Many years ago, I thought it was weird or comical to see so many devotees flock to Kumbh, with the faith that they will cleanse themselves and attain salvation with a single dip in the Sangama. Today, I understand the deeper need or craving of why so many people hanker for this holy dip. This congregation transcends religion, caste and stature! It also goes beyond boundaries and borders, embracing people of all nationalities. It is equally endearing for the believers and non-believers; it is holy for the temple goers and for those who dwell in cremation grounds! There is no discrimination, and the rivers embrace all with the same love.
It is believed that when Bharath, the younger brother of Lord Rama, saw the meeting of the fair waters of river Ganges, with the darker waters of river Yamuna, Mother Seeta and his brother Ram came to Bharath’s mind!
Ganges flows through three pivotal places conveying some message. When she flows through Haridwar she is wide and very accessible, allowing many people to live, thrive and flourish on her banks. Flowing through Prayag she reflects the spirit of ‘samanvay’, unity or cooperation, gently blending with the river Yamuna and flowing onwards together, different yet cooperative and always in union. Lastly, the river Ganges moves on to Ganga Sangar where she narrows down considerably and leaves very little room for a second person, giving the message of surrender. Surrender to the point of insignificance is the only way to reach the almighty or unite with Him. The road leading up to the Lord’s abode is very narrow and has room for only one.
Self-realisation can be as simple as turning the head from left to right, or one single dip in these holy waters! Similarly, if the essence is lost, a dip in any waters will be tantamount to nothing at all. Self-realisation will remain elusive, and the seeker has to wait for another 144 years!
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