

There are five types of Kumbh Mela held in India. 

01 Maha Kumbh Mela: It is held only in Allahabad (Prayagraj). It comes in every 144 years or after 12 Purna (Complete) Kumbh Mela.

02 Purna Kumbh Mela: It comes every 12 years. Mainly held at 4 Kumbh Mela Places in India i.e. Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain. It rotates every 12 years at these 4 places.

03 Ardh Kumbh Mela: It means Half Kumbh Mela which is held every 6 years in India only at two places i.e. Haridwar and Prayagraj.

04 Kumbh Mela: Held at four different places and is organised by the state governments. Millions of people participate with spiritual enthusiasm.

05 Magh Kumbh Mela: It is also known as Mini Kumbh Mela which is held annually and only at Prayagraj. It is organised in the month of Magh according to the Hindu Calendar.

Astrological Transitions in Kumbh Mela

• Haridwar - When the sun is in Aries and Jupiter is in Aquarius during the Hindu month of Chaitra.
• Allahabad (Prayagraj) - When the sun and the moon are in Capricorn and Jupiter is in Aries during the Hindu month of Magha.
• Nashik - When the sun and Jupiter are in Leo during the month of Bhadrapda.
• Ujjain - When Jupiter is in Leo and the sun is in Aries, or when Jupiter, the sun and the moon are in Libra during the month of Vaisakha.

Sadhus

One of the biggest attractions at the Kumbh Mela is the procession of Sadhus from various Akhada across the nation. Emaciated from fasting and blinded by their constant gazing at the sun, the Sadhus emerge from seclusion in the forest or mountains to appear at this festival. Their faces and bodies are smeared with ashes, and they wear only loincloths as they carry images of the gods down to the water to be immersed. Some lie on beds of spikes or swing in the air with their heads down; others use microphones to attract large crowds to their lectures. People throng the roads to see them and often break through the barriers holding them back to receive the Sadhus blessing.

Mahakumbh Mela 2021

In 2021 Maha Kumbh Mela will take place in the holy city of Haridwar from 14 January to 27 April 2021. All the Kumbh Melas enjoy almost similar quantity of devotees but the name of Haridwar comes at the top of all Indian pilgrimages. Hence the Kumbh Mela of Haridwar enjoys exceptional media coverage and Tourist traffic from all over the world. The place is termed as the gateway to heaven in Hindu mythological scriptures.

Bathing Ghats in Haridwar 

• Har Ki Pauri
• Asthi Pravath Ghat
• Subhash Ghat
• Gau Ghat
• Sapth Sarover Kshetra Ghat
• Sarvanand Ghat
• Pantdweep Ghat
• Kangra Ghat
• Roode Bale Wala Ghat
• Ganesh Ghat
• Varagi Camp Ghat
• Sati Ghat
• Daksheshwar Ghat
• Singh Dwar Ghat
• Sita Ghat

How to Reach Haridwar 

By Air: Nearest domestic airport to Haridwar is in Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) and is connected to Delhi by daily direct flight.

By Rail: The nearest railway station at Haridwar is well connected to all major cities in India and is therefore a convenient mode of transport to reach Haridwar. 

By Road: Haridwar is well connected to all major cities in India via national highways and can therefore be easily reached easily by cars and coaches.