[Shriya Pandey]

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The origin of Kumbh and its significance

The Kumbh Mela signifies the eternal struggle between good and evil, the victory of righteousness, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. The event is considered to be not only a religious mark but also a cultural and social phenomenon that attracts people of various backgrounds and beliefs, making it a unique and revered tradition in India. The festival is traditionally credited to the 8th-century Hindu philosopher and saint Adi Shankara as a part of his efforts to initiate Hindu gatherings for philosophical discussions and debates across the Indian subcontinent. Kumbh Mela, also called Kumbha Mela, is celebrated four times over the course of 12 years. No doubt it is the largest gathering of faith in which the people of the whole world participate and take bathe in the sacred holy river. The word kumbh is derived from the immortal pot of nectar which the devtas and the demons fought over as described in the ancient Vedic scriptures.

Story behind Kumbh

The mythological significance of Kumbh Mela revolves around the story of the Samudra Manthan or ocean churning which was done by the gods and demons to obtain the invaluable ratnas or the jewels and the amrita. The mountain called Mandrachala became a churning stick and the Nagraja Vasuki acted as the rope. Lord Vishnu himself took the form of Kasava (tortoise) and went deep inside the sea to carry the Mandara mountain on his back. Thus, by enduring the weight on his back Lord Vishnu ensured that the churning of the ocean takes place without any hurdles. And by helping the Devas in the endeavor to obtain the Amrit, Lord Vishnu saved the human race.

The Quest for Amrita: As the churning of the ocean began, various divine objects and beings emerged from the depths of the ocean. These included a pot (kumbha) containing the nectar of immortality (amrita).

The Battle for the Nectar: A fierce battle ensued between the Devas and the Asuras over possession of the amrita. It became clear that only the Devas were to be entrusted with the amrita as they were the rightful owners.

A Chase for 12 Days: The Devas managed to seize the pot (kumbha) containing the precious amrita from the Asuras. They began to flee with it. The chase for the amrita continued for twelve days and twelve nights, equivalent to twelve human years.

Drops of Nectar: During the chase, a few drops of the amrita fell at four different locations on Earth, and these are the places where the Kumbh Mela is now celebrated. These sacred drops of nectar fell in Allahabad (Prayagraj), Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.

 Significance of Kumbh

The Kumbh Mela is considered one of the largest gatherings of humanity on Earth and is a significant religious and cultural event in India. Pilgrims and devotees come from all over India and the world to take a holy dip in the sacred rivers at these locations, seeking spiritual purification and blessings.

The Kumbh Mela is treated more as a religious festival and has been glorified for years. In the course of 12 years, the site of the observance rotates between four pilgrimage places on four sacred rivers—at Haridwar on the Ganges River, at Ujjain on the Shipra, at Nashik on the Godavari, and at Prayag (modern Prayagraj) at the confluence of the Ganges, the Jamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati. People from all facets of Bharat attend the Kumbh Mela, ranging from sadhus (holy men), who remain naked year-round or practice the most severe physical discipline, to hermits, who leave their isolation only for these pilgrimages, and even to silk-clad teachers using the latest technology.  From political lobbyists to social welfare societies, religious institutions are represented. Numerous followers, companions, and onlookers join the organizations and individual ascetics.

The holiest locations are frequently claimed by the naga akharas, violent ascetic organizations whose members formerly earned their livings as mercenary soldiers and traders, at each Kumbh Mela’s most advantageous time. Even though the Indian government currently upholds a set bathing order, history documents violent conflicts between communities that were competing for dominance. This religious quest has a great mark on the history of Sanatan dharma and takes you to the breathtaking history of Sanatan dharma.

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