Kumbh Mela: The Mystical Reason Behind Its 12-Year Celebration

Kumbh Mela is one of the most sacred festivals of the Hindu religion. It is held in four holy cities of India once every twelve years. In Haridwar, it is held on the banks of the Ganges, in Nashik on the banks of Godavari, in Ujjain on the banks of Shipra, and in Prayagraj at the Triveni Sangam which is known to be the meeting point of the Yamuna, the Ganges and mythical Sarasvati Rivers. During this festival people belonging to different social, religious, and cultural sects of the society come together to seek the blessings from the Almighty. It is the largest public gathering in the world based on the set of astrological positions of Jupiter, the Moon, and the Sun. During the Kumbh Mela, various ceremonies are held including the Akharas traditional procession known as ‘Peshwai’ on chariots, horses, and elephant backs and Naga Sadhu's rituals during ‘Shahi Snan.’ Many other cultural activities are also organized to attract millions of pilgrims to attend this festival.

The History behind the Kumbh Mela

The eighth-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya transcribed the origin of Maha Kumbh Mela. The founding myth points out to the Puranas recounting the battle between demons and Gods over the sacred pitcher of Amrit called Samudra Manthan’s Ratna. It is believed that Lord Vishnu in his Mohini form whisked the Kumbh out of the demon's grasp who had tried to claim it. During the battle, a few drops of Amrit fell over four places including Prayagraj, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Nashik. It took 12 days to carry to the heavens the Amrit. As one day of God is equal to one year, the journey to the heavens in human terms symbolizes 12 years. That is why in the month of Magh when Jupiter enters the Aries constellation every twelfth year on the day of the new moon, the Kumbh festival is celebrated. Among all Kumbh Mela festivals, the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela is considered to be the most significant.

The Kumbh Mela during the medieval period, got patronage from royal dynasties, including the Vijayanagar and Chola empires in the south, and the Mughals and Delhi Sultanate in the north. It is even said that Mughal emperor Akbar participated in the celebrations, which illustrates a spirit of religious tolerance. In the 19th century, figures such as James Prinsep, a British colonial administrator chronicled the Kumbh Mela, detailing its vast congregations, ritualistic practices, and socio-religious dynamics. Post-independence, the significance of Kumbh Mela increased, symbolizing India’s rich cultural heritage and national unity. Recognized in 2017 by UNESCO as a cultural heritage of humanity, the Kumbh Mela testifies to the evolution and survival of ancient traditions in the modern era.

Why is the Kumbh Mela Celebrated Every 12 Years?

Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years based on specific alignments of the stars and planets in one of the four cities. The configurations involve the planet Jupiter (Guru), the moon, and the sun’s position, each casting its influence in a unique city upon a different river. When the celestial bodies are in the right alignment Kumbh Mela is celebrated following a 12-year cycle at each of these sites including Prayagraj, Nashik, Ujjain, and Haridwar. This divine alignment signifies for pilgrims the ideal time to take a holy dip in the holy waters.

Here is how astrologically each city aligns:

• Prayagraj (Allahabad): When the moon and sun are in Capricorn and Jupiter enters Aquarius, Kumbh Mela is organized in Prayagraj (Allahabad) at the confluence of the mythical Saraswati, Ganga, and Yamuna.
• Haridwar: When the sun enters Aries and Jupiter is in Aquarius, Kumbh Mela is organized in Haridwar on the banks of the Ganga.
• Ujjain: When the sun is in Aries and Jupiter is in Leo, the Kumbh Mela is organized in Ujjain on the banks of the River Shipra.
• Nashik: When the sun and Jupiter align in Leo, Kumbh Mela is organized in Nashik on the banks of the River Godavari.

Types of Kumbh Mela

Maha Kumbh Mela: The Maha Kumbh Mela is held only in Prayagraj every 144 years or after the completion of the 12 Purna Kumbh Mela.

Purna Kumbh Mela: Purna Kumbh Mela is organized every 12 years. It is held in India’s four sacred locations: Nashik, Ujjain, Prayagraj, and Haridwar. It alternates between these four locations every 12 years.

Ardh Kumbh Mela: The Half Kumbh Mela is held every six years in India in just two locations, namely Prayagraj and Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela: The Kumbh Mela is organized by state administrations in four separate locations. Thousands of individuals participate in this mela with immense enthusiasm.

Magh Kumbh Mela: Magh Kumbh Mela is known as Mini Kumbh Mela. It takes place every year only in Prayagraj in the Hindu month of Magh.

Rituals of Kumbh Mela

Shahi Snan: At Kumbh Mela, the main ritual is the Shahi Snan taken by sadhus, devotees, and saints in the sacred rivers. These sacred baths are believed to purify the soul of the participants and bestow divine blessings. The event follows the precedence of a specific order, with certain sadhus sects having the right to bathe first.

Religious Ceremonies: Various religious ceremonies are organized during Kumbh Mela including prayers, Chantings, and Yajnas. Spiritual gurus and leaders hold discourses on religious texts, Hindu philosophy, and practices.

Satsangs: Satsangs are held during Kumbh Mela in which devotees listen to hymns for hours. New discussions are held on Hinduism to share important information about the faith.