The Kumbh Mela is the largest religious fair in the world. This fair is not only a symbol of religious faith but also a cultural and spiritual journey, in which millions of devotees participate. It is considered an important medium of purification of the soul, liberation from sins and attainment of salvation in Hinduism. It is considered an extremely virtuous and divine occasion, where devotees believe that they will be free from the sins of their lives by bathing in holy rivers.
The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years at four major places in India:
The celebration of Kumbh Mela is related to the legend associated with Samudra Manthan, which is considered an important and divine event in Hinduism. Samudra Manthan, also known as Churna, was a conflict between the Gods and the Asuras, aimed at obtaining Amrit (the juice of immortality). This legend is considered extremely important from the religious, spiritual and philosophical point of view. The event of Samudra Manthan is described in Mahabharata, Vishnu Purana and other Hindu scriptures.
For Samudra Manthan, Mandara Mountain was chosen for churning and it was used as the churning rod. Vasuki Naag was used as the rope. When the Samudra Manthan was done, many wonderful things came out, including Amrit (the juice of immortality), Halahal poison, and various gems.
Lord Vishnu and other Gods have an important role in the legend of Samudra Manthan.
When the Gods and Asuras churn the Samudra to obtain Amrit, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Mohini. Lord Vishnu tricked the gods and demons and distributed the Amrit only to the gods so that the demons could not become immortal. Vishnu kept the Amrit that came out during the churning in various places to keep it safe. As the pot of Amrit was fought over between the gods and demons, it fell at four places—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain, the places where the Kumbh Mela was later held.
Lord Shiva also had a major role in the Samudra Manthan. When the poison called Halahal came out of the Samudra Manthan, there was a danger of the destruction of the entire creation due to this poison. Then Lord Shiva wore that poison in his neck, saving the entire creation. This incident is famous as "Neelkanth".
Indra Dev, who is the king of the gods, was the god who played a major role in the churning during the Samudra Manthan. After obtaining the Amrit, Indra Dev led the gods in the war and helped defeat the demons. Along with this, Indra Dev also played an important role in the preservation of Amrit.
Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, was involved in the creation of Amrit during the Samudra manthan. Brahma gave necessary directions in the process of churning and maintained the creative power of creation.
Lord Vishnu incarnated as Kurma (Kachhapa) and held the churning mount (Mandara Parvat) on his back so that it did not sink. In this way Kurma provided a stable base during the churning, which enabled the process of Samudra manthan to be completed successfully.
Kumbh Mela, which is considered a sacred and historical event in Hinduism, has its roots in ancient times. This fair holds a highly significant place in Indian society religiously, culturally and spiritually. The history of Kumbh Mela is about 2000 years old, and it has been organized since those ancient times when religiosity and spirituality had a very important place in India. It is mentioned in ancient texts like Mahabharata, Vishnu Purana and Bhagavat Mahapuran. These texts explain the importance of Kumbh Mela by telling the story of Samudra Manthan and Amrit Kalash, in which the places of Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain are considered sacred due to the falling of drops of nectar.
Historical context of Kumbh Mela during different empires:
During the time of the Gupta Empire (around 4th to 6th century), Kumbh Mela started being organized on a large scale. At this time, Kumbh Mela was organized in a more systematic manner and various religious activities were organized here.
Kumbh Mela was also organized in the Mauryan Empire (around 3rd century BC). Its religious and cultural importance was the same for the rulers and common people of that time.
Kumbh Mela started from a small religious event and gradually transformed into a very big and huge event. Initially it was organized as a local and regional festival, in which religious people and saints participated. Over time, its importance increased and it became an international event. Now millions of devotees participate in the Kumbh Mela held at different places every four years.
During the British period, there were some changes in the organization of Kumbh Mela, as the British government increased its surveillance on Indian traditions and religious events. The expansion of the railway network during the British period contributed to the organization of Kumbh Mela, due to which people from different parts of the country started coming to participate in this fair.
In today's time, Kumbh Mela has become the largest religious and cultural event in the world. Millions of people visit the place to bathe, offer prayers, and participate in religious ceremonies. It has gained attention globally, and is recognized as an international cultural, religious, and spiritual heritage.
In the 16th century, Mughal emperor Akbar was on the throne of Delhi. He had abolished the Jaziya tax on non-Muslims but he also imposed tax on the Kumbh Mela. Akbar had imposed tax for the first time on the organization of Kumbh Mela. However, later on the demand of Hindus, Akbar abolished this tax. It is also said that he had also given 250 bighas of land to the pilgrimage priests Kishanram and Chandraman for the Magh Mela.
After Akbar, in 1822, the British government of India used to collect tax from everyone coming to the Kumbh Mela. It used to collect a rent of Rs. 1.25 from every pilgrim as tax. It is believed that due to this tax and rent, there used to be silence in the Kumbh Mela.
The organization of Kumbh Mela is not only important from a religious point of view, but it is also deeply related to astrology. The time and place of Kumbh Mela are based on astrological calculations and the position of the planets. This fair is decided on the basis of the positions of special planets, constellations and zodiac signs, which enhance the religious and spiritual glory of the fair. It is completely dependent on astrological calculations and the position of the planets. Kumbh Mela is especially organized when Jupiter (which is considered a symbol of religiosity and faith) is in a special position, as well as the position of the Sun and the Moon is also important. The organization of the fair is decided according to the position of these planets, so that the devotees can get the benefits of virtue and purification of the soul.
Makar Sankranti has great importance in astrology, as it is the day when the Sun enters Capricorn. Organizing Kumbh Mela around the time of Makar Sankranti is considered auspicious, because from this day the position of the Sun is considered to be particularly pure and beneficial.
Apart from this, during the month of Magha, especially Magh Purnima, Kumbh Mela is organized, as this time is considered to be especially meritorious according to the position of the constellations and planets.
The four major places of Kumbh Mela (Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain) have special significance from the astrological point of view:
Kumbh Mela is considered to be the most prominent occasion for liberation from sins and purification of the soul. By bathing in the holy rivers here, all the sins of a person are washed away and he attains salvation. It is believed that due to the special position of planets during this time, devotees get spiritual advancement and virtue benefits. Kumbh Mela is such a religious tradition, which paves the way for purification of the soul and elevation of life.
Kumbh Mela brings together millions of devotees from India and around the world, who reach here with their beliefs. It becomes a symbol of collectivity and strengthens unity, brotherhood and religious faith. Sadhus, saints, religious gurus and babas play a particularly important role in this fair. Naga sadhus and various akhadas participate in this event and show the power of faith and inspire devotees to follow the right path.
Shahi snan and other religious rituals are the soul of this event in Kumbh Mela. Shahi snan, especially according to the position of Jupiter, is performed by thousands of devotees. Yagya, Havan, Kirtan and other religious activities are also a part of Kumbh Mela, which purify the minds of the devotees and enrich them spiritually. All these activities add to the grandeur of the Mela and spread religious energy.
Kumbh Mela is not just a religious festival but also a great celebration of Indian culture. It features music, art, folk dance, and cultural activities that reflect the diversity and richness of Indian culture. The environmental and social impact of the Mela is also significant, as it promotes tourism, strengthens the local economy and promotes cultural exchange. Kumbh Mela is a living example of the unity and diversity of Indian society, bringing together millions of people every year and spreading collective faith among them.
Bathing in Kumbh Mela helps to wash away sins and purify the soul. Devotees believe that it washes away the sins of their lives and frees them from the cycle of rebirth. Bathing in the Mela brings a feeling of a new spiritual beginning and a sense of receiving God's grace.
Kumbh Mela is seen as an important pilgrimage that provides devotees with an important opportunity to connect with God. This journey is important not only from a religious point of view but also for mental peace and inner satisfaction. Millions of people gather at Kumbh Mela to feel the feeling of collective faith and devotion, which further deepens their religious experience.
Kumbh Mela is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, which reflects its historical and cultural significance. The event of the Mela attracts the attention of devotees not only in India but from all over the world, who become a part of a global spiritual festival. The increasing participation towards Kumbh Mela on global level makes it even more important and prestigious.
The significance of Kumbh Mela is wide-ranging from religious, historical, astrological and cultural perspectives. Not only is it a means of spiritual purification, but it is also an integral part of Indian culture and traditions. Kumbh Mela has constantly evolved over time, incorporating modern technology and better facilities. Its growing participation and global attention are making it more effective and significant. In the future too, Kumbh Mela will continue to be a symbol of religious and cultural unity, and it will retain its position as an important spiritual festival for Indian society.
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