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.
Images: Google.
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