Description

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Context:

Prayagraj is hosting the Maha Kumbh this time, or the Poorna Kumbh, held every 12 years.

About the Kumbh Mela 2025

Aspect	Details
Origin	The Sanskrit word "kumbh" means pitcher or pot.
Mythological Story	During the ocean churning by *Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons), Dhanvantri emerged with a pitcher of amrita* (elixir of immortality).**
	To prevent Asuras from obtaining it, Jayant (Indra’s son) fled with the pot, protected by the Sun, Shani, Brihaspati (Jupiter), and the Moon.
Locations	As Jayant ran for 12 divine days (equal to 12 human years), amrita spilled at four locations: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik-Trimbakeshwar.
Significance	Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these four sites every 12 years based on the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter.
Frequency	Maha Kumbh (Poorna Kumbh): Held every 12 years. Ardh-Kumbh: Held in Prayagraj and Haridwar every 6 years.

Meaning of rivers

Festivals are held on the banks of sacred rivers:

Haridwar: Ganges
Prayagraj: The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati
Ujjain: Kshipra (believed to emerge from Vishnu's heart in his Varah avatar)
Nashik-Trimbakeshwar: Godavari (known as the Ganges of the South)

Bathing in these rivers during Kumbhu, under certain celestial arrangements, is believed to cleanse sins and bestow spiritual merit (punya).

Gathering of Sadhus and Spiritual Teachings: Kumbh Melas attract sadhus and holy men, especially from the akhadas, and provide an opportunity for devotees to meet and learn from them.

Astrological basis of Kumbh Mela

The location of the Kumbh Mela is determined by astrological calculations based on the positions of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon.
Jupiter's 12-year revolution around the Sun also explains the 12-year gap between Kumbh Melas.
Timing and location of Kumbh Mela guide astrological alignment unique to each location.

Historical references to the Kumbh Mela

Aspect	Details
Ancient References	The Skanda Purana is often cited for the antiquity of Kumbh Mela but does not explicitly describe the festival as it is known today.
	The Samudra Manthan story in various scriptures lacks references to the spilling of amrita at four places.
	Some claim that the **Rig Veda contains shlokas** emphasizing the benefits of attending the Kumbh Mela.
Xuanzang's Account	The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang described a 7th-century fair at Prayag, but its identification as Kumbh Mela remains uncertain.
	Scholar Kama Maclean suggests the ancient bathing festival, Magh Mela, was renamed "timeless" Kumbh after 1857 to avoid British interference.
Role of Adi Shankaracharya	The 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya is credited with formalizing four regular fairs and creating opportunities for ascetics and scholars to gather.
Evolution of Kumbh Mela	Likely began in Haridwar as Brihaspati (Jupiter) in Kumbh Rashi corresponds to this location.
	Tradition may have formed after the 12th century AD during the Bhakti movement, influenced by markets on the banks of sacred rivers.
	Origin linked to Ganga worship and traveling sadhus spreading the idea of Kumbh Melas near four sacred rivers.
Historical Records	Mughal-era records and those by the sanyasi akhada suggest formalization over time into a major socio-religious event.
	Gatherings offered opportunities for ascetics to gain followers and pilgrims to engage in spiritual practices.

How did the Kumbh Mela become a platform for nationalism during the independence movement?

Allahabad’s Rise as a Political and Cultural Center: After the rebellion of 1857, Allahabad became the capital of the North-Western Provinces and gained importance as a political and administrative center.
With institutions such as the Supreme Court (1867) and Allahabad University (1887), the city attracted influential families, students, and nationalists.
By the end of the 19th century, Allahabad had turned into an important place for political and religious activities, including the Kumbh Mela.

Religious festivals as a platform for nationalism:

From the late 19th century, the Kumbh Mela evolved into a platform for spreading nationalist ideas.
The British policy of religious non-interference allowed Indian leaders to use religious gatherings for political purposes.
In the 1900s, nationalist leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Gopal Krishna Gokhale used the Kumbh to promote Swadeshi and other nationalist causes.

Role of Congress and Religious Leaders

In the 1930s, the Congress Party actively used Kumbh Melas for political mobilization.
Sadhus and ascetics played a key role in spreading nationalist messages, blending religious authority with Congress politics.
Events such as the 1936 Ardh Kumbh witnessed displays such as the Bharat Mata idol and political processions that combined spiritual and nationalist sentiments.

Conclusion

The Kumbh Mela evolved from a regional religious gathering into a major national event with political overtones, especially during India's freedom struggle. Its transformation was influenced by nationalist leaders, local priests and ascetics who used it as a stage for resistance against colonial rule and the assertion of Indian political sovereignty.

Source:

Indian Express

Attempt Daily Quiz

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Historically, the Kumbh Mela has evolved from its religious and cultural roots into a significant socio-political and global event. Analyze its historical references in Indian literature, scriptures and its transformation over centuries. (250 words)