Kumbh Mela in India –Tradition, Rituals, Attraction & Legends
What is meaning of Kumbh Mela?
The literal meaning of Kumbh is Pitcher or Kalash. The mouth of the pitcher symbolizes the presence of Vishnu, its neck that of Rudra and the base, of Brahma, all goddesses in the center and the entire oceans in the interior, thus encompassing all the four Vedas. Kumbh is an occasion but with the passage of time it took the shape of a Religious and Cultural Festival.
Symbolically, Kumbh is the Centre of Creation of Universe and the Amrita (Nectar) is the eternal longing of immortality.
Why Kumbh Mela so special?
The kumbh mela is considered to be the largest peaceful gathering of Hindus in the world and also considered greatest fair of the North-India. Kumbh Mela has gained international fame as the world’s most massive act of faith.
Kumbh Mela is an occasion but with the passage of time it took the shape of a Religious and Cultural Festival, which leaves impression not only on India but on whole world. Earlier the shape of the fair was small but after 12th century it is spreading till now. Not only pilgrimage but thousands of shopkeepers and peddlers are making their profit by doing business there. This place takes the shape of mini India as people from every religion and caste are present there.
Astrological Transitions of Sun in Kumbh Mela
- Haridwar - When the sun is in Aries and Jupiter is in Aquarius during the Hindu month of Chaitra.
- Allahabad (Prayag) - 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.
Type of Kumbh Mela in India
Kumbh Mela is of following types:
The most auspicious hour on the most auspicious day of the month long festival is that thousands of Akhara Sadhu and millions of people from various sects will immerse themselves in the river for a ceremonial bath of Kumbh Mela (Shahi Snan).
Legends about Kumbh Mela
The origin of the Kumbh Mela is described in the Vedic literature of India. It is evolved from bygone days of the universe when the demigods and the demons produced the nectar of immortality. This story has been related in many ways.
The demigods, being fearful of what would happen if the demons drank their share of the nectar of immortality, stole away the pot and hid it in four places on the Earth: Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. It is believed that at each of the hiding place a drop of immortal nectar spilled from the pot and landed on the earth. These four places acquired mystical power. And after that these places considered to be the holy place for the Hindus and nowadays this place has become a favorite pilgrimage place in India.
What scriptures say about Kumbh Mela?
Scientifically, Kumbh Mela of Haridwar is considered original as the astrologers had given astrological calculation regarding this and also it is held according to astrological sign “Kumbha” (Aquarius).
It is believed in Hinduism that in the battle of god and demon the milky ocean churned and four drops of nectar fell to earth from the Kumbh carried by gods. And these places became the sites of four Kumbh Mela festivals. It is believed that bathing in these rivers cleanse a person from all his sins.
It is the seventh-century Shaivite philosopher and Guru Adi Shankaracharya who organized the kumbh to unite and ponder on Hinduism where Rishis, Munis, Sadhus and yogis come together to discuss various topics.
Kumbh Mela Places in India
The Kumbh Mela is a river side festival held four times every twelve years, rotating between:
- Allahabad at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Mythological Saraswati River
- Nasik on the Godavari River
- Ujjain on the Kshipra River and
- Haridwar on the Ganga River
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