KUMBH - Organiser - UK - Dr. Praveen Kumar
Maha Kumbh is where science and spirituality meet.
The world’s attention is drawn to Prayagraj, where the
grand spectacle of the Maha Kumbh Mela is underway. This awe-inspiring
gathering, steeped in spirituality and tradition, has captivated global
curiosity.
The Historical Significance
The origins of the Maha Kumbh Mela are deeply rooted in the
Samudra Manthan mythological tale, the ocean's celestial churning. This cosmic
event was a battle between the devas (forces of good) and the asuras (forces of
evil) to obtain the nectar of immortality, amrita.
The mountain Mandara served as the churning rod, while
Vasuki, the serpent king, functioned as the rope. The churning produced many
divine objects and beings, including the sacred pot (Kumbh) filled with amrita.
Garuda, the heavenly bird, carried the pot away to prevent a fierce battle over
its possession.
The pursuit continued for twelve celestial days, equivalent
to twelve human years. During the conflict, a few drops of amrita spilt onto
four earthly locations: Haridwar, Nashik, Prayagraj, and Ujjain. These places
believed to possess mystical powers, became sacred sites where devotees gather
to bathe in the holy waters, seeking to cleanse their sins and attain
liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
The Astrological Significance of Kumbh Mela
Astrology plays a pivotal role in the timing and observance
of Sanatana Dharma festivals, highlighting their physical, emotional,
intellectual, social, and spiritual dimensions. Dr T.P. Sasikumar, a former
space scientist associated with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO),
underscores the philosophical foundations behind these festivals, emphasising
their alignment with planetary positions.
The festivals are intricately timed according to
astrological configurations. For instance, January 14th marks the observance of
Sankranthi across most of India (except Kerala), symbolising a new beginning.
This celebration is linked to the celestial alignment of Jupiter, the Sun, and
the Moon. Specifically, the Kumbh Mela occurs when Jupiter transitions into
certain zodiac signs while the Sun and Moon occupy complementary positions.
Jupiter’s orbit around the Sun takes approximately 12
years, making this the grand Kumbh Mela celebration interval. Each of the four
sacred locations where the event is held corresponds to a unique astrological
configuration:
Prayagraj (Allahabad): Nestled at the confluence of the
Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, the Kumbh Mela here is celebrated when
Jupiter enters Taurus (Vrishabha), and the Sun and Moon align in Capricorn
(Makara).
Haridwar: Located on the banks of the Ganga River, this
Kumbh Mela occurs when Jupiter transitions into Aquarius (Kumbha), and the Sun
and Moon occupy Aries and Sagittarius, respectively.
Nashik: Situated along the Godavari River, the festival
here is celebrated when Jupiter is in Leo (Simha), and the Sun and Moon align
in Cancer.
Ujjain: Held on the banks of the Shipra River, the Kumbh
Mela in Ujjain occurs when Jupiter is in Leo, with the Sun and Moon positioned
in Aries.
This intricate astrological connection underscores the
profound harmony between celestial movements and spiritual practices in Indian
tradition, lending this grand spiritual congregation a cosmic rhythm.
The Transference of Energy at the Kumbh Mela
Dr. T.P. Sasikumar sheds light on the unique energy
dynamics at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, which
originate in the Himalayas. These rivers carry a wealth of minerals, herbs, and
medicinal properties, enriched by their mountain journey. The energised water,
flowing naturally from higher to lower potential, operates under the
fundamental laws of physics.
The groundbreaking experiments of Japanese researcher Dr.
Masaru Emoto further illustrate the transformative properties of water. His
studies demonstrated that water could record environmental vibrations,
retaining them as “memory” observable in frozen water crystals under a
microscope.
When millions of devotees gather at the Kumbh Mela to
engage in rituals, meditation, and prayers, the water absorbs the energy
created by their collective actions. Dr. Sasikumar notes that this phenomenon
is amplified by ascetics such as Naga Sadhus, Aghoris, Yatis, and Puri-order
sadhus, whose spiritual practices contribute to the environment's heightened
vibrational state.
“The congregation represents a collective consciousness,
poised for a shared spiritual awakening among those who partake in the event,”
observes Dr. Sasikumar. This interplay of natural and spiritual energies
creates a unique atmosphere profoundly resonating with the essence of the Kumbh
Mela.
The Mystical World of the Kumbh Mela
Maria Wirth, a German national who has lived in India since
the 1980s, shares her profound connection to the spiritual depth of the country
through her books and articles. For her, attending a Kumbh Mela soon after
arriving in Bharat was a life-changing experience. In the presence of the
revered sages Sri Anandamayi Ma and Devaraha Baba, she realized the profound
essence of Sanatana Dharma.
Among her cherished memories of the four Kumbh Melas she
has attended is a remarkable encounter with an unknown Naga sadhu. She was
standing by the roadside, watching the grand procession of Naga sadhus heading
for their ritual Snan on Shivaratri. One sadhu stopped in front of her and
asked for 100 Rupees. She didn’t have a 100 Rupee note and instead offered him
a 50 and a 20 Rupee note. He remarked, “30 Rupees are missing.” She then asked
if he could exchange it for a 200 Rupee note. “Yes,” he replied, folding the
notes into a small bundle and pressing them into her palm. “Close your hand and
keep it closed,” he instructed.
After a few seconds, she felt a change in her hand and
opened it to find a small Shiva Linga inside. She was completely stunned, as
were the people around her. It was an inexplicable moment of awe and wonder.
To this day, Maria treasures the Shiva Linga, a tangible
reminder of the mystical power she encountered during the sacred gathering. Her
story highlights the extraordinary encounters and spiritual awakenings that
make the Kumbh Mela an otherworldly experience for seekers from all over the
globe.
The Purity of the Holy Waters
A 2019 case study conducted by the Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB) analysed the water quality of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers
before and after the Kumbh Mela. Despite the participation of millions of
devotees who took ritualistic dips in the rivers, the study revealed that the
water quality during and after the event remained within permissible limits.
The dissolved oxygen (DO) levels—a key indicator of water health—were
consistently maintained within the allowable range for bathing.
The Kumbh Mela is a remarkable unifier for millions
worldwide, transcending background, caste, and religion barriers. The Ganga
Yamuna and Saraswati holy waters symbolise inclusion, purity, and acceptance,
embracing all who come to partake in this sacred gathering.
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