The Kumbh Mela (Fairs) in India is the most peaceful gathering place in the world. It has great importance for Hindus. It is a gut trust and believes in the Hindu pilgrimages that bath in the holy river can clean all sins.
The major occasion of the festival is a ritual dip at the banks of the river in whichever town Kumbh Mela (Fairs) being held in Ganga, Godavari Kshipra (in Haridwar in Nasik, in Ujjain) and Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati) in Allahabad (Prayag).
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History of Kumbh Mela
There is no clear proof why people started organizing Kumbh Mela. But, there is a mythological story that kick-started this event. The story is like this.
The demigods once lost their strength and power due to the curse of Durvasa Muni (Durvasas was an ancient Rishi, the son of Atri and Anasuya. known for his short temper). To re-claim their strength and power, they approached Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva who recommended them to pray to Lord Vishnu, who instructed them to churn Ksheera Sagara (Ocean of Milk) to get the Amrit (Liquid of Immortality). As the demigods had lost their strengths, it became tough for them to take up this task alone. In order to complete this task, they mutually agreed with the demons and to share half of the nectar of immortality (Amrit).
The Mandara Peak was used as a churning rod. At first, a jar (pot) of deadly (toxic) poison was produced, which was drunk by Lord Shiva. When the Kumbh (pot) of the immortal nectar appeared, the demigods, fearing the ill objectives of the devils, seized the pot. Learning that their part of the agreement has not been kept, the demons went after the demigods and the chase nonstop for 12(twelve) days and 12(twelve) nights.
While the demigods were hiding and running, the nectar from the pot fell at four different places – Prayagraj(Allahabad), Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain. Since then, it has been believed that these places possess mystical (supernatural) powers and hence Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these places.
As twelve (12) days of gods is equal to 12 years of human beings, it is celebrated after every 12 years at these holy places.
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Types of Kumbh mela
Maha Kumbh Mela:- Periodically, Maha Kumbh Mela comes in every 144 years or after 12 Purna Kumbh Melas
Purna Kumbh Mela:- held after every 12 years in Pragyagraj former name Allahabad
Ardh Kumbh Mela:- it is celebrated after every six years
Kumbh Mela:- The planetary positions of the sun and Jupiter decide when and in which city Kumbh Mela is to be celebrated.
Magh Kumbh Mela:- it is organised in the month magh of the Hindu calendar.**
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When the planetary position of the sun is in Aries and Jupiter is in Aquarius during the Hindu month of Chaitra. Then Kumbh Mela is celebrated in Haridwar.
When the planetary position of the sun and the moon are in Capricorn and Jupiter is in Aries during the Hindu month of Magha. Then It is celebrated in Prayagraj, Former name Allahabad.
When the planetary position of the sun and Jupiter are in Leo during the month of Bhadrapda. Then it is celebrated in Nashik. and
When the planetary position of Jupiter is in Leo and the sun is in Aries, or when Jupiter, the sun and the moon are in Libra during the month of Vaisakha. Then It is celebrated in Ujjain.
Source:- mapofindia.com, Wikipedia, and research.
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