Kumbh Mela Festival | Types & Its Importance
Kumbh Mela or Kumbha Mela is a major festival and pilgrimage in hinduism. The largest public meeting took place at Kumbh Mela on February 4, 2019. Every process that Brihaspati (Jupiter) closings are celebrated at four river-bank pilgrimage sites like Prayagraj the intersection of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers at the Shipra. This cycle of festivals lasts for around 12 years. At Kumbh melas one can observe sadhus dressed in saffron, wiping ash on their skins, and sporting Rudraksha beads and rudraksha mala (some sects even dress in naga or nude clothing). You can improve your religious journey towards Lord Shiva with our authentic product. Buy rudraksha beads at an affordable price to elevate your meditation practice. Now you can take a holy dive or bath at a suitable time leads to moksha and purifies sins. Jupiter’s and the sun’s positions select the festivals date, time and location.
Kumbh Mela has, a deep spiritual impact on the nation and common Indians are enchanted by it. The event is extraordinarily rich in information, encompassing astrology, spirituality, ritualistic traditions, astronomy, and social and cultural conventions and practices.
Mythology Behind Kumbh Mela
Hindu mythology states that Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini, a stunning goddess to keep demons from acquiring the Amrit when the ocean is churning. But amid their effort, some drops of this Amrit fell to Earth. It is thought that these four cities have been endowed with these drops. Cleansing in these holy rivers is also said to provide spiritual benefits. At the Kumbh Mela soul can be purified and guided towards moksha freedom. In Haridwar, taking a bath in the Ganga river is said to wash away sins.
History Of Kumbh Mela
As per Hindu mythology, the kumbh mela history has a deep root in the Vedic Period. It is thought that the origin happened during a bloody battle between Demons and Gods over a Kumbha that held the Amrit known as the drink of immortality. Pryaraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik are four different Kumbh Mela places that received drops of Amrit. These four places now host the Kumbh Mela every 12 years. The Chinese adventurer Faxian who visited India told of his travel to Prayagraj, where he noticed a large gathering of ascetics bathing in the Ganges (a sacred river) and performing different practices.
As cited in Skanda Purana, Kumbh Mela is not just celebrated where the Amrit Kalasa was put down. But also where the drink spilt along with the putting down of the kalasa. It is thought that individual locations gained mystical powers from these drops. For as long as anyone can recall, Kumbh Mela has been celebrated in all four places since long as one can remember.
What happens every 144 years In Kumbh Mela?
A normal Kumbh Mela occurs every 3 years and an Ardh Kumbh Mela Occurs every six years at Haridwar and Prayagraj. The Purna Kumbh Mela occurs every 12 years depending on planetary motions. After 144 years after 12 Purna Kumbh Melas, Prayagraj hosts the Maha Kumbh Mela. The kumbh mela location is determined by the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter in different Zodiac signs during that time. The 54-day Kumbh Mela in 2024 was held in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), India. take place from January 15th to March 8th. The upcoming Kumbh mela 2025 will be organised in Prayagraj(formerly Allahabad) from January 14 to February 26.
Types of Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela is held in Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain as was earlier noted. These are the various kinds of Kumbh mela places mentioned below:
- Magh Mela: Every 3 years, Nashik, Ujjain, Allahabad and Haridwar host the Kumbh Mela.
- Ardh Kumbh Mela: Every 6 years, the Kumbh Mela is hosted by Haridwar and Allahabad.
- Purna Kumbh Mela: Every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela is only hosted in Allahabad.
- Maha Kumbh Mela: Every 144 years, only Allahabad servers the Kumbh Mela.
Importance of Kumbh Mela
The kumbh mela festival has great importance and has strong beliefs. Millions of people attend the largest religious gathering from all over the world specifically from India. This festival is regarded as a holy occasion that brings together kumbh mela sadhu, spiritual devotees, and spiritual seekers to take part in different prayers and rituals.
The kumbha mela capacity to unite individuals from all walks of life is one of its most important and still relevant features. The Kumbh Mela breaks down barriers of caste, creed, and religion, acting as a unifying force in a society where divides and conflicts are common. At this enormous celebration, millions of people gather from all across India and the globe to celebrate their common dedication and ideals.
Furthermore the Kumbh Mela highlights the importance of conservation and practicality. The celebration is held near the banks of Hindu religious rivers such as the Godavari, Yamuna, Ganga and Saraswati. As a result during the celebration attention is paid to maintaining these rivers cleanliness. To maintain the cleanliness of these rivers during this period the government took some steps such as temporary bans on industrial activities near these rivers. This not only promotes environmental understanding but also highlights the spiritual bond between humans and nature. The upcoming Kumbh mela will be held at Prayagraj(formally Allahabad).
Final Words
For millions of people the Kumbh Mela is not just a religious festival, but a cultural event of huge importance. It represents the harmony and togetherness of India where people from different surroundings come together to celebrate and purify their souls. The Kumbh Mela imparts lessons to us about the strength of society, religion and devotion through its rich mythology and customs. A Naga sadhu wears Rudraksha garlands because of its powers and health benefits that maintain calmness and stability of mind. So if you are looking to buy rudraksha online to attain its benefits purchase it from a trusted and verified seller like vedicrealms.