The Maha Kumbh Mela is India’s largest religious and cultural event held every 12 years. This time Mahakumbh is being organized in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Crores of devotees come to this holy fair to bathe, meditate, and donate, because it is believed that by bathing in Kumbh, a person’s sins are washed away and he attains salvation. But have you ever wondered how this tradition of Mahakumbh started?
This event is associated with a legend which mentions the churning of the ocean and a small mistake of the moon. Due to this mistake, drops of nectar fell on the earth, thereby making places like Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik sacred.
Story of Samudra Manthan and Amrit
According to the Puranas, Samudra Manthan took place between the gods and demons to attain power and immortality.
- Many divine things emerged from the churning, such as Lakshmi, the Kamadhenu cow, the Parijat tree, and most importantly the Amrit Kalash.
- There was a struggle between the gods and the demons to get the nectar.
- The demons captured the nectar pot, but the gods gave the responsibility to Indra’s son Jayanta to bring it back.
Responsibility for the safety of nectar
When Jayanta ran away with the Amrit Kalash, the gods made special arrangements to ensure its safety.
- Sun God: Responsibility of protecting the Amrit Kalash from breaking.
- Moon: Ensuring that the nectar does not spill.
- Guru Brihaspati: The task of stopping the demons.
- Shani Dev: Keep an eye on Jayant so that he does not drink the nectar himself.
Moon’s fault and drops of nectar
When the gods were returning to heaven with the nectar pot, the moon made a mistake. Due to his carelessness four drops of nectar fell on the ground.
- These drops fell in Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
- These four places started being considered sacred since then.
- Mahakumbh is organized here every 12 years.
Astronomical positions and Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela is deeply associated with astronomical events.
- This fair is organized when the planets Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn come in a particular position.
- This astronomical situation occurs every 12 years, due to which this time is considered very auspicious.
- It is believed that by taking bath in Kumbh at this time, a person’s sins are washed away and he gets spiritual progress.
Importance of Kumbh bath
Taking bath in Kumbh Mela has deep significance from religious and spiritual point of view.
- Destruction of sins: It is said that by taking bath in Kumbh, the sins of many births of a person are washed away.
- Attainment of Moksha: This bath provides mental peace and spiritual progress, which helps in moving towards salvation.
- Religious Rituals: Along with bathing, devotees purify their lives here by making donations, meditating, and offering prayers.
Mahakumbh: Symbol of culture and faith
Mahakumbh is not just a religious event, it is also a symbol of Indian culture, unity and faith.
- Crores of devotees come here from all over the world.
- Mahakumbh not only provides spiritual peace but is also a medium for social and cultural engagement.
