Under the leadership of the Yogi government, the city of Prayagraj, also known as the Sangam city, is witnessing the historic and grand moments of the 45-day Maha Kumbh (Maha Kumbh Mela 2025) after 144 years. So far, nearly 7 crore devotees have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, with over 3 crore pilgrims visiting in the first three days of the festival, expressing their faith through the sacred bath.
This unique journey of India’s cultural heritage and spiritual devotion is not only a confluence of faith in the present but is also intertwined with the divine myth of the nectar-filled Kumbh mentioned in ancient scriptures. According to the Puranas, due to the curse of Rishi Durvasa, Lord Indra and other gods became powerless. The demons took advantage of this and defeated the gods. In their plight, the gods sought help from Lord Vishnu. Vishnu suggested that they churn the Kshir Sagar (ocean of milk) together with the demons to extract the nectar (amrit). In ancient times, the gods and demons had jointly churned the ocean, from which emerged 14 rare jewels, including a pot (Kumbh) filled with nectar.
When the pot of nectar appeared, Indra’s son Jayant took it and flew up into the sky. They continued to follow Jayant with their guru Shukracharya to capture the nectar. The fight between the gods and demons went on for 12 divine days equivalent to 12 human years. In the war, the Sun, the Moon, and Guru Brihaspati played significant roles in safeguarding the nectar. During this war, drops of nectar fell at four places, Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, so the four are holy places and are visited in each of them once in 12 years with Kumbh Mela.
Kumbh Mela: Mystery of the Date and Place Identification
The Kumbh Mela is determined according to astrological calculations and specific positions of planets. The Kumbh Mela date and place depend on the Sun, Jupiter, Moon, and Saturn positions. The fair takes place when the Sun and Jupiter enter a specific zodiac sign.
As per the mythology:
- The Moon guarded the nectar from getting carried away.
- Guru (Jupiter) concealed the pot.
- The Sun safeguarded the pot from breaking.
- Saturn protected it from Indra’s wrath.
This planetary position is therefore auspiciously seen for planning the Kumbh Mela.
Rules Regarding Determination of Place and Date
1. Prayagraj
When Jupiter enters the Taurus (Vrishabh) sign and the Sun enters Capricorn (Makar), the Kumbh Mela is held at Prayagraj. This place is significant in mythology as the Sun, Moon, Guru, and Saturn played vital roles in protecting the pot of nectar here.
2. Haridwar
The Kumbh Mela happens at Haridwar when the Sun moves through Aries (Mesh) and Jupiter moves through Aquarius (Kumbh).
3. Nashik
When the Sun and Jupiter move into Leo (Simha), the Kumbh Mela is observed at Nashik.
4. Ujjain
When Jupiter enters Leo and the Sun enters Aries, the Kumbh Mela is celebrated at Ujjain, and it is popularly known as the Simhastha Kumbh after the zodiac sign Leo.
Cycle and Order of Organization
The Kumbh Mela is held at the same location every 12 years, as Jupiter takes 12 years to complete a cycle. The Kumbh Mela rotates among the four locations (Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain) in a cyclical manner, with each location hosting it every three years.
The Central Role of the Ganga and the Cultural Significance of the Kumbh Mela
Another interpretation of the nectar myth relates to food during the Vedic era. In the Vedic period, “amrit” referred to food, symbolizing the beginning and prosperity of agriculture in India. Over time, in the mythological period, the Ganga was revered as the life-giving river, and was associated with amrit. The Kumbh Mela thus celebrates this connection between the nectar myth and the significance of the Ganga.
According to the Puranas, two of the four places where the nectar fell—Haridwar and Prayagraj—are located on the banks of the Ganga. Nashik, abutting the Godavari, is also described as ‘Gautami Ganga’ in the Puranas. Ujjain’s bonding with the Ganga is metaphorical in the sense that it is the Shipra River with which it has its cultural and spiritual bonding.
Thus, rivers like Ganga and others contribute to India’s cultural, religious, and agro heritage. Ritualistic bathing in the Ganga during the Kumbh Mela is the central theme, signifying purity. Sculptures of the Gupta period (4th-5th century AD) prominently feature the Kumbh, which denotes the deep-rooted cultural and historical connection between the Ganga and the Kumbh.
Social and Spiritual Aspects of the Kumbh Festival
The Kumbh Mela is a unique symbol of faith, devotion, and unity. Millions of pilgrims, seekers, and philanthropists gather to participate in it. The main attractions include prayers, bathing rituals, hymns, discourses, and religious events on the banks of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Sangam.
The tradition of rituals on the banks of rivers has always been seen as a symbol of devotion in Indian culture. Besides religious activities, the Kumbh Mela also includes cultural events that give it a global recognition. Thus, the Kumbh Mela is not only of religious importance but also serves as a living example of India’s culture, unity, and devotion.
Sadhus, saints, and householders all take part in the Kumbh Mela. After the ritual bath, devotees donate grains, clothes, money, or pure ghee-filled pots. Wealthy individuals donate according to their capacity. The event also provides an opportunity for saints and scholars to engage in discussions for the welfare of society.
In Indian culture, from ancient times, there has been a strong tradition of charity, pilgrimage, and spiritual growth. The Rigveda (10.117) says that wealthy individuals should help the poor, and prosperity is seen as a cycle, like the wheels of a chariot. Similarly, in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (5.2.3), a good person is he who has self-control, sympathy for all beings, and charity.
Mahabharata again lays emphasis on the fact that money should be earned honestly, charity distributed, and being hospitable. In this challenging world of today, Maha Kumbh Mela is a symbol of unity, purity, and knowledge. It reminds us that, though we may have different paths, we are basically united in our pursuit of peace, self-realization, and reverence for the sacred.
Hence, the Maha Kumbh Mela is scientifically defined as being spiritually deep but at the same time scientifically and economically relevant, leading to social harmony and inner accomplishment and as a rich cultural story of New India.