Tag: Triveni Sangam

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Even though there was immense fog and   at Prayagraj and a chance of rain, Kumbh Mela 2025 started off with an immense pour of devotees. Yet, on Monday (January 13), tens of thousands had arrived in the city to camp on the banks of the Ganga. They are staying in the tents to have a holy dip in the river, and the ones who are the most devout are taking a dip at dawn while stars are still twinkling. This time,  Maha Kumbh, also known as the Poorna Kumbh, is a celebration that happens once every 12 years. Several myths surround Kumbh Mela, multiple theories about exactly how old this festival is. It is said the festival is described in the Vedas and the Puranas. Some claim that it is more recent than this, barely a couple of hundred years old. One thing, however, is well established: this is one of the greatest congregations of worshippers anywhere in the world. But what is Kumbh Mela and why is it held in four cities periodically? From where does this festival originate and why do millions attend it? What is Kumbh Mela- Astrology & Mythology Behind It? Kumbh Mela is a chance to wash away your sins and garner pious merit (punyas). Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon are considered to coalesce in the holy festival in such a way that the rivers, though sacred, become life-giving and purifying for the souls. It is observed when Jupiter (Brihaspati) enters Aquarius (Kumbha Rashi) and the Sun enters Aries (Mesha Rashi). This rare planetary combination occurs once in about 12 years; hence, it is considered a good time for spiritual practices. And this year, in 2025, it is scheduled to take place from January 14 to February 26, 2025. The Mythological Story Behind Maha Kumbh Mela One of the most popular and amazing mythological stories found in ancient Indian texts is Amrita Manthan, that is, the churning of the ocean for nectar, the celestial water of immortality. As the story goes, once the gods and demons agreed to churn the great ocean and share the treasures or the ‘ratnas’ that would emerge from it. There were long arguments about how this can be accomplished and how everything will be divided. The most precious treasure was the nectar- Amrit. Both the gods and the demons laid claims to it. One who drinks will become immortal and therefore all-powerful and indestructible. Gods could never accept this. The legend goes that the gods and the demons fight for a pot of nectar (Amrit Kumbh): the nectar of immortality. Lord Vishnu, disguising himself as an enchantress (Mohini), seized the nectar from the demons. While fleeing from the evil ones, Lord Vishnu passed the nectar on to his winged mount, Garuda. The demons finally caught up with Garuda, and in the ensuing struggle, a few drops of the precious nectar fell on Allahabad, Nasik, Haridwar and Ujjain. Since then, the Kumbh Mela has been held in all these places, alternatively, every 12 years. Finally, the churning began with a mountain peak used as the churning rod and the great serpent volunteering to become the rope to be used for turning it. There was a dispute over which side – the head or the tail of the serpent would be held by who, the gods or demons. Finally, the churning began. Among other things, the celestial horse, the elephant, the divine cow etc. were the deadliest of poisons called ‘Halaahal’. Its appearance could kill all life. Shiva, the supreme god, offered to swallow it to save the creation. As each thing, animal, even the four Vedas—emerged, each was presented to different gods. Their eyes were on the pot of nectar. As soon as it came out of the water, the demons tricked the gods to take part of it. But the demon Rahu who took it first was at once beheaded. In spite of it the head remained alive. According to a belief, whenever Rahu swallows the sun, there is a solar eclipse. During the chase for the pot of nectar between gods and demons, it was kept on the ground a number of times. Those spots became holy and later the venue for holding the Kumbh Mela (fair). A-Listers At Maha Kumbh Mela: Personalities from across the globe will attend the 2025 mela, which is expected, and some are already being spotted in Prayagraj. Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of Apple founder Steve Jobs, was spotted at the ashram of her guru Swami Kailashnand Giri, the Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Niranjini Akhara. She came along with her 40-member team for the Maha Kumbh mela. Tibetian leader Dalai Lama has also attended the Maha Kumbhs. Bollywood big names like Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Ravi Kishan are also likely to visit the spiritual festival. Devotional singer Anup Jalota is also likely to appear in Prayagraj and sing at the Maha Kumbh Mela. Along with him, Shankar Mahadevan, Kailash Kher, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Hariharan, Mohit Chauhan, Shaan, Hans Raj Hans, and Maithili Thakur will also perform at the Ganga Pandal during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Besides celebrities, fans from Japan, Russia, South Korea, Europe, and other countries have also visited India to witness the 45-day festival. Devotees At Maha Kumbh and Their Accommodations The once-in-144-year event will go on until February 26 and will attract around 450 million devotees and pilgrims from around the world. Planning a visit to the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025? Here’s your guide to experiencing the once-in-generations event in Prayagraj. One can visit the Maha Kumbh on the six auspicious bathing days, which will draw massive crowds, or people can opt for other days when the site might be less crowded. Accomodations: According to the Kumbh official website, the Uttar Pradesh government has devised various short-term tent towns adjacent to the Triveni Sangam: premium tents and makeshift shelters for dormitories, made available for accommodation of pilgrims. Stay In Mela Area Tent cities at