Kumbh-Mela, An Introduction

‘Kumbha’ is a Sanskrit word meaning a Pot (Vase) of specific design ,traditionally, it is made by a particular community called Kumbhars (Potters) also known as Prajapatis.In the context of Hinduism ,Jainism and Bhudhism the kumbha symbolises the womb and represents fertility, life, sustenance and generative power of human beings. Often goddesses specially the Ganges are depicted holding this Kumbh full of Gold coins in her hand.While the word ‘Mela’ means 'a Gathering' or 'a meet', or simply a fair.

According to Hindu mythology, the first kumbha was created by Prajapati on the occasion of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, so he was first kumbhara "potter". Another myth says that the first Kumbh (Pot) was created by god Vishwakarma on the occasion of the churning of the ocean for the first keeping safely the Amrit (Nector) Kumbhas (sometimes also mentioned as Kalashas) filled with water and decorated with fresh leaves motifs, ornaments are still an integral part of the most of the Hindu religious ceremonies and rituals. In Indian astrology the Kumbh stands for the zodiac sign Aquarius. This particular festival is called Kumbh Mela because it is also celebrated when the planet Brihhaspati (Jupiter) enters the house of Kumbh (Aquarius).

Sacred Activities during the Kumbh

Bathing in the scared rivers during this auspicious time is said to wash away your karmic debt (sins).In other word participating in Kumbh is literally a shortcut to spiritual liberation (moksha), the liberation from the painful and endless cycle of life and death. Kumbh Mela is widely mentioned in ancient Indian texts like Brahma Purana and Vishnu Purana. Scriptures suggests that one must faithfully bath in the sacred rivers and indulge in activities like religious discussions, devotional singing, mass feeding of holy men and women and the poor. Durimg Kumbh there are many religious assemblies, where spiritual doctrines are debated and their meanings discovered. Kumbh Mela in this way is the most sacred of all the Hindu pilgrimages.

• Kumbha is a Sanskrit word meaning a Pot (Vase) of a specific design. In the context of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism the Kumbh symbolizes the womb and represents fertility, life, sustenance, and generative power of human beings.
• Often goddesses especially the Ganges are depicted holding this Kumbh full of Gold coins in their hands. While the word ‘Mela’ means 'a Gathering' or 'a meet', or simply a fair.
• According to Hindu mythology, the first Kumbha was created by Prajapati on the occasion of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, so he was the first kumbhara "potter".
• Another myth says that the first Kumbh (Pot) was created by the god Vishwakarma on the occasion of the churning of the ocean for the first keeping safely the Amrit (Nectar) Kumbha's (sometimes also mentioned as Kalashas) filled with water and decorated with fresh leaves motifs, ornaments are still an integral part of the most of the Hindu religious ceremonies and rituals.

Astrological & Geographical Significance

• The planet Jupiter plays a pivotal role in the calculation of place and time for KumbhMela.Jupiter takes approximately 12 years (eleven years, ten months, and fourteen days) to complete its revolution around the sun, so approximately once in twelve years the sun earth and Jupiter align the same way as they were aligned during the great churning of the ocean done by Gods and demons.
• This astronomical alignment in the universe makes the water of the four places where the nectar fell on earth vitally energized. When one takes a dip in the holy waters during this period of Kumbh, it is believed that energies through the water can effect a positive change in the mind, body, and spirit of human beings, in other words, cleanses the life free of sins.
• In Hindu culture, the sun and the moon represent the human rational mind and intellect, and Jupiter known, as a guru is a spiritual master. Philosophically when the human mind and intellect are aligned with the guru, the result
• The four Places where the Kumbh Mela takes place on earth are Prayag, Haridwar, Nashik (Trimbakeshwar), and Ujjain. The months over which the festival is observed cycle at each site approximately once in every 12 years based on the Hindu calendar and during specific astrological positions of Jupiter, Sun, and Moon.
• The position of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter in different zodiac signs determines the Kumbh-Mela to be held in any of these four places. Kumbh is celebrated after every 12 Years at each of these four places and keeps rotating after every three years at the remaining places.
• The fight for Nectar (Amrit) between Gods and Demons lasted for 12 Days of the realm of Gods, which equals to 12 Years of the earth. That’s why Maha- Kumbh is celebrated only after every 12 years.
• In the year 2025 in the month of Magh (Hindi month), when the sun will be in the Zodiac of Capricorn and Jupiter will be in Taurus, Maha- Kumbh Mela will be held in Prayagraj at Sangam (Confluence) the three most sacred rivers.

Mythological story of Samudra-Manthana (Churning of the ocean)

This mythological event of extracting the nectar from the ocean is called ‘Samudramanthana’ because the word ‘Samundar’ literarily means the ocean and Manthan means ‘Churning’ and is one of the best-known episodes in the Hindu philosophy narrated in the Shrimad Bhagwad Mahapurana , Mahabharta and in the Vishnu Purana. It was done collectively by both the Gods and Demons to get Amrita (the nectar of immortality).After churning of the ocean finally when they got the Pot full of nectar , a fight started between Gods and demons and few drops this nector spilled at Four places and only at these four places Kumbh Mela is celebrated. According to Hindu mythology Jupiter saved the pot from demons while Sun insured the safety of Pot and Moon insured that Nectar does not spill. Therefore “Whenever these three celestial bodies align, Maha kumbh occurs.”

According to the ancient legand Indra, the King of Gods (Devatas), while riding on an elephant, came across a sage named Durvasa who offered him a special garland. Indra accepted the garland, placing it on the trunk of the elephant. The elephant, irritated by the smell of the garland, threw it to the ground. This enraged the sage as the garland was a dwelling of Sri (fortune) and was to be treated as prasada.Durvasa Muni cursed Indra and all devas to be deprived of the all strength, energy, and fortune. In battles that followed this incident, Devas were defeated and Asuras (demons) led by king Bali gained control of the universe. Devas sought help from god Vishnu who advised them to treat Asuras in a diplomatic manner. Devas formed an alliance with Asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality and to share it among them. However, Lord Vishnu told Devas that he would arrange that they alone obtain the nectar. The churning of the Ocean of Milk or the Milky Way was an elaborate process. Mount Mandarachala was used as the churning rod, and Vasuki, the king of serpents, became the churning rope The demons (Asuras) demanded to hold the head of the snake, while the demigods (devas), taking advice from Vishnu, agreed to hold its tail. As a result the demons were poisoned by fumes emitted by Vasuki. Despite this, the demigods and demons pulled back and forth on the snake's body alternately, causing the mountain to rotate, which in turn churned the ocean.

However, once the mountain was placed on the ocean, it began to sink. Vishnu in his second incarnation, in the form of a turtle Kurma, came to their rescue and supported the mountain on his back.

During the “Samudra-Manthan” (Churning of occen to get the divine nectar of immortality) by the gods and demons, one of the product emerged from the churning was a dangerous poison (Halahala).This terrified the gods and demons because the poison was so toxic that it might have destroyed all of creation. On the advice of Vishnu, the gods approached Shiva for help and protection.

Out of compassion for living beings, Shiva swallowed the poison in an act of self-sacrifice. However, his consort Parvati who was looking on, terrified at the thought of his impending death, prevented the poison from descending into his body. Thus the poison was stuck in Shiva's throat with nowhere to go, and it was so potent that it changed the color of Shiva's neck to blue. For this reason, he is also called Nilakanta (the blue-throated one; "Neela" = "blue", "Kantha" = "throat"in Sanskrit).When the heat from the poison had become unbearable Shiva is supposed to have used his Trishul (Trident) to dig for water and it formed the Gosaikunda lake.

All kinds of herbs were cast into the ocean and14 Ratnas (gems or treasures) were produced from the ocean and were divided between Asuras and Gods. Though usually the Ratnas are enumerated as 14, the list in the scriptures ranges from 9 to 14 Ratnas. According to the quality of the treasures produced, they were accepted by Vishnu, the Devas, and the Asuras. There were three categories of Goddesses which emerged from the ocean;

• Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune and Wealth -accepted by Vishnu as His eternal consort.
• Apsaras, various divine nymphs like Rambha, Menaka (wife of Indra), Punjikasthala, etc. given to the demigods.
• Varuni or Sura, goddess and creator of alcohol -taken - somewhat reluctantly (she appeareddishevelled and argumentative) - by the demons.
• Kamadhenu or Surabhi (sanskrit:k?madhuk), the wish-granting divinecow - taken by Vishnu, and given to sages so the ghee obtained from her milk could be used in rituals (sacrifices).
• Airavata, and several other elephants, taken byIndra, leader of the devas.
• Uchhaishravas, the divine 7-headed horse -given to the demons.
• Likewise, three types of supernatural animals appeared;
• Kaustubha, the most valuable jewel in the world, worn by Vishnu
• Parijat, the divine flowering tree with blossoms that never fade or wilt - taken to Indraloka by the devas.
• A powerful bow - symbolic of the demon's belligerence.
• Chandra, the moon which adorned Shiva's head
• Dhanvantari, the doctor of the gods with Amritathe nectar of immortality. (At times, considered as two different Ratnas)
• Halahala, the poison swallowed by Shiva
• Shankha Vishnu's conch
• Jyestha - the goddess of misfortune
• the umbrella taken by Varuna
• the earrings given to Aditi, by her son Indra
• Tulasi plant
• Nidra or sloth
Finally emerged, Dhanvantari, the heavenly physician holding the pot containing Amrita, the heavenly nectar ofimmortality. To drink this nectara fierce battle commenced between Devas and Asuras.

Main Attractions of Maha Kumbh Mela

During the Kumbh Mela attractions are practically endless. At every step during entire period of event there are celebrations, rituals, bathing, spiritual discourses and Cultural events go on uninterruptedly. All the important Akharas have their pavallions in Kumbh Mela ground and they take an collective bath (Shahi Snaan) in the confluence of the rivers (Sangam) early morning on specific dates and that is the most spectacular event to watch.

Different orders of Sadhus (Monks) and their life styles

Naga Sadhus

The most important attractions for visitors to the Kumbh Mela are Often Naga Sadhus, who seem to be furious, exotic and covered with Ashes. They have matted locks and are revered as the Preservers of Sanatan Dharma (Hindu Faith).Naga Akhadas (where Naga sadhus gather for this occasion) are the most important significant entities of Kumbh Mela.Naga Sadhus are traditionally living as mercenary soldier and remain naked year-round or practice the most severe physical discipline. They are normally lives in remote Himalayas and leave their

Isolated shrines only for Kumbh pilgrimages. The Naga Sadhus are not at all affected by the extremes of heat and cold.

• Urdhwavahus–Those who believe in putting the body through severe austerities to get salvation.
• Parivajakas –Those who have taken a vow of silence and go about tinkling little bells to get people out of their way.
• Shirshasins–Those who meditate for hours standing on their heads.
• Kalpvasis–Those who spend entire month of Kumbh on the banks of the Ganga, meditating, performing rituals and bathing thrice a day.

Akhadas

'Akhada' is a distorted form of the word 'akhand', which literally means a complete organisation.In the course of Indian history, When Hindu Dharma came under ideological threat, then to imbibe knowledge, these Akhadas raised weapon-wielding brigades to repel the foreign invasions and named them Akhadas. These Ascetics of different sects, spreading from North India to Godavari River are classified into 13 Sanghas (Unions). These 13 Sanghas are termed as 13 Akhadrs. Most of the Ascetics associated with these Akhadas are experts in Holy Scriptures as well as weapons.

Significant features of Akharas

Most of the followers associated with a particular Akhada reside at one place (camp) during the Kumbh Mela, where they hold deliberations among themselves and plan for the future.
The Ascetics of Atal Akhada and Nirvani Akhada stay together during the KumbhMela, whereas those of the Anand Akhada and Niranjani Akhada stay together.
The Sadhus who have performed spiritual practice for a minimum of 12 years or have acquired special spiritual powers get superior posts in the sectarian religious order.
The status of an Ascetic (Sadhu) in an Akhada is decided by taking into account his spiritual enhancement and mental courage. While bestowing a status, there is no differentiation on the basis of caste or financial position.
Strict discipline is observed in the Akhadas and Ascetics who do not follow traditions/rules of the cult are given severe physical punishment or monetary fine.
There is a hierarchy of Mahamandaleshwar, Mandaleshwar, Mahant in each Akhada.The Brahmanishtha Ascetics,who are very humble, intelligent and have reached the state of Paramhansa are given these titles.

Types of Akharas

These Akharas are broadly of two Types. One category is the followers of Shiva (Shavaites) and another of Vishnu (Vashanavits).Following are Shaiva (Dashanami) Akhadas

• Maha-nirvani
• Atal
• Niranjani
• Anand
• Juna (Bhairav)
• Avahan
• Agni

The great saint and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya (born in early 8 century)classified the united renunciantsof the Shaiva sect into Ten classes.
• Giri
• Puri
• Bharati
• Tirtha
• Ban
• Aranya
• Parvat
• Ashram
• Sagar
• Saraswati

These united groups are called 'Dashanami Akhadas'.The chief Deity and Flag of each Akhada is different.Religious education and training of arms is given to the renunciant of Akhadas belonging to Shaivasect. Hence, they emit Kshatratej (Radiance of a warrior).

Vaishnav Akhadas-Some disciples of Jagad-guru Shri Ramanandacharya and the disciple of Shri Bhavanandacharya, Shri Balanandaji considered Prabhu Shriram Chandra as their Deity of worship. They united all the four Vaishnav religious orders and established three Bairagi (Vaishnav) Akhadas. The Vaishnav Akhadas also practice weapons and study Holy Scriptures vigorously. These 3 prominent Akhadas are following.

• Digambar
• Nirmohi
• Nirvani

Other important Vaishnav Akhadas are

• Niralambi
• Santoshi
• Mahanirvani

The Ascetics of these Akhadas call themselves 'Bairagi' or 'Alakha'. The main duty of these Akhadas is to protect Hindus and their temples from the foreign aggressors.

Udasin Akhadas: There are two such Akhadas.

Udasin Panchayati Bada Akhada
Udasin Panchayati Naya Akhada
Apart from above, Nirmal Akhada of Sikhs established through the inspiration of their Dharmaguru Guru Gobind Singh ji is also one of the Udasin Akhada.

The common mission of Akhadas (Protection of Dharma)

Apart from other objectives, one of the prime objective of these Ahkaras was to protect Dharma (Righteousness).When, the Hindu political powers (dynasties) became weak, the Ascetics and renunciants came forward to protect Dharma, so as to repulse the Islamic aggressors who heaped untold miseries on the Hindus. The Naga sect and Dashanami renunciants came together and held spears as a weapon which symbolised strength. They began to give training in gymnastics and using of various weapons such as swords, along with lessons on religious scriptures. Two parts - 'The weapon-wielding renunciants who preserve the ancient spiritual traditions' and 'The weapon-wielding renunciants who fight for the protection of Dharma' were created among the Naga-Dashanami renunciants. They performed the historic mission of protecting Dharma as given ahead. A. In the year 1666, Aurangzeb attacked Ascetics and devotees in the Kumbh Mela at Haridwar. The Ascetics gave a fitting reply to the attack. When Maratha soldiers in the Mughal army noticed saffron fags of the Ascetics, they too fought against the Mughals. As a result, the Mughal army was defeated.

Innumerable Ascetics laid down their lives and repulsed the attack of Ahmadshah Abdali in 1748 and on Mathura in 1757.The Mughal rule was eliminated from 32 villages in Jhansi under the leadership of Naga Ascetic Rajendra Giri from 1751 to 1753, and he hoisted the Flag of Independence in these areas. In the Year 1751, Bangash Afghan chieftain Ahmed Khan of Farrukhabad resorted to violence and loot at Prayag, and abducted four thousand high-caste women. At that time, six thousand Naga Ascetics who had gathered at Triveni Sangam for the Kumbha Parva united and attacked the army of Bangash Afgan chieftain. The Ascetics freed the abducted women and wounded many Afghan soldiers.

In the Year 1855, during the Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, Oumanandji (Guru of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Founder of Arya Samaj) and His Guru Purnanandji prepared a blue print for the First War of Independence against the British rulers in the Year 1857 and spread the blue print all over Bharat through the medium of Ascetics who had gathered from the entire country. During the Kumbh Mela at Prayag in the year 1858, Nanasaheb Dhundhu-pant, Balasaheb Peshwa, Tatya Tope, Ajmulla Khan and King Kunvar Singh of Jagadishpur took an oath in the camp of Dashanami Ascetics in the presence of 'Dast' Baba to drive the British out of Bharat. Hundreds of Ascetics and Saints were present for the oath-taking ceremony.

Not only renunciants, but Bairagis too fought with arms many times against aggressors of other religions, and thus performed a major duty in the protection of Dharma. Despite being scholars, the armed Ascetics of Shaiva and Vaishnav Akhadas gave great relief to the unarmed and peace-loving Hindu community. It is a historic fact that the aggression of Islam could be stopped on the border of Sindh due to these Akhadas.