Kumbh Mela is the holiest and grandest religious fair in India. It is held once in every three years at four spots situated on the banks of holy rivers of India. These include – River Ganges in
Haridwar, River Godavari in Nasik, River Shipra in Ujjain, and the famous confluence of three rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, and mysterious Saraswati) known as Sangam in Allahabad (that was known as Prayag in ancient times). Kumbh Mela at Allahabad is the most celebrated and glorious one. Ardh Kumbh Mela is held once in every six years. Purna Kumbh Mela or Maha Kumbh is held once in every twelve years at Allahabad on Somvati Amavasya (a no-moon night that falls on Monday). It is believed that taking a holy dip in the holy waters of Sangam on this day absolves one of all the sins and allows direct route to Moksha or salvation.
The mythological roots of Kumbh Mela go back to the scene when gods and demons, together churned ocean, using Mount Mandar as the churner and Anant Nag (a thousand-headed serpent) as the rope to find ‘Ambrosia’ that could give them immortality. However, Dhanvantari (God of Immortality and Health Sciences) appeared with the pot of ambrosia, he flew away with it to save the pot from falling into the hands of demons, who were destructive and cruel. During his flight, he rested at four spots and few drops of ambrosia fell in the rivers flowing nearby. These are the four spots where Kumbh Mela is now organized. Adi Shankracharya revived Kumbha Mela tradition in the 7th century to give new lease life to Hinduism and save it from the influences of Buddhism and Jainism that was rapidly gaining acceptance in Indian society then.
Naga Sadhus (who are naked, smear ashes on their body and sport long matted hair) lead the other non-violent ascetics to the site. Originally, they used to act as defenders of non-violent devotees from attacks of Jains, Budhhists, Vaishnavites and other Hindu sects. Now the grand fanfare of their leaders is a spectacle for all to see and include golden chariots, elaborate umbrellas, and lion and deer skin rugs. Other sadhus that gain special attention are those who perform severe physical austerities; those who meditate on their heads for hours together and never sit or lie down; and those who are under vow of silence. Pilgrims who spend a month during Kumbh praying on the Ghats of Ganga and bathing thrice a day are known as Kalpvasis.
