‘Maha Kumbh Mela has spiritual as well as social importance’

 

 

Crores of people visited Prayagraj to have holy bath. From President of India to Prime Minister to Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, everyone experienced the atmosphere of Maha Kumbh Mela, that comes after every 144 years. Maha Kumbh Mela exists in mythology, in history and in astrology too. Despite cold in Prayagraj, the senior citizens, youngsters, women, children took holy bath in the Ganga. In recent history, the gathering at Prayagraj is one of the largest gathering of humans anywhere in the world. But, what is the Kumbh Mela, and why is it held in four cities periodically?

 

What is the origin of this festival, and why do millions attend it? With these questions, ‘The Hitavada’ talked to Sanskrit scholar, Vice-Chancellor of Kavikulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University (KKSU) Prof Hareram Tripathi, according to whom, Maha Kumbh Mela is important not only in religious term, but it has spiritual and social importancce too.’ Prof Tripathi explained, “Maha Kumbh Mela holds importance in Indian civilisation as it represents a convergence of spirituality, culture, and social unity. It serves as a major pillar of Hindu belief while also acting as a platform for showcasing India’s rich heritage and diverse traditions. If we look at it as a neutral person we will notice, this event has become a symbol of social harmony as people from all walks of life have come together at one place. Prayagraj becomes one centre for everyone where the beliefs of all the devotees meet.” Prof Tripathi, who after contributing largely to Shri Lal Bahadur Shashri National Sanskrit University as Professor, became Vice Chancellor of Sampurnanand Sanskrit University.

 

Within two years of his tenure, he was appointed as Vice Chancellor of KKSU. Elaborating why Kumbh Mela is conducted at four different places, Prof Tripathi said, “ The Kumbh Mela is celebrated at four different locations. There is a story behind it. When God Vishnu was carrying the pot of Amrita, a few drops fell at Haridwar, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Ujjain, and Nashik during a fight with demons. These places became sacred for pilgrimage and thus started celebration of the Kumbh Mela.” “At the sacred places like Prayagraj where Maha Kumbh Mela is underway, people come with passion, with strong will.

 

The travel is not easy. You take any transport and you will find it is crowded. Finding a place and reaching your destination teaches you a lesson of how one should deal with the adversity while achieving the goal,” pointed out Prof Tripathi. Prof Tripathi has written several books and published research papers. “After walking about 15 kms, people reach near Ganga to take holy dip. In my view, this makes the devotee think how the aim in life is achieved. Such journeys encourage ones to do something great in the life,” felt Prof Tripathi. “Taking a holy dip in the sacred rivers is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual liberation. It draws pilgrims seeking spiritual renewal. The Maha Kumbh Mela has a cultural significance too. With people from all caste an creed are coming at Prayagraj including the foreigners, the Mela has become the centre of social harmony. It provides the sense of unity, integrity. This event links to the country’s ancient past, its ongoing evolution. We should be thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,” said Prof Tripathi with gratitude. n