The Mahakumbh Mela: A Spiritual Odyssey:
By Lokanath Mishra
The Mahakumbh Mela, a 45-day spiritual extravaganza, commenced on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh and to be concluded on February 26, 2025. This grand event, the world’s largest religious gathering, already attracted approximately 7 crore devotees.
Significance of Mahakumbh Mela
The Mahakumbh Mela is a sacred Hindu festival occurring every 12 years. It’s a pilgrimage to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, celebrating faith, culture, unity, harmony, and humanity. This year it’s Mahakumbha and it’s falling only after 144 years.
Key Dates and Rituals
- Makar Sankranti: The first “Shahi Snan” marking the end of winter.
- Mauni Amavasya: A day of silence and holy dips.
- Basant Panchami: Devotees take a holy dip in yellow attire, seeking knowledge and prosperity.
- Last Bathing Day: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, with fasting and obeisance.
Ritual Completion
After the holy dip (Sahi Snan), it’s customary to visit the Kasi Viswanath temple for Baba Biswanath’s darshan. The ritual concludes with Vishnu darshan and offering Prasad to Brahmins.
Mythological Significance
According to legend, the elixir (Amrit) originated from the churning of the sea by gods and demons. A drop of nectar fell in four places: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjayini. The Kumbh Mela is held at these sites, where river water turns into elixir, eradicating sins and fulfilling heart’s desires.
Personal Pilgrimage
I, along with seven fellow senior citizens, are planning to arrive in Varanasi on February 2, 2025. We may proceed to Prayagraj, take a holy dip (Sahi Snan) at Sangam Ghat on 3.3.25 and may come back on the same day to Varanasi then we may visit various sites in Varanasi, including the New Vishwanath Temple ( BHU) and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. We will conclude our pilgrimage with darshan of Baba Viswanath and will depart from Varanasi on February 5, 2025. Our next destination is Puri, where we will visit Prabhu Shri Jagannath temple for darshan and distribution of Maha Prasad to Brahmins.