The Mystical Mela..!

With excerpts from Kalpavasi for knowledge reference

Hinduism as they say is best explored in its diverse forms under the same umbrella of celebrations. Confluence of different monastic orders ranging from hermits to Naga sages and yogis, are all gathering in the same arena and the end result is a diverse exhibition of spiritual power which is an experience in itself. A confluence which stands significant for the fact that the common man is in the same plane as the saints and sadhus breaking all religious and spiritual barriers is the most significant amalgamation of tradition as well as the non-traditional aspects of Hinduism which is exemplified in the Kumbha Mela. Saints from the interiors of Himalayas and the missionaries from down South, Faith and Faith Based Organisations, foreign tourists especially from Africa, Japan, Europe and America are all drawn to the charm and spirit of the Kumbha Mela.

The ‘Kumbha Mela’ or the festival of the great urn is symbolic of attainment of Nirvana. It reserves it’s origin in the Hindu mythological tale of the ‘Sagar Manthan ‘or the churning of the ocean which resulted in the pitcher of nectar to rise from the bottom of the ocean. Salvation, according to Hinduism, means to attain freedom from the infinite cycle of life and death and Hindus believe that ‘moksha’ can be attained by the departed soul if the cremated ashes are scattered in the holy waters at the time of the Kumbha Mela. Every three years millions of devotees gather in rotation between four major Hindu pilgrims namely Allahabad, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain to partake in the ‘Holy Snan’ which is believed to cleanse the soul.

Haridwar one of the cities in the state of Uttarakhand is famous because it is here that the Ganges descends from the Himalayan Mountains and enters the plains. Ujjain, in the state of Madhya Pradesh situated along the banks of the Kshipra River and Nasik on the banks of the Godavari River in Maharastra.

The year 2007 held its significance in the tradition of Ardh Kumbha Mela and in line with the expectations celebrations were defying all bounds at Allahbad. The festivities included the ‘Mauni Amavasya’ or the New Moon of the Saint’s Day. Significance being the devotees do not utter a single word until they take a dip into the holy waters of the Ganges which is believed to be turned into nectar as enabled by the posting of sun, moon and the planets. pirituality is marked by the naked procession by mendicants and the reorganization of the ‘Akahras’. The Kumbh festivities uphold the spirit of the land, which boasts of its diversities.

The Kumbha Mela has its mystic appeal to the millions and is only but flamboyantly exaggerated by the looks of Digambari Sanyasis with their ash-smeared faces. It is one of the most important festivals that pave the way for the spiritual appeal that India holds to the entire world. This has only intensified over the years with the global media attention and professionalism of industry experts like Kalpavasi.com who intend to highlight the less known aspect of the Kumbha Mela called the Kalpavasa Vrata.

The Mela also acts as the unofficial meeting grounds for the various religions and spiritual organizations and conferences like these add on to the breeding of newer mendicants through a well structured learning process.