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The light of Kumbha Mela

Near Triveni Sangam – the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers – lies the ancient Indian city of Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad). Here a magnificent spiritual event, the Maha Kumbha Mela, takes place every twelve years. This sacred event attracts millions of devotees from all around the globe. They arrive for one reason: to take a dip in holy waters.

The Origins of Kumbh Mela

The roots of the Kumbh Mela can be traced to the Puranas ancient Indian texts that narrate the celestial tale of the samudra manthan, or the churning of the ocean by the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) in the search of amrita (the nectar of immortality). The first to emerge from the divine churning of the ocean was a venomous poison. God Shiva, in an act of immense compassion, drank this poison and kept it in his throat, earning the name Nilkantha (the blue-throated one). The churning continued, producing fourteen different ratanas (celestial gems) such as Kamdhenu (the wish-fulfilling cow).

When Lord Dhanvantari emerged holding the Amrita Kalasha (pot of nectar), it was seized by Jayanta, the son of god Indra. To prevent the nectar from falling into the hands of demons, Jayanta fled and carried the kalasha for 12 divine days, equivalent to 12 human years, resting at four locations:

  • Haridwar, on the banks of the River Ganga
  • Prayagraj (Allahabad), at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers
  • Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, on the banks of the River Godavari
  • Ujjain, on the banks of the River Kshipra

At each site, unique celestial alignments of the Moon, Sun, and Jupiter occur, creating auspicious moments that have become the foundation for the Kumbha Mela.

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Significance of the Sacred Sites

According to the Skanda Purana, the Kumbha Mela is celebrated not only at the locations where the Amrita Kalasha was placed but also where drops of amrita spilt. These drops are believed to have imbued these places with divine energy and spiritual power.

The Kumbha Mela Cycle:

  • Kumbha Mela: held every three years, rotating among Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik.
  • Ardh Kumbha Mela: held every six years at Haridwar and Prayagraj.
  • Purna Kumbha Mela: held every twelve years exclusively at Prayagraj, also called Maha Kumbha Mela.
  • Maha Kumbha Mela: held once every 144 years (following 12 Purna Kumbha Melas), only at Prayagraj.

Spiritual and Cultural Importance

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Bathing in the holy rivers during the Kumbha Mela is believed to purify the body, mind and soul, leading to liberation from karmas (sins) and the cycle of rebirth. Pilgrims offer prayers, seek blessings and engage in acts of devotion. It is also a place for spiritual leaders, scholars and self-realised souls to share wisdom, discuss societal issues, and inspire humanity toward higher ideals. The UNESCO recognition of the Kumbha Mela as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, in 2017, further emphasizes its cultural and spiritual significance.

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Vishwaguruji on Kumbh Mela

Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Sri Swami Maheshwarananda, Vishwaguruji, esteemed author of the Yoga in Daily Life System, frequently emphasizes that whatever exists in the universe also exists within the human body, "The true essence of Kumbha Mela can be fully understood and experienced through the practice of yoga."

The three holiest rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati – symbolise purity, grace and wisdom on the path to liberation. Ganga and Yamuna flow on the surface, but Saraswati flows underground. It rises to the surface only once every twelve years. This event happens in conjunction with a particular planetary constellation of the Moon, Sun and Jupiter, during which time, the Kumbha Mela is held at the sangam, or confluence, of the three rivers.

In yoga, these three rivers correspond to the three primary energy channels or nadis: ida (representing the Moon principle), pingala (representing the Sun principle), and sushumna (representing consciousness), which correspond to the parasympathetic, sympathetic and central nervous systems respectively.

At several places along the spinal column the nadis form a type of knot (granth), each of which constitutes a key point in spiritual development. The intersection of these three nadis in the Agya Chakra (the 'eyebrow centre'), also referred to as Brikuti, Trikuti or Trinetra, embodies the essence of the Kumbha Mela. This is the holy place of pilgrimage where the yogi attains spiritual awakening and liberation. With the spiritual awakening, all negative impressions and sins dissolve. One becomes "that great one", who always thinks positively and works positively. In such a person, there is only light, no darkness; only love, no hatred. Such a person is a blessing for the whole world.

The Kumbh also represents the pot of nectar within us, located in the Bindu Chakra of the subtle body. This nectar can be accessed through the advanced yogic practice of kechari mudra.

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The Festival of Purna or Maha Kumbha Mela

The Purna or Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is the most ancient and significant. The next event is scheduled from 13 January to 26 February 2025, and is expected to draw many millions of spiritual seekers, saints, spiritual leaders, sadhus, swamis (Hindu monastics) and gurus to the sacred confluence. Beyond a pilgrimage, the Maha Kumbh Mela is a living testament to India's rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.

The Yoga in Daily Life System, as taught by Vishwaguruji, guides practitioners to understand the deeper meaning of the Kumbha Mela. It illuminates the path to inner harmony, self-realisation and spiritual enlightenment.

This magnificent event radiates messages of peace, unity, and harmony, offering blessings to the entire world. The Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a festival but a timeless celebration of humanity's spiritual journey.

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