The Quest for Moksha: A Journey to the Kumbh Mela
By Lokanath Mishra
In the pursuit of spiritual liberation, millions of Hindus flock to the Kumbh Mela, a sacred congregation that promises to free us from the cycle of life and death. The power of faith is palpable, as devotees gather to partake in the sacred rituals and bathing ceremonies.
As I embarked on my own journey to the Kumbh Mela, I was filled with a sense of hope and devotion. My travels took me from Bhubaneswar to Banaras, where I boarded an Indigo flight to Prayaga. On February 3, 2025, I took a holy bath at the Sangam, a confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
After my dip in the sacred waters, I made my way to Vindhyachal, where I paid my respects to Maa Vindhyavasini. I then returned to Banaras, where I visited the revered Sree Biswanath Temple within the campus of Banaras Hindu University.
The next day, I made a pilgrimage to the iconic Kashi Viswanath Temple, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. Upon my return home, I felt a sense of spiritual renewal and rejuvenation.
However, my journey was not yet complete. As per tradition, after taking a dip in the Sangam, it is mandatory to pay respects to Maa Vindhyavasini, Kashi Viswanath, and finally, Lord Jagannath. I fulfilled this obligation by visiting the Shree Jagannath Temple on February 5, 2025.
The final step in completing the Ganga Snan ritual is to perform puja at a Hanuman temple. I will make such puja on 15.2.25. Upon completion of this ritual, I may definitely feel a deep sense of spiritual fulfillment and connection with the divine.
The Kumbh Mela is a testament to the power of faith and devotion. It is a reminder that, with perseverance and dedication, we can attain moksha, or spiritual liberation. Every Hindu should strive to visit the Mahakumbh at least once in their lifetime, for it is a promise of eternal life, free from sins.
