Online Temple knows that the Maha Kumbh Mela has already reached across the world with its popularity. Isn’t that why you are here, after all? Regardless of the purpose, we knew the importance this festival has would be far greater to cover in a single article. Hence, we are set to do a series of everything you will ever need to find out about the Maha Kumbh. Before you book special pujas online with us, glance around at the basics you need to begin with.
A Detailed Guide Covering The History, Spirituality, And Events Of Maha Kumbh
Being the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the Maha Kumbh Mela has garnered worldwide attention. And if you are curious to know everything about it, the best place to begin is from the basics. As you already know, this year’s Kumbh is at Prayagraj. This is the only spot in India where 3 sacred rivers meet – Ganga, Yamuna and the now invisible Saraswati.
Significance Of Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela is very important for the Hindu devotees. The dates for both the Kumbh Mela and Shahi Snan are determined based on optimum planetary alignments. Devotees believe that these star arrangements impact their life positively by enhancing their spiritual energy. But, that’s not all.
Worshippers take a dip in the holy waters in every Kumbh Mela. Despite it being held in 4 different locations, they are always close to a significant water body. Many people believe that this dip purifies their soul. Much akin to racing breath in winters, that is how people feel after a cool dip in the waters.
And we obviously cannot neglect to fail the most important part! Sadhus and Sants from all around the world gather here to impart their teachings. They share everything from wisdom to blessings.
Rituals Of Kumbh Mela
While we recommend the online puja for Navgrah Shanti is great for people who want prosperity and harmony in their homes. But learning more about the rituals for Kumbh Mela is just as important. Here are the key rituals you need to know about.
1. Shahi Snan / Royal Bath
This is the most important ritual of Kumbh Mela. Saints or ascetics, everyone wants to take a Shahi Snan in the holy waters of Prayagraj. As you know, this is held on specific auspicious dates only. It is led by Naga Sadhus along with other revered saints from different Hindu sects. Worshippers believe that bathing in the holy rivers during this time cleanses them of all past sins. It helps attain moksha, or as we know it, freedom from the cycle of life.
2. Snan / Holy Dip for Pilgrims
The royal bath is reserved for the saints and sadhus. And Snan is where millions of devotees take a dip in the sacred rivers of Maha Kumbh. Depending on the location of the Kumbh Mela, you may find one of these holy rivers near which the festival is held.
- Ganga in Haridwar
- Triveni Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj
- Godavari in Nashik
- Shipra in Ujjain
3. Pravachan & Religious Discourses
If you want to hear religious discourses, this is the best place to fulfil your wishes. Spiritual leaders deliver sermons and lectures on Hindu philosophy. They include scriptures, Hindu mythology and many more such topics. Popular ones include Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Vedas, and Puranas.
4. Yagyas & Hawans
Priests perform sacred fire rituals to invoke blessings for harmony and prosperity for everyone present. They make a mix of ghee, grains, and herbs as the offerings, then put them into the sacred fire a little at a time. While doing it, they chant mantras to ensure positivity seeps into the hearts of devotees.
5. Darshan of Akharas & Saints
Akharas are monastic orders. different sects have their own akharas to showcase their traditions and practices. Here, worshippers seek blessings from holy men, including Naga Sadhus, Urdhwavahurs, Parivrajakas, and Kalpvasis.
6. Kalpvas
Kalpvas is the strict austerity and devotion period followed by many participants. Some pilgrims, called Kalpvasis, stay at the Kumbh site for a month. They follow strict spiritual discipline by engaging in meditation, fasting, prayers, and charity.
7. Pind Daan & Tarpan
Pind Daan and Tarpan is the occasion of ancestral offering. This is when people offer their prayers, among other worldly things, to wish for the peace of departed loved ones. Some pilgrims do it at the Kumbh Mela to honor their deceased ancestors and bless them with serenity and harmony. If you plan on doing this, remember that here, offerings include water, food, and prayers.
8. Deep Daan
This is the last ritual of lamp offering. Devotees release lit oil lamps into the river. This act symbolises the removal of darkness in the soul, called ignorance and seeks divine blessings.
Concluding With The Essence Of Kumbh Mela
And while many are still unaware, most others are already visiting Kumbh from all parts of the world. This festival promotes wisdom, lighting up the path for self – discovery. So, if you want to figure out your true self, your purpose of being born, this is your place beckoning out to you. If that is not possible for you, we recommend choosing among our hawan & yagna services online. It does the same work but through a very different route.