Kumbh Mela is celebrated as the most auspicious period of Hinduism and India. The origin of Kumbh Mela can be traced back to the time when Gods (Devtas) and Demons (Asuras) lived on earth. Devtas were under a curse which aroused fear in them, making them weak and vulnerable. Brahma (the creator) advised them to churn the Samudra (milky ocean) to obtain the elixir of immortality. The Mandara Mountain acted as the churning rod for the act and Vasuki (king of serpents) was used as the rope for churning. After the churning began many divine beings and objects came out of the ocean, which were claimed by either the gods or the demons.
After a while, Kumbh, the pot which consisted of the nectar of immortality was recovered from Samudramanthan (churning of the ocean). To prevent the amrita (elixir of immortality) from being taken by the demons, its safety was entrusted to Gods Brahaspati (Jupiter), Surya (Sun), Shani (Saturn) and Chandra (Moon). After learning of the conspiracy, the demons attacked the gods. Devtas knew that demons possessed more power and could easily defeat them. The Devtas ran away with the Kumbh to hide it away and they were chased by Asuras. For 12 days and 12 nights the Gods were chased by Demons for the possession of Amrita. These 12 days of Gods are equivalent to 12 years of Humans. During this chase for the amrita (elixir of immortality), the drops from Kumbh fell at four places – Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. Hence, the Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these places alternately!
Kumbh Mela is the largest spiritual gathering in the world where millions of devotees takes a holy dip in the sacred water. The pilgrims get once in a lifetime chance to bathe in the spirit of holiness, auspiciousness and salvation.
This time the Kumbh Mela will be held at the sacred Prayag (confluence) of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati in Allahabad. The festival will start on 27 January and commence on 25 February 2013.
Be there to experience the greatest spiritual gathering of our time.
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it would be amazing, but big crowds freak me out. I’ve been to Sangam, where the Mela will be held, but there were just a few boatmen and autorickshaw drivers there that day.
Thanks for commenting Carolyn!
The big crowds are only on the auspicious days, when one takes a snaan (bath) in the Ganges. On the other days you will find peace with like minded travelers and spiritualists. But it is an event not to be missed.
thanks for your recent likes and comments on my India Journal blog, and a special thanks for bringing me here to your blog. I truly look forward to exploring further. I was at the last Kumbh Mela in 2009 in rishikesh, and Haridwar, and it indeed was unbelievable….:-) thanks again for helping me find YOU.
with love light and JOY
Well its my pleasure Jane! Hope to see you at the 2013 Kumbh Mela in Allahabad! Love and respect to you!
Very inspiring! I would love to visit this!
Thanks!
I’b looking forward to seeing you there.
Love your blog. Awesome. Thanks for inspiring me and making my day! http://www.segmation.wordpress.com.
Thanks dear! Love your blog too. Keep visiting! 🙂
This was a really neat post. Your blog is really informational!
Thanks Jeremy! Keep visiting.
Made me nostalgic!
Nice blog 🙂
Cheers!
sakshivashist.wordpress.com
Thanks Sakshi. 🙂
I like your blog too.
Keep visiting.
I sure will 🙂
🙂
Thanks for the comment on my blog ! 🙂
Your welcome! 🙂
I last visited India more than a decade ago and your blog makes me want to go back.
Thanks for sharing.
x
Well i hope to see you soon then! 🙂
Amazing!!
Thank you for sharing and for letting me find you!
Your welcome!
Keep visiting..
I like your explanation of the kumbh mela.Thank you.
Thanks!
i’m just curious. is the sacred water actually still clean – scientifically? cause thousands even millions of people gather there each year? thanks for visiting my site!
Not scientifically, but spiritually its clean. But the higher you go upriver, the water keeps getting cleaner.
What an amazing post. Thanks for sharing such an exciting, unique event.
Wow! This would be so cool to experience!