Kumbh Mela

Sanjay Bhatt 

From the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), 14 treasures were obtained. Among these, Amrita (nectar of immortality) was the most precious and significant.

The Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) fought for 12 days to obtain the Amrita, which equates to 12 human years.

During the battle, when the Devas attempted to take the Amrita, it fell at four locations:

1. Haridwar

2. Prayagraj

3. Shipra River in Ujjain

4. Godavari River in Nashik

Thus, the Kumbh Mela is celebrated every three years at these four locations in rotation.

The timing and location of the Kumbh Mela are determined by the positions of Jupiter (Bruhaspati), the Sun( Surjya), and the Moon( Chandra). The system was first formalised by Jagadguru Shankaracharya. When Jupiter enters the Kumbha (Aquarius) zodiac and the Sun enters Mesha (Aries), the Kumbh Mela takes place.

However, if the Sun enters Kumbha and Jupiter enters Simha (Leo), the festival is held in Haridwar. Similarly, when the Sun enters Makara (Capricorn) and Jupiter enters Vrishabha (Taurus), it is celebrated in Prayagraj. This specific arrangement also marks the Ardh Kumbh (Half Kumbh), occurring every six years.

Types of Kumbh Mela:

1. Kumbh Mela: Celebrated every 3 years at Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik.

2. Ardh Kumbh Mela: Held every 6 years at Haridwar and Prayagraj.

3. Purna Kumbh Mela: Organised every 12 years exclusively at Prayagraj.

4. Maha Kumbh Mela: Conducted once every 144 years (after 12 Purna Kumbhs) at Prayagraj.

This year, the Kumbh Mela will be held in Prayagraj from 13th January to 26th February. The most auspicious moment will be 29th January, observed as Magha Amavasya (Mauni Amavasya). On this day, the largest number of devotees, approximately 10 crore, are expected to take a holy dip.

The Kumbh Mela is not merely the largest congregation in the world or an event of religious significance—it is also a symbol of unity, bringing humanity together under one mantra of harmony and togetherness.