The glory & significance of Kumbh Mela

Building upon my previous write-up, “Miracles of Kumbh,” it is worth recalling that the Maha Kumbh occurs after 12 Purna Kumbhs, i.e., once every 144 years. In 2025, this significant event will unfold once again.

Kumbh represents the confluence of mythology, spirituality, culture, and the economic growth of the nation. It is the largest pilgrimage for Sanatanis and has been recognized by Unesco as the world’s largest spiritual festival. According to the Vishnu Purana, Kumbh occurs at four sacred locations— Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain, and Prayagraj—where drops of nectar fell from the celestial Kalash (vessel) during the churning of the ocean. This event, known as Samudra Manthan, used Vasuki Naag (a snake) as a rope and Mount Mandarachal as the churning rod.

When the nectar was obtained, a fierce battle broke out between the gods and demons for possession of the nectar. To protect it, Acharya Brihaspati (Jupiter), the spiritual teacher of celestial beings, instructed Jayant, the son of Indra, to flee with the Kumbh. Jayant was chased by the demons for 12 days, equivalent to 12 earthly years.

Even the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang mentioned the Magh Mela in Prayagraj during the reign of Harshavardhan. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya redefined and formalized the purpose of Kumbh
Mela in the 9th century.

Historical records such as the 16th-century book Ain-i-Akbari and an 1868 British report also document the significance of Kumbh Mela as a religious, spiritual, and cultural congregation.

Astrological significance
The Kumbh Mela’s timing is determined by celestial alignments:

• Haridwar: Celebrated when Jupiter enters Aquarius (Kumbh Rashi) and the Sun enters Aries (Mesh Rashi).
• Prayagraj: Held when Jupiter is in Taurus (Vrishabh Rashi), and the Sun and Moon align in Capricorn (Makar Rashi).
• Nashik: Observed when Jupiter and the Sun are in Leo (Singh Rashi).
• Ujjain: Celebrated when Jupiter is in Leo and the Sun enters Aries.

The celestial energies of the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and respective zodiac constellations significantly influence the spiritual and cosmic power of the Kumbh. For instance:

• The Sun symbolizes life force, divine power, and enlightenment.
• Jupiter represents higher learning, optimism, generosity, spiritual wisdom, and expansion of consciousness.
• The constellation of Leo radiates energies of passionate idealism, self-confidence, and leadership.

Thus, participating in the Kumbh Mela is not merely about taking a holy dip to cleanse one’s soul but also about absorbing these profound cosmic energies.

Since Jupiter takes approximately 12 years to orbit the Sun, this interval brings about a shift in the solar system’s energy, activating specific centers like Nashik, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Prayagraj, which align with the galactic energy of the Milky Way. Remarkably, the spiritual energy of the Kumbh is so potent that it is visible from space.

The mystery of Naga Sadhus
The Naga Sadhus are ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. Their origins trace back to Nagaland, home to the Nanga Parvat. Known for their distinctive appearance—ash-smeared bodies, matted hair (jatas), and
minimal clothing—they have renounced worldly attachments, including family, material possessions, and even basic needs like food and water.

Historically, Naga Sadhus played a critical role in protecting Indian culture and religion. Their first significant victory as warriors occurred during the Kumbh in 1234. Between the 14th and 16th
centuries, they fiercely defended India’s heritage against Mughal invasions. Notably, they fought to protect Mathura and Vrindavan during Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions in the 18th century.

The Shahi Snan (royal bath) ritual honors the Naga Sadhus by granting them the first dip in the sacred waters of Kumbh. For them, this ritual signifies a divine union, akin to a celestial marriage, and is celebrated with great fervor.

Adi Shankaracharya and the formation of Akharas
Adi Shankaracharya emphasized the need to unify saints and devotees to safeguard Sanatan Dharma, spirituality, and culture. To achieve this, he institutionalized the Kumbh Mela.

An Akhara is an organization devoted to the religious, spiritual, social, and cultural upliftment of Sanatanis, guided by the principles of the Vedas and Upanishads. There are 13 Akharas categorized
into three groups:
1. Shiva Akharas (8 Akharas)
2. Vishnu Akharas (3 Akharas)
3. Udasin Akharas (2 Akharas)
During Kumbh, the Akharas organize grand Peshwai processions, marked by music, dance, and decorated elephants, camels, and horses. Participants are welcomed with rose petals and sprinklings of rose water. In 2015, the Kinnar Akhara (for eunuchs) was introduced to promote inclusivity and eliminate societal prejudices.

The Akshayavat tree
The Akshayavat tree, located in the Patalpuri Temple within the Akbar Fort in Prayagraj, is considered immortal. Mentioned in ancient scriptures and the writings of Hiuen Tsang, this evergreen tree symbolizes eternal life and is worshipped during Kumbh.

A divine experience
Visiting the Kumbh Mela is a transformative journey. It rejuvenates the body, mind, and soul, fostering a deep connection with the divine and the cosmos.