Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest spiritual gathering, very deeply rooted in ancient Indian traditions, integral to Sanatana Dhrama. Devotees celebrate Kumbh at four different intervals, and at four locations in India: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik and Ujjain. The venue is decided based on astrological alignment.
The Kumbh is celebrated once in every three/ four year. Ardh Kumbh recurs once in every 6 years celebrated in the holy cities of Haridwar and Allahabad. Poorna Kumbh, which is celebrated after every 12 years in all the fours holy places where it is believed that the drops of nectar are merged with river. And lastly, the Maha Kumbh, which is a culmination of 12 successive Poorna Kumbh, and comes after 144years!
The ongoing Kumbh, is aptly referred to as the Maha kumbh because it will next happen after 144 years due to its unique astrological alignments.
The scriptures say that the gods and asuras united to churn the ocean (Samudra Manthan) in search of nectar, the elixir of life and immortality. It was agreed that the nectar would be shared equally between them, but as the pitcher (Kumbha) filled, the asuras got greedy and decided to flee with the whole pitcher! The gods pursued the demons, and a battle ensued to reclaim their share of nectar! During this war, which lasted for twelve consecutive days and nights, which, in human terms, equate to twelve years; some drops of the divine nectar of immortality (Amrit) fell at these four locations, sanctifying them as sites of immense spiritual power, divinity and purity.
Year 2025 began with Maha Kumbh, starting on the 13th of January (Paush Purnima Snan) and closing on the 26th of February which is Maha Shivaratri.
I found the story of Amrit Manthan very interesting. Even gods succumbed to greed and avarice, waged wars for supremacy and craved immortality! We humans long for the holy dip to be rid of this repeated cycle of life and death and achieve salvation. Our desire is to be immortal in His abode, not here, on the earth!
If I unravel the true meaning and essence of the narrative, I don’t think I qualify for this holy dip. One who has grasped the essence has already taken the holy dip and is bound to lead a virtuous life.
Very aptly put , Sharanya😊👍🙏