Kumbh Mela – The Grand Spiritual Gathering

Kumbh Mela is one of the largest and most sacred Hindu pilgrimages, attracting millions of devotees, saints, and tourists. It is celebrated every 12 years at four holy locations where drops of the Amrit (nectar of immortality) are believed to have fallen. These locations are:

1. Prayagraj (Allahabad) – Confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
2. Haridwar – On the banks of the Ganga River.
3. Ujjain – On the banks of the Shipra River.
4. Nashik – On the banks of the Godavari River.

Types of Kumbh Mela and Their Cycle

Type	Frequency	Location(s)
Maha Kumbh Mela	Every 144 years (12 Purna Kumbh cycles)	Only in Prayagraj
Purna Kumbh Mela	Every 12 years	Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik
Ardh Kumbh Mela	Every 6 years	Prayagraj, Haridwar
Magh Mela (Mini Kumbh)	Every year (especially in January-February)	Prayagraj

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Mythological Significance

The origins of Kumbh Mela are linked to the ancient Hindu legend of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), as mentioned in Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Mahabharata.

• The Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) churned the ocean to obtain the Amrit (nectar of immortality).
• As they fought over it, Lord Vishnu, in the form of Mohini, tricked the demons and distributed the nectar among the gods.
• During the battle, four drops of Amrit fell at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, making these places sacred.

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Main Rituals & Events

1. Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) – The most important ritual where sadhus, saints, and pilgrims take a holy dip in the river.
2. Ganga Aarti – A grand worship of the river with lamps and chants.
3. Peshwai Procession – A spectacular parade of saints and akharas.
4. Religious Discourses – Spiritual discussions by saints and gurus.
5. Sadhu Darshan – Devotees seek blessings from sadhus, especially Naga Sadhus (ascetic warriors who live naked).

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Akhadas in Kumbh Mela

The Akhadas (sects of Hindu monks) play a major role in the Kumbh Mela. They are divided into three categories:

1. Shaiva Akhadas – Followers of Lord Shiva (e.g., Juna Akhada, Mahanirvani Akhada).
2. Vaishnava Akhadas – Devotees of Lord Vishnu (e.g., Nirvani Ani Akhada, Digambar Ani Akhada).
3. Udasi and Sikh Akhadas