The grand festival of Prayagraj Maha Kumbh will begin on the 13th of January 2025 with the Magh Mela. The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh will be the biggest festival of Indian Hindu culture and spirituality, which will start in the holy month of Magh and will last for about two months. During this period, crores of devotes will take a dip here. The preparations for the Maha Kumbh are ongoing in full swing with a special focus on the construction of new ghats, traffic and security management, expansion of drinking water and health services, as well as cleanliness and environmental protection.
This celestial event, known as Kumbh, is not only a symbol of religious faith, but it also exemplifies Indian democratic principles, diversity and tolerance. The article explores the unique aspects of Mahakumbh.
Puranic and historical context of Maha Kumbh
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a revered celebration in Indian culture, with echoes from ancient scriptures to the modern era. Maha Kumbh Mela is a unique blend of history, religion, philosophy, and society. This fair is not just a symbol of faith, but also a remarkable blend of Indian philosophy, culture, and astronomical science. According to Puranas, drops of Amrit Kalash from Samudra Manthan fell on the holy sites of Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik. This is the reason why Kumbh Mela is held at these four locations. This fair has a long history, however the exact time of its inception is unclear.
Maha Kumbh is mentioned in Vedas, Puranas and epics. The story of Samudra Manthan is told in detail in Shrimad Bhagwat Purana, Vishnu Purana and Mahabharata. According to the story of Samudra Manthan, the gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain Amrit. There was a fight between the gods and demons over the Amrit Kalash that came out of the churning, in which drops of Amrit fell at four places.
Similarly, Vishnu Purana also mentions that when Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun is in Aries, Kumbh is held in Haridwar. Similarly, when the Sun and Jupiter are in Leo, Kumbh takes place in Nasik. Kumbh takes place in Ujjain when Jupiter enters Aquarius. In Prayagraj, on the day of Magha Amavasya, the Sun and Moon are in Capricorn and Jupiter is in Aries. This astronomical calculation is followed precisely even today.
Historians are of the view that Kumbh Mela is older than the Indus Valley Civilisation. According to some historians, the organisation of Kumbh Mela started in a systematic form in the Gupta period (3rd to 5th century). Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang has also described the Kumbh Mela of Prayagraj during the reign of Emperor Harshvardhan in 629-645 AD. Tsang described it as a huge and grand event, in which innumerable sages, scholars and devotees participated. The form of Kumbh under the modern administrative structure started from the Gupta period and Shankaracharya made it a medium to connect religion and society.
Religious leaders believe that Kumbh Mela is ancient. It did not start from a single event but its tradition evolved along with human civilisation. This event is a heritage of humanity, in which there is a wonderful amalgamation of religion, culture and society.
Astronomical significance of Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela is based on astronomical events. The positions of the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn among the nine planets are believed to be significant for this event. The Puranas specifically underline the planets’ role in protecting the Amrit. The Kumbh Mela takes place every three years at four sacred sites: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik. After 12 years, the fair returns to its original venue.
The Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj is particularly important as it is the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years, while the Ardh Kumbh is held every 6 years and the Maha Kumbh every 144 years. The Maha Kumbh, held every 144 years, is seen as a joint festival of gods and humans. According to the scriptures, one year on earth is equal to one day of the gods. Based on this calculation, the interval of 144 years is celebrated as Maha Kumbh.
Mahakumbh: A mystery
Maha Kumbh is a unique event not only in India but in the whole world. In Western religions, social and political events are given more importance, but there is no such recognition of any philosophical or spiritual event. The astronomical basis of Kumbh Mela and its spiritual significance is a mystery for Western ideology.
This fair reflects the depth and vision of Sanatan Dharma, in which the search for truth is given priority. Unlike the Abrahamic religions, in Hindu dharma, no one imposes his beliefs on anyone, rather everyone has the right to believe in his own method of worship. This is a wonderful example of respect for diversity and tolerance.
Kumbh Mela today is not limited to Indians only. Foreign journalists, devotees, and tourists also participate in it. For them, it is an introduction to Indian culture and spirituality. From the Western point of view, this fair is an attempt to understand the esoteric concepts of the universe and life. Foreign writers and journalists call this fair ‘the world’s largest peaceful event’. They believe that Kumbh Mela reflects the vastness of Indian philosophy and spirituality.
Fair of saints in Maha Kumbh, a golden opportunity for householders too
The Kumbh Mela connects saints, ascetics, and householders (Grahasth). The Kumbh Mela offers a one-of-a-kind chance for both saints and ordinary people as it is a centre of sadhana, wisdom, and faith, where householders can learn about the core of religion through the satsangs of Sadhus. Sant Samaj makes an essential contribution to Kumbh by sharing its knowledge and expertise with ordinary people.
Some saints do not leave their places of worship and only appear during Kumbh. Devotees learn about the deep mysteries of life and the essence of religion from the saints. This festival is a unique confluence of Sadhna tradition, Grihastha tradition, and Kumbh Shastra.
In the city of Maha Kumbh, the tradition of Katha and Pravachan has given direction to the society for centuries. Katha and Pravachan are the medium of conveying difficult knowledge to the common people in simple language. Kathas organized by various Akharas and sects in Maha Kumbh shows the path of truth and religion to the devotees. Religious storytellers believe that these stories affect society at a deep level. Representatives of Akharas say that Katha and Pravachan are the medium of explaining the deep mysteries of life. Sociologists consider it a means of awakening the collective consciousness of Indian society. Devotees say that these Pravachans give them new vision and energy to life.
The Maha Kumbh is a meeting place of state power, social power and religious power
In the Kumbh Mela, there is no place for conversion or the imposition of any certain way of worship or theology. Everyone is allowed to come here and practice their own faith and way of worship. It is a living embodiment of the Indian tradition of unity in diversity.
Beyond the religious or spiritual aspect, the Kumbh Mela also represents a rare convergence of political power, social power, and religious power. Kumbh Mela exemplifies the peculiarity of Indian society, in which state power, social power, and religious power all operate together. Religious leaders, spiritual gurus, and administrators work together to operate the fair systematically. This event symbolises the foundation of an ideal society.
Maha Kumbh is such a confluence of Indian culture, religion and society, which gives the message of unity and tolerance not only to India but to the entire world. This event is mythologically, historically and philosophically invaluable. Maha Kumbh is a symbol of the spirit of coexistence and cultural prosperity of Indian society. It is not only a festival of faith, but also a platform where humanity, knowledge and consciousness meet.
