Why in news?

The Maha Kumbh 2025, a grand religious event held every 12 years, will take place in Prayagraj, starting on January 13, with the first holy bath (snan).

Expected to attract over 45 crore devotees over one-and-a-half months, it is one of the largest gatherings on earth. While its exact origins are debated—some tracing it to the Vedas and Puranas and others to the past two centuries—it remains a significant spiritual and cultural festival.

What’s in today’s article?

• The Kumbh Mela
• Astrological Basis of Kumbh Mela
• Historical References to Kumbh Mela
• How Kumbh Mela became a platform for nationalism during Independence movement?

The Kumbh Mela

• Origin
  • The Sanskrit word "kumbh" means pitcher or pot.
  • According to mythology, during the ocean churning by Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons), Dhanvantri emerged with a pitcher of amrita (elixir of immortality).
  • To prevent Asuras from getting it, Jayant, Indra’s son, fled with the pot, protected by the Sun, Shani, Brihaspati (Jupiter), and the Moon.
  • As Jayant ran for 12 divine days (equal to 12 human years), amrita spilled at four locations: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik-Trimbakeshwar.
• Frequency
  • Maha Kumbh (Poorna Kumbh): Held every 12 years.
  • Ardh-Kumbh: Held in Prayagraj and Haridwar every 6 years.
• Significance of the Rivers
  • The festivals occur on the banks of sacred rivers:
    • Haridwar: Ganga
    • Prayagraj: Confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati
    • Ujjain: Kshipra (believed to emerge from Vishnu’s heart in his Varah avatar)
    • Nashik-Trimbakeshwar: Godavari (known as the Ganga of the south)
  • Bathing in these rivers during Kumbh, under specific celestial alignments, is believed to cleanse sins and provide spiritual merit (punya).
• Gathering of Sadhus and Spiritual Learning
  • Kumbh Melas attract Sadhus and holy men, especially from the akhadas, providing opportunities for devotees to meet and learn from them.

Astrological Basis of Kumbh Mela

• The site of a 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.
• Astrological alignments unique to each site guide the timing and location of the Kumbh Mela.

Historical References to Kumbh Mela

• Ancient References to Kumbh Mela
  • The Skanda Purana is often cited as proof of Kumbh Mela’s antiquity, but no extant version explicitly describes the festival as we know it.
    • The Samudra Manthan story, though mentioned in various scriptures, lacks references to the spilling of amrita at four places.
  • Some claim the Rig Veda includes shlokas highlighting the benefits of participating in the Kumbh Mela.
• Xuanzang's Account
  • The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang described a seventh-century fair in Prayag, but it is unclear whether it was the Kumbh Mela.
  • Kama Maclean suggests that an ancient bathing festival, Magh Mela, held at Prayag was rebranded as the “timeless” Kumbh after 1857 to avoid British interference.
• Adi Shankaracharya’s Role
  • The 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have formalized the four periodic fairs, creating opportunities for Hindu ascetics and scholars to gather and guide the public.
• Evolution of Kumbh Mela
  • According to some experts, the Kumbh Mela likely began at Haridwar, as Brihaspati (Jupiter) in Kumbh rashi corresponds to this site.
  • The tradition possibly took shape after the 12th century CE during the Bhakti movement, as fairs on sacred riverbanks are an ancient Hindu tradition.
  • They link the Kumbh’s origins to Ganga worship and the influence of travelling sadhus, who spread the idea of holding Kumbh Melas at four sacred rivers.
• Historical Records
  • Mughal-era records and those kept by sanyasi akhadas indicate the Kumbh Mela was formalized over time, evolving into a major socio-religious event.
  • These gatherings provided opportunities for ascetics to earn followers and for pilgrims to engage in spiritual practices.

How Kumbh Mela became a platform for nationalism during Independence movement?

• Allahabad’s Rise as a Political and Cultural Hub
  • Following the 1857 revolt, Allahabad became the capital of the North-Western Provinces, gaining prominence as a political and administrative center.
  • With institutions like the High Court (1867) and Allahabad University (1887), the city attracted influential families, students, and nationalists.
  • By the late 19th century, Allahabad had transformed into a significant site 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 disseminating nationalist ideas.
  • The British policy of non-interference in religion allowed Indian leaders to leverage religious gatherings for political purposes.
  • By the 1900s, nationalist leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Gopal Krishna Gokhale used the Kumbh to promote Swadeshi and other nationalist causes.
• The Role of Congress and Religious Leaders
  • By 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 policies.
  • Events like the 1936 Ardh Kumbh saw displays such as the idol of Bharat Mata and political processions that aligned spiritual and nationalist sentiments.
• Conclusion
  • The Kumbh Mela evolved from a regional religious gathering to a significant national event with political undertones, especially during the Indian 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 India’s political sovereignty.