Maha Kumbh – A Sacred Amalgamation of Divinity and Devotion
The Maha Kumbh is not just a gathering of millions of people! It’s the faith of people that brings them to the Maha Kumbh because it has its roots in the ageless legends of gods, devils, and immortality. It stands today in the Hindu religion as a reminder of Lord Krishna’s unwavering mercy and tales that elevate the faith amongst the Hindu devotees. It also represents the deep connection between life on earth and the divine grace for ISKCON devotees.
The Origin of the Maha Kumbh!
Maha Kumbh, as per the Vedic tales, got started with the tale of Samudra Manthan, also known as the churning of the ocean of milk. As per the Hindu holy books like Bhagwad Purana, the Devas (demigods) and Asuras (demons) pursued Amrita, the elixir of immortality. They used the serpent Vasuki as the rope and Mount Mandara as the churning rod to churn the waters in order to retrieve it. It is said that the mountain was stabilized by Lord Vishnu during His incarnation as the Kurma (tortoise).
After a lot of effort by the Devas (demigods) and Asuras (demons), the nectar pot, also called Kumbh, appeared. But sadly, the Devas (demigods) and Asuras (demons) got into a fight for the control of the Kumbh! While the conflict was on, it is said that the droplets from this pot fell over Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, and they became the holy sites on earth. Further, it was then believed that during certain planetary alignments, the rivers in these 4 places become charged with spiritual energy, and bathing in them grants liberation to the devotes. As a result, even today, devotees come to Maha Kumbh for the sacred bath in the Triveni Sangam.
The Significance and Power of the Sacred Bath at the Maha Kumbh
As per Vedic Hindu tales and beliefs, bathing in the Triveni Sangam at the Maha Kumbh has the power to wash away your sins that have accumulated over many lifetimes and remove all impurities. While taking their dip in the holy water, they chant the Lord’s holy names
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Know the Stories of the Gods linked to the Maha Kumbh
- The story of Lord Vishnu as Mohini MurtiLord Vishnu, to spread the nectar to the Devas, took the form of Mohini. This act demonstrates how Lord Vishnu was ever ready to save his devotees from any evil forces!
- The Journey of GarudaAs per Vedic Hindu tales, the jug of nectar was taken across the sky by Lord Vishnu’s heavenly bird, Garuda. During this process, a few drops of the nectar fell to the ground, sanctifying the Kumbh sites.
- Lord Shiva’s Compassion
Lord Krishan is believed to have held the toxin Halahala by his neck when he tried to disrupt the churning process. He drank it to save the earth from evils, turning it blue (Neelkanth).
Significance of Maha Kumbh According to ISKCON Kurukshetra
Srila Prabhupada, who is the founder Acharya of ISKCON, stated that awakening the love for Krishna within you as a devotee should be the real purpose of your life! So, devotees of ISKCON, who have a spiritual connection with Lord Krishna, believe that visiting the Maha Kumbh and taking a bath in the holy water is an opportunity to reconnect with the transcendental teachings of Bhakti Yoga. It purifies the soul, and devotees surrender to Lord Krishna without any ego as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna.
Conclusion
The Maha Kumbh is not just a celebration for Lord Krishna devotees but a spiritual invitation to submit to him, too. It reminds pilgrims about their ultimate goal in life, which should be to awaken the love for Krishna within with devotion.
