In the Bhagavad Gita it is mentioned that — When a person is devoted to something with complete faith, I (God) unify his faith in that. Then, when his faith is completely unified, he gains the object of his devotion.

Kumbh is the largest gathering of religion, faith, devotion, in which the whole of the world takes part and takes a dip in the sacred river to get emancipation. But have you ever thought that what is the significance of Kumbh, why it is important, what is the story behind Kumbh Mela? Let us take you to this divine experience -

Uttarakhand has always been considered as the land of God since ages. This land is considered as the land of seekers and devotion. It is the land of Shiva (Kedarnath & Haridwar), the land of Vishnu (Badrinath, Har-ki-Pauri), and also the origin place of Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati.

Meaning, History & Significance of Kumbh Mela

Origin of the Kumbh is perhaps as old as Hindu religion and later in the 8th century, it was revived by Adi-Guru Shankracharya. Kumbh Mela is formed with 2 words Kumbh & Mela. Kumbh means pitcher, also connected with the Astrological term Aquarius (which also means Kumbh), and Mela means fair or gathering. According to the mythology, Devtas (Gods) & Asuras(Demons) churning the sea (Samudra-Manthan) for the acquisition of 14 precious Ratnas (items).

Few things owned by Demons and few by Devs, but when Amrita Kumbh appears, both Devs and Demons start fighting for owning the pitcher, to become immortal. So to hide this pitcher from Demons, four Dev (Brahaspati, Surya, Chandra and Shania) ran with Amrita Kalasha. Demons started chasing them and this chase lasted for 12 days and nights. During this chase, Devs hide this pitcher at four different locations Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain, Nasik. To commemorate this holy event, Kumbh is celebrated at these places, every twelve years.

Another theory says by legends is — when Amrita Kalasha appears, Jayanta( the son of Indra) ran with the Amarata Kalash for 12 days, during this few drops of nectar fell from the pitcher at four different location — Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. Those 12 days are equal to 12 years for humans, and that’s why Kumbh is celebrated every 12 years at these locations.

Interesting Facts About Kumbh:

The first written information about Kumbh Mela is mentioned in Bhagavad Purana, and Hiuen Tsnag (Chinese Traveller in 629–645 AD) also the Samudra Manthan evidence is mentioned in Vishnu Purana, Mahabharat, & Ramayan.

Recently organised Prayag Kumbh is the World’s largest gathering of religious pilgrims.

Kumbh means the pitcher of nectar. The Kumbh Mela story dates back to the time when gods resided on the earth. Due to the curse of Sage Durvasa, the Devs were weakened and demons were causing havoc on the earth.

How do Kumbh Mela Dates decide?

Every year, the dates for Kumbh Mela are calculated according to the combination of the Sun, Jupiter, and the Moon’s zodiac positions. The Shahi Snan is usually held on full-moon or no-moon days. The astrological dates of Kumbh at Haridwar fall when Venus and Jupiter correspond with Aquarius and Sun and Moon are on the Aries and Sagittarius.

Kumbh Mela is held in four cities (Haridwar, Prayag, Nasik, Ujjain) every three years in the rotation, thus each place getting its turn only after 12 years.

Why does Haridwar celebrate Kumbh 2021 instead of 2022?

The last Kumbh Mela festival in Haridwar was held in 2010, so mathematically the next Kumbh should be in 2022, but it would be celebrated in 2021. The reason is that after more than 100 years the Kumbh will be held earlier. It is happening because of auspicious dates and astrological positions.

Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2021 Dates (Shahi-Snan Bathing Dates):

Sahi Snan Dates for Kumbh Mela 2021

How to make Haridwar Kumbh 2021 Memorable?

Haridwar is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site in India, which is also known as the “Doorway of Abodes”. This is the place where Ganga enters the planes leaving the mountains & valleys behind. This is the place of both Vishnu & Shiva that’s why its religious significance is more important for Hindus. Some of the popular places in Haridwar where you can visit are — Har-ki-Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Daksh Temple (a place where Devi Sati sacrifices her life in Yagya Kund), Sati Kund, Shiva Statue (108 ft.), Shanti Kunj, etc.

Kankhal is a small town in Haridwar which is just a few km from the main Haridwar and has connections with Shiva & Sati. Also, Kankhal is considered as the territory of Daksha (Father of Sati) in ancient times. From the last couple of decades, many rulers rule over this region that’s why you’ll see the Kankhal is also home to numerous Havelis estates, wall paintings, old architecture houses etc.

How it is different from the 2010 Haridwar Kumbh:

• In 2010, around 7 million people dipped in the holy water on Kumbh, and in 2021 it estimated more than 15 million devotees could take part in this Kumbh.
• Devotees can dip into clean Ganga. Because of the Namami Ganga mission & Covid affect the water of Ganga would be more clean and clear.
• Because of technology advancement, this Kumbh will be more secure, highly facilitated.
• More than 100 new ghats are made on the bank of Ganga, so every single person could take part in the grand Kumbh gathering.

The attraction of Kumbh Mela:

• Shahi Snan
• Humongous gathering
• Spiritual Events
• Cultural Programs
• Light Shows
• Night Walk Experience

(get more Kumbh related information like → How to plan for Kumbh Yatra 2021, Things to remember for the Kumbh, New guidelines (sop) for Haridwar Uttarakhand Kumbh 2021 ) → Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021