Maha Kumbh Mela 2021, Haridwar.

MAHA KUMBH – 2021 AT HARIDWAR AS CELEBRATED AT SRI SRI RAM THAKUR ASHRAM, HARIDWAR {BRIEF DESCRIPTION BY PK BHOWMIK (CHANDAN), SECRETARY.

The Kumbh in Kumbha Mela literally means “pitcher, jar, pot” in Sanskrit.  It is found in the Vedic texts, in this sense, often in the context of holding water or in mythical legends about the nectar of immortality.  Thus, Kumbh Mela means an “assembly; meet union” around water or nectar of immortality.

The significance of Kumbh Mela Festival is called KumbhMela, in Hinduism, religious festival that is celebrated four times over the course of 12 years, the site of the observance rotating between four pilgrimage places on four sacred rivers – at Haridwaron Ganga River, at Ujjain on Shipra River, at Nasik on Godavari and at Prayag (Allahabad) on rivers Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati.

The Sanskrit word “Pitcher” had the ‘Amrit’, the immortal nectar by virtue of which i.e. by drinking “nectar(amrita)” Devtas had become immortal.  Many devout Hindus believe that the Kumbh Mela originated in times immemorial and is attested in the Hindu mythology about ‘Samudra Manthan’ (lit. Churning of the ocean) found in the Vedic texts wherein it is believed that God Vishnu had Himself made the most wounderful and most beautiful lady of the Universe (Mohinirupasi) holding the ‘Amrita Jar’ for distribution of nectar (‘Amrit’) amongst the Devtas and the Demons.  But God Vishnu wanted to distribute ‘neactar’ only to Devtas, not to Demons.  Drinking of this nectar helped Devatas immortal.  The demonds could not understand who was the most beautiful lady.  They followed the Mohinirupasi to have Her.  God Vishnu knew this.  God Vishnu/Mohinirupasi moved four places with the ‘nectar jar’.  These are at Hardiwar on Ganga River, at Ujjain on Shipra River, at Nasik on the River Godavari and at Prayag (Allahabad) on the rivers Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati. So, these four places are famous for sacred Mohatirtha. For that reason, there is a large gathering of devotees during Kumbh Mela celebration in four places as stated above by rotation.

Sadhu, saints and devotees not only from various places of India but also from other countries assembled in the Kumbh Mela.  This gathering is due to ‘Holy Bath’ in the rivers.

    Mohakumbh 2021 is being celebrated at Haridwar wef 14-01-2021 and will be continued till 27-04-2021.  Holi Bath (Sahi snan) at Ganga River, Haridwar is yet to be observed on 12-04-2021 to 14-04-2021, 21-04-2021 and 27-04-2021.  Holy bath of Moha Shiva Ratri (11-03-2021) had already been observed wherein despite of pandemic Covid-19, near about 33 lakh sadhu, saints and devotees had taken ‘Holy Bath at Ganga River (Haridwar).  In that occasion, many devotees/thakurashritas (from 08-03-2021 to 15-03-2021 at least 150 to 200 devotees/sadhus each day gathered and stayed in our Sri Sri Ram Thakur Ashram after completion of ‘Holy Bath’.  During these periods, bhandaras were arranged. Everyday Bhajan kirtan, Harinam Sankirtan, Vedvani recitation, discussion about Sri Sri Thakur etc. were performed and at a time, Sri Sri Satyanarayan Puja was also performed.  Mohabhog Prasad was taken by all sadhus, saints and devotees everyday with great delight.   Many bhaktas/sradhyalus from various places such a Delhi NCR, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Mumbai, Pune etc participated in this Holy Kumbh Bath. Moreover, Near about 80 sadhus and saints were shown special respects serving Bhog Prasad with bhojan dakshina/donation after bhog  on behalf of the Ashram Committee.  They were very satisfied with these nice arrangements.  Bhandaras were also distributed amongst poor people at Ganga Ghat in several occasions.The Ashram Committee are still interested to do such types of arrangement for the coming ‘Holy Baths (12-04-2021 to 14-2021, 21-04-2021 and 27-04-2021). We hope that we will be able to perform the remaining ‘Holy Bath’ Festival with great amusement with the kind co-operation of the participated volunteers/devotees.