Kumbh Mela

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Origin of the Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh’s mythological importance is centered on the tale of the samudra manthan (Ocean Churning), where the Gods and demons churned the ocean to procure priceless jewels and the nectar of immortality. The Mandrachala Mountain turned into the churning stick while the Nagraja Vasuki served as the rope. Vishnu incarnated as a tortoise, called Kasava, to support Mount Mandrachala and prevent it from sinking into the ocean. This story symbolizes the churning of our minds to delve deeper into ourselves, the source of all power and auspicious things, ultimately leading to liberation or immortality.

The first substance to appear from the churning was a deadly poison, which Lord Shiva consumed, leading him to be known as Nilkantha. As the churning continued, Kamadhenu, Ucchaisravas, and Jayanta, the son of Lord Indra, emerged from the process. Jayanta spotted the pot filled with nectar, known as amrita kalasa, and swiftly seized it from the hands of God Dhanvantari. Seeing this, Lord Shukracharya, the demons’ Guru, alerted the demons, and they pursued Jayanta. Based on divine time calculations where a day for the Gods equals a year for mortal beings, Jayanta ran for 12 days to prevent the amrita kalasha from falling into the hands of the demons.

Over the course of twelve years, Jayanta placed the amrit kalasha at four different locations: Haridwar, Prayag, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, and Ujjain. . At each of these places, a special astrological alignment occurred, coinciding with the Kumbh Mela festivities held there. God Brihaspati, along with his son Lord Shani and the Moon, successfully protected the nectar pot from the demons, which all ensured the nectar kumbh remained intact.

According to the Skanda Purana, Kumbh Mela is celebrated not only at the site where the pot of nectar was placed, but also where the nectar spilled while placing the pot. These drops are thought to have bestowed mystical abilities upon these locations. Kumbh Mela has been celebrated in each of the four places for as long as anyone can remember in order to gain power.

The regular Kumbh Mela occurs every 3 years, while the Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela happens every six years in Haridwar and Allahabad (Prayag). The Purna (complete) Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years in four locations: Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, based on planetary movements. The Maha Kumbh Mela is observed in Prayag after 144 years (after 12 ‘Purna Kumbh Melas’). The decision for the Kumbh Mela venue depends on the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter in different zodiac signs during that period.

Kumbh’s astrological significance has to do with the movement of planets and stars along specific alignments. According to the Vedas, the Sun is regarded as a life-giving entity or soul. The moon is revered as the ruler of the mind. Jupiter, also known as Brihaspati, is revered as the Guru of the Gods. Since Jupiter takes nearly a decade to circle the entire zodiac, the Kumbh is observed in observance at one location once every twelve years

Akharas

The Akharas, ancient Hindu ascetic sects and saints, are central to the rituals and ceremonies of the Kumbh Mela. They are more than just religious organizations; they uphold ancient customs ranging from intense self-discipline to deep spiritual lessons. Every Akhara adds to the diverse fabric of the Kumbh Mela with its distinct identity, philosophy, and practices.

The beginnings of the Akharas date back to ancient times when they were formed to safeguard and advance religious and cultural traditions during foreign invasions and societal shifts. In the medieval era, Akharas protected temples and holy places and offered a organized system for ascetics who gave up worldly life, especially during times of invasions.

The primary divisions among Akharas are Shaiva Akharas, which honor Lord Shiva, and Vaishnava Akharas, which worship Lord Vishnu. Every Akhara follows a hierarchical setup, usually headed by a Mahant (leader) or Acharya (spiritual guide) responsible for both spiritual and administrative duties.

Akharas hold immense significance in Hinduism for several reasons:

• Preservation of Tradition
• Spiritual Training
• Cultural Custodians
• Martial Heritage
• Martial Heritage

The first to participate in the ‘Shahi Snan’ holy bath at the Kumbh Mela were the Sadhus from 13 different Akharas, including seven Shaiva, three Vaishnava, two Udasina, and one Sikh. The Akharas, esteemed groups of ascetics and saints, each with their own customs and rituals, are central to this significant occasion.

 The major Akharas that play a pivotal role in the Kumbh Mela:

• Naga Akhara
• Niranjani Akhara
• Vaishnav Akhara
• Juna Akhara
• Mahanirvani Akhara
• Kinnar Akhara

 Shahi Snan (Royal Bath)

In the past, it was essential for ascetics and saints in Akharas to kill in order to defend Dharma. Because bathing in the Ganga River is believed to cleanse sins, the Shahi Snan ceremony is typically reserved for the armed Ascetics and Saints in the Akharas. The tradition has persisted up to this day.

A Shahi Snan is when saints and their followers or Akharas’ ascetics bathe at a specific time on auspicious days in the river during the Kumbh Mela. Akharas and their followers demonstrate their power and opulence during the procession for Shahi Snan, or Royal bathing. Akharas march like a military unit alongside their followers riding on horses and elephants accompanied by the sounds of different musical instruments like Dhol, Tasha, Nagare, etc., earning the name Shahi Snan.

The timing for Royal bathing is determined according to the positions of the planets. The practice of Shahi Snan/Royal bathing originated between the 14th and 16th centuries. All the akharas are eager to have the first chance to bathe during the Royal Bathing ceremony. In order to prevent any conflicts among akharas, each akhara follows a specific schedule in a particular order. According to the most recent information, there are scheduled to be 7 Shahi Snan at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela in 2025. In Kumbh Mela Prayagraj 2025, the Shahi Snan days typically include Paush Poornima, Makar Sankranti Snan, Mauni Amavasya Snan, Basant Panchami Snan, Achla Saptami,  Maghi Poornima & Mahashivratri Snan. Additionally, it is thought that taking a sacred bath during the royal bathing ceremony at the Kumbh Mela can result in achieving immortality.

After finishing the Shahi Snan the devotee and other people start taking Holy Dip in the River and wash off their sins.

Dates of Shahi Snans (Main bathing dates)

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