The Maha Kumbh Mela, a sacred religious gathering held every four years in India, has begun in the city of Prayagraj. With an expected attendance of 35 crore pilgrims, the Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest public gathering in the world. The event will feature five "Shahi Snans" (royal baths) on different auspicious dates, and is believed to have originated from the teachings of the 8th-century philosopher Shankara. The Kumbh Mela is organised based on the position of the Sun and Jupiter, and takes place every four years in four different Indian cities.
Maha Kumbh Mela: The Grandest Religious Gathering on Earth
The Maha Kumbh Mela, a revered Hindu pilgrimage, is an awe-inspiring spectacle that takes place every four years in one of four sacred cities in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. This colossal event is the largest religious gathering in the world, attracting an estimated 35 crore pilgrims.
Background
The origins of the Maha Kumbh Mela are traced back to ancient mythology. According to legend, a pitcher of amrita (the nectar of immortality) was spilled at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. The Kumbh Mela is believed to be held at each of these sites during the cycle of twelve years, as determined by the position of the Sun and Jupiter.
In the 8th century, the philosopher Shankara is credited with establishing the Kumbh Mela as a means of spiritual purification. He believed that bathing in the sacred rivers at these specific times could cleanse sins and bring liberation.
Significance
The Maha Kumbh Mela is an integral part of Hindu culture and is considered one of the holiest pilgrimages. It offers devotees an opportunity to:
Current Event
The 2023 Maha Kumbh Mela is being held in Prayagraj from January 15 to March 4. It features five "Shahi Snans" (royal baths):
During these auspicious times, pilgrims flock to the Sangam (the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers) to take a dip in the holy waters.
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