Ardha Kumbh Mela 2019
- Kumbh Mela at Allahabad
- Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela
- Kumbh Mela at Ujjain
- Kumbh Mela at Nasik
Kumbh Mela at Allahabad
Kumbh Mela at Allahabad
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that it is the city of God as the name itself, Allahabad, in Persion means Settled by God. It for this reason, which has been innumerably mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts, and the history of the place, both mythological and factual that makes it one of the most fascinating and one among the main holy cities in India, special to the hearts of Hindus in India and abroad. It’s the mythological history according to which, when Lord Brahma was done with creating the world, offered his first sacrifice here. Hence the justification of its ancient name Prayag, meaning Place of Sacrifice. The place also holds a special significance according to the Hindu scriptures for holding the confluence of three of the most sacred rivers of India: Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati at Triveni Sangam, which becomes the nucleus of all celebrations of Kumbh Mela.
Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela
Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela
Rivers have always held a special place in Hindu mythology, as these are considered to be the carriers of life and fertility. Hence the rivers always remain a part of almost all major festivals in India. One of the festivals which are worth mentioning in this context is Kumbh Mela. This fair is perhaps the largest religious gathering in any religion around the world. A vast number of people gather at different places and perform different rituals on this day by the banks of different rivers. The name Kumbh Mela consists of two words, the literal meaning of the name of the festival is, "Kumbh" which means a pitcher or a pot, the word Kumbh also signifies a Hindu sun sign, Aquarius. The word Mela means a fair or a gathering.
Kumbh Mela at Ujjain
Kumbh Mela at Ujjain
The celebration of Kumbh Mela takes place at the four sacred places as per the position of Sun and Jupiter in different zodiac signs. Poorna Kumbh is held at Ujjain once in every 12 years when the zodiac sign Scorpio (Vrishchik Rashi) indicates the presence of Jupiter and Sun. Ujjain is located at the bank of Shipra River in western region of Madhya Pradesh and is seen as one of the most sacred places in India. The city is enriched with several religious shrines such as Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir, Mahakaleshwar, Vikram Kirti Temple and many others. On the occasion of Kumbh Mela the divinity and spiritual aroma of Ujjain meets its highest peak when millions of pilgrims take dips and worship sacred River Shipra. Sages and devotees from every nook and corner attend the religious ceremony of Kumbh Mela to attain salvation and libration from the vicious cycle of birth-death-rebirth.
Kumbh Mela at Nasik
Kumbh Mela at Nasik
According to mythological stories and verses of epics the drops of Amrita or nectar fell at the Godavari River in Nasik when Lord Vishnu flew from earth to heaven after Samudra Manthan. That is the reason why the place is considered sacred and is of great importance amongst Hindus. In the lunar month of Magh when Sun and Jupiter are in Leo (Singh Rashi) zodiac sign Kumbh Mela is held at Trimbakeshwar in Nasik. The fair is celebrated with full passion and keenness in Nasik as one can evidence and about millions of pilgrims come here to wash away their sins in the holy river, Godavari. The two bathing ghats, Ramkund and Kushavarta holy reservoirs appreciate faith and belief of thousands of sadhus, holy men and millions of pilgrims as they take dips in holy River Godavari on the specific date and at specific time. As the administration is aware of the dates they start arranging accommodation facilities for the pilgrims who comes from all walks of life. The panorama of this festive season is worth watching.