Kumbha Mela - An Event of Faith and devotion

Kumbh Mela - An Event of Faith and Devotion

There are very few occasions in the world, where people in large numbers running into millions of human beings, have come together at one place with one aim and objective. The biggest of these occasions is the Kumbh Mela or Kumbha Mela in India. The largest of them all was the Purna Kumbh Mela of 2001 in Allahabad, when 60 - 70 million people came together at one place - on the bank of river Ganges Allahabad, with one aim, to take a dip in the holy Ganges river at Sangam and make fresh beginning of life, devoid of the sins they might have committed till date. Maha Kumbh at Allahabad in 2013 is one of the biggest Kumbh Mela event of the century which will be repeated now after 144 years only,when the similar planetary combination will appear in the sky.

Kumbh or Kumbha Mela is the largest display of human faith in the world, where people from all strata of society, of every age group congregate at one place. What is so significant about this event which attracts so many people at one go?. The answer to this lies in the Indian Mythology, which also describes the origin of Kumbh - A Mela , an Event of faith and devotion.

Origin of Kumbha Mela, 

Once upon a time when the world was ruled by Demi Gods (Devta - Ruler of Heaven - the sky) and Demons (Asuras - Ruler of the world below the earth), both fighting for supremacy. The Demigods Had a king called Indra - The god of Rain. Once he was passing through earth on his elephant, when he came across revered saint Rishi Durvasa. As a mark of greeting Rishi Durvasa offered Lord Indra, one of the Garland from his neck. Indra, however being a proud king, took the Garland from the Rishi Durvasa, and without showing any respect to his offerings, placed it on the trunk of the Elephant he was riding. The Elephant being an animal, could not understand the importance of the Garland and threw it between his legs and trampled upon it.Seeing this, Rishi Durvasa took it as mark of disrespect of him and cursed Lord Indra and other demigods to be devoid of any material opulence and strength. As a result of this, the demigods become weak and lost all their material opulence and started to get defeated.

The demigods being the harbinger of auspiciousness and good fortune, started to lose to the Demons and the world started to get dis-balanced. Devoid of their strength and material opulence, the Demigods went to the creator of the World and supreme God, Lord Brahma with the request to the solution of their situation. Lord Brahma on hearing their plight and observing that the cycle of Creation, preservation and annihilation is being effected, directed the demigods go the Lord of preservation of the Universe, Lord Vishnu, He who knows everything which goes on in the world, He who himself creates situation, for the solution of which once found, will benefit the world for ever.

On hearing the plea of demigods, Lord Vishnu asked them to offer truce to the Demons and then jointly churn the ocean of milk, which will then produce nectar - which will make the one drinking it immortal. The Demigods, did the same and convinced the demons for this act promising them to share it in half with them. Lord Vishnu Himself took the form of Vasuki, a long snake to be used as rope and Mandara mountain was used as a pivot to churn the ocean. The Deimigods then convinced Demons to take the side of mouth while they themselves held the tail, so as to be bereft of any poison of the snake. And thus the churning of the ocean of milk began, which went for 1000 years.

Out of the churning, many a things were produced, first came out the deadliest of the poison, which started to affect the Demigods and Asuras alike and threatened the world to bring it to an end, Seeing this Lord Shiva - The lord of destruction, drank the poison and stored it in his neck( Which gave the color of his neck as blue). Later came apart from many a material wealth, Lakshmi - The Goddess of Wealth and fortune, various Apsaras, Varuni - the creator of asuras,various jewels, The Moon and Kamdhenu, a cow which is believed to fulfill all the wishes of the master, with the supply of unlimited milk. It was presented to the Saptarishi, to ensure steady supply of milk and Ghee for auspicious occasions and prayers.Last came out Dhanvantri -the doctor of Gods with the nectar, which was to provide the immortality to its drinker.

As soon as the nectar appeared, a fight ensued between the demons and the demigods, which ensued for 12 god days and nights ( one God day is equivalent to one human year). After 12 days, Garuda - the divine bird got hold of the nectar and flew from the battle seen, however during the flight he accidently dropped four drops on earth, one each at Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain and Nashik. It is believed that due to this, these places have gained mystical power to heal the human and rejuvenate them. The mystical powers are its best when the similar plenary combination is replicated as was at the time of the dropping of the nectar drops, and hence Kumbha Mela is celebrated every 12 years at these places, where bathing on the auspicious dates, is believed to cure all your illness and purify your soul, devoid of any sins and their effects.

Types of Kumbha Mela

The Kumbh Mela held after every 12 years is known as Purna Kumbh Mela, however apart from this, you have other Kumbha Mela also, which are celebrated as below :

-Kumbh Mela is celebrated every three years rotating between the four pious sites of Allahabad, Nasik, Haridwar and Ujjain, thus returning to the original site after 12 years.

-Ardh Kumbha - The Mela held after 06 years from the Kumbha at the same place is known as Ardh Kumbha.

-Maha Kumbh Mela is held after 12 Purna Kumbha Melas, at Allahabad, i.e once in 144 years. 

Selection of date and time for Kumbha Mela

The dates and venue of Kumbh Mela is decided upon the plenary position of the planets Brahaspati (Jupiter), Sun and Moon

According to the following plenary positions, the cities are decided :

	JUPITER	SUN	MOON
HARIDWAR	Aquarius	Aries	Sagittarius
ALLAHABAD	Taurus	Capricorn	Capricorn
NASIK	Leo	Cancer	Cancer
UJJAIN	Leo	Aries	Aries

The following are the sacred rivers where the Bathing Takes places during Kumbha Mela

-Ganges River at Haridwar

-Godavari River at Nasik

-Shipra River at Ujjain

-Confluence of Ganges, Yamuna and Mythological River of Knowledge Saraswati ( Hence allahabad Kumbh is one of the most celebrated and sacred of all )

Allahabad (Prayag) Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 -One of the Biggest Kumbh Melas

Allahabad (Persion name meaning Settled by God for Prayag) is an important religious town for Hindus and by some accounts the second oldest town. Allahabad originally and still known to Hindus as Prayag (meaning place of sacrifice) is believed to be place where Lord Brahma, after creating the universe gave his first sacrifice. It is also considered sacred as it is sangam (confluence) of three rivers, Yamuna (last city as it merges with Ganges here), Ganges and mythological river Saraswati ( known as the River of knowledge). It is one of the fastest growing cities in north India and is fast becoming industrialized. It is also famous for Kumbh Mela held every 12 years, Ardh Kumbh every 06 years and Magh Mela every Year and is the only place where Maha Kumbha Mela takes place every 144 Years.

January 14 till March 10 2013 was one such date where the celestial combinations repeated after 144 years and Maha Kumbha ( after 12 Purna Kumbh) was organised. It was  one of the biggest events of the century or recorded history, where it is believed that more than 120 million people visited. (current population of Allahabad is 1.1 million (census 2011). It was said that the Human congregation was so large that it could be observed by Satellites. 

Important bathing dates for Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahabad 2013:

Taking bath at River Ganges at Triveni on any of the day during the Kumbh will rinse you of our sins, but there are certain dates, decided by the cosmic combinations, which are most important, as it is said that, on this day, the effect of taking bath increases many fold and you move closer to God and freedom from the cycle of Life Called Moksha.

These are the important bathing dates, which are the most busiest in terms of the number of people travelling and are often known as the Royal Baths. The most important dates for the Maha Kumbh Mela of 2013 are as below. 

14th January 2013(Monday) – Makar Sankranti -(First Royal Bath)

This is the first day of the Kumbh Mela, an important festival celebrated all over India, albeit under different names of Makar Sankranti, Pongal in South India or Bihu in east India. This day it is believed that Sun starts its northward movement, entering into the tropic of Capricorn ( Makar). This also marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated accordingly by all agriculturists. Spiritually it is believed that Lord Sun visits his son Saturn on this day and stays for one month. Also this day is also considered as the beginning of the day period of devta's, hence all auspicious works are started on this day. This Marks the beginning of Kumbh Mela with the fist of Royal Bath from the series of Royal Baths being taken.

27th January 2013(Sunday) – Paush Purnima -

This is full moon day in the month of Hindi Calendar Paush ( December January). Also believed to the day of Birth of Goddess Shakambari , it is an important date of Bathing.

06th February 2013(Wednesday) – Ekadashi Snan -

Ekadashi means, eleventh day of the month after full moon day. 11th day after Full moon day is considered auspicous for starting new jobs and prayers.

10th February 2013(Sunday) – Mauni Amavasya Snana ( most important Bathing date)

This is one of the most significant days in Hindu Calendar being the no moon day of the important and sacred month of Magh. This is also the day , which is considered the birth date of Rishi Manu - who is believed to be the single father of all mankind and progenitor of Man. This is the day when both Sun and Moon enter the Capricorn Sign. The day is observed as the day of silence and bathing at sunrise is believed to take you to Moksha - Freedom from the circle of Births and deaths.

15th February 2013(Friday) – Basant Panchami Snan

This is the Fifth Day of the Month of Magh, as per the Indian Calendar. Magh is the first month of Spring Season and Basant Panchami marks the start of the Spring season. It is celebrated for Goddess Saraswati - which is the Goddess of Knowledge and education, music and arts. People are taught to write their first letter on this day and other religious prayers are arranged including feeding of the Brahmins and offering prayers for the departed ones. Yellow color plays an important role in Basant Panchami, with people wearing Yellow color clothes and distributing Yellow colored sweets. Even the farmlands are decked with yellow colored flowers of mustard, giving a feeling of happiness to everyone.

17th February 2013(Sunday) – Rath Saptami Snana

Seventh day of the Month of Magh ( one of the most auspicious Month in Hindu Calendar), this day is dedicated to the Sun God. It is believed to be the birth date of Sun God Surya Narayan. Colorful Rangoli's are made outside the home to welcome sun rays and prayers with water is offered to the sun god. This is also the date when it is believed that Sun God Suya turns his Ratha (Chariot) drawn by seven horses (representing seven colors) towards the northern hemishpere , in north easterly direction. After this day, the day begins to become warmer and longer. 

18th February 2013(Monday) – Bhishm Ashtami Snana

This is the 8th Day of the month of Magh. This day also is called Bhisma Ashtami, as it is believed that on this day , the learning of Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram ( an important religious scripture) was passed on to the Pandavas by Pitamah Bhishma, after he chose this day to leave his body. ( Pitamah Bhisma was so Blessed that he could chose the date of his death on his own, and if he chose not to die, he can live forever)

25th February 2013(Monday) – Maghi Purnima Snan

This is the full moon day for the Month of Magh and hence an important day for bathing. It is believed that the water on this day , before sunrise have powers of God present in them. It is believed that on this day, if you take a dip at Sangam, before sunrise, you will get rinse of biggest of your sins.

10 March 2013(Sunday ) – Maha Shivratri Snan ( Last Royal Bath)

This day is significant as it marks the end of the Kumbh Mela with the last of Royal Baths taking on this day. Maha Shivratri is the most sacred day for the followers of Lord Shiva the destroyer and is celebrated by all Hindus. It is believed the Lord Shiva married Maa Parvati on this day. It is also believed that the famed Tandav Nritya ( dance of destruction) was performed by Lord Shiva on this day.

Future Dates of Kumbh Mela

The next Kumbh will be held at Haridwar From January 14 till  April 27'2021.  

Tips For travelling to Kumbh Mela

Events like Kumbh Mela are always a nightmare for the city administration hosting it, they suddenly have to manage and control the hordes of visiting people, far greater in number than the resident population. It not only creates challenges for the local administration towards ensuring peaceful conduct and atmosphere of the Mela, safety of the local resident as well as visiting public, they also have to deal with the incremental load of demand on the already scarce civic resources at their disposal.

To ensure smooth movement and security of the visiting and resident public and to manage he number of people ( which are far beyond the capacity the city can hold), the city administration imposes restrictions on movement of the individuals and vehicles on certain routes. On all main bathing dates, the vehicle movement is restricted to few emergency vehicles in the vicinity of the Mela event grounds. Almost all personal vehicles and taxi services are banned to move, the circumference of this ban from the main bathing ghats can extend to around 4-5 kms. Keeping in view of these restrictions, if you are travelling in and around these bathing dates, the following should be kept in mind :

- Be ready to walk - On main bathing dates , a day prior to it and day after it, almost all the vehicular movement within the area 4-5 kms from the main bathing ghat will be banned/disallowed. Leaving you no other option but to walk to the main bathing ghat from your place of residence.

-Carry enough water and snacks - While travelling out from your hotel, carry enough amount of water and snacks to last for the day. At the venue event, although few vending stalls are present, but you will find it difficult to find snacks or water of your choice at reasonable price. It is better to carry it along with you, so as to give you freedom from spending time in locating any such vendor.

-Travel light, if you are arriving near the dates of main bath and have booked a hotel in the city or tents near the vicinity of the main bathing Ghats, you might find it difficult to find a vehicle to carry you and your luggage to the place of residence due to various restrictions put up on the travelling routes for vehicular movement. You might have to walk down a fair distance to reach the hotel/ tents of your residence.

-Book in the vicinity of event - For long stay, avoid booking city hotels and chose one of the tent in the complexes specially set up for the Kumbh Mela. They are normally closer to the even venue, are set up in collaboration of the religious trusts and Akharas and hence gives you chance to interact with the local ascetics ( sadhus). You might get lucky to see some of the rarest moments in the life of these sadhus, who are normally secluded from the general public.

-Choose your arrival dates judiciously - the maximum restrictions on vehicular movement is on the dates of royal baths,a day prior and a day after. These are also the dates, when maximum number of local day visitors travel to the venue apart from people coming for the day from all over India. Almost all hotels and tent complex are booked, movement across the city is at a slow pace. Travelling between hordes of people with luggage will be an arduous task. It better to arrive a day earlier, will save you a lot of hassle and will give you enough time to rest as you prepare for early morning escapades on the bathing dates.

-Visit early in the morning to the Ghats - sunrise is better Most of the Nanga Sadhus and important Akharas offer their prayer at the River at dawn, with the first light. It is the best time to witness the grandeur of he ascetics. The best time to bathe in the river on these dates or any other dates is considered to be at dawn with sunrise. Accordingly the times are allotted to different religious trusts, the first slot being allotted to the most influential and religiously important group. The first one are normally the Nanga Sadhus which are the most reclusive of the group and are only seen at the Kumbha mela's rest of the time they recluse themselves to the higher mountain regions of Himalayas.

-Understand and respect local religious customs - Hindus normally are a tolerant lot, accepts criticism positively and constructively, are open to alternative views. But during the Kumbh Mela, religious tempers run high.You should be careful while expressing your views publicly especially if they are critical or non confirmatory of the general perception, as it might attract sharp reactions and uncomfortable and tense situations. A basic understanding of Hindu culture will not only help you avoid such situation but also helps you understand the importance of the religious activities going around you.

-Be friendly with caution - Indians in general are friendly people and receives other with warmth, but similar to every society, there are people who deviate from the normal culture and have a criminal mind. Be cautious of being overtly friendly with unknown persons, be careful in sharing drinks or food with unknown people ( drugging by food laced with drugs and subsequent robbing will be an event which will come to light more frequently). Apart from them,you need to be careful while interacting of approaching local Sadhus(ascetics) especially the more reclusive and regarded ones. Devoid of habit of living with people and appear in public, they might feel offended by your friendly gesture. You should be careful, specially while taking photographs, as many of these Sadhus(especially Nanga Sadhus) will not liked to clicked taking it as an offence (they are under the impression that you click their photographs, so as you can make fun of them later). You should also be careful while taking the photographs at bathing ghats, especially if a lot of women fold is taking the dip, as that can again be offensive to the local people.