The world's largest religious gathering, Maha Kumbh Mela, has begun in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 13 to February 26. This grand event is of great importance for Hindu devotees, who gather at the Sangam confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati- for a holy dip believed to cleanse sins and bring salvation.

The Uttar Pradesh government expects an astounding number of over 40 crore pilgrims visiting from all around the world within these 45 days of spiritual congregation. Maha Kumbh Mela is an intricate tapestry of culture, tradition, and spirituality, which calls millions to its sacred waters.

Origins of Kumbh Mela: 

The origins of the Kumbh Mela date back to the eighth century and are attributed to the great Hindu thinker Adi Shankaracharya, who encouraged regular congregations of spiritual leaders and ascetics. He also started the system of monasteries and the 13 akharas—bands of warrior monks and sages.

Mythologically, Kumbh Mela is said to have originated with the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the cosmic ocean, where gods and demons were looking for the elixir of immortality, Amrit. According to the Hindu epics, Lord Vishnu, disguised as Mohini, protected the Amrit from demons, and so drops of the nectar fell at four holy places: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. The rivers at these Tirthas are believed to give moksha or liberation.

Types of Kumbh Mela: 

The Kumbh Mela is observed in different forms:

Purna Kumbh Mela: It is conducted every 12 years at the four holy places, which attracts millions.

Ardh Kumbh Mela: It is conducted every six years in Haridwar and Prayagraj.

Kumbh Mela: It is conducted every three years at four locations in a cycle.

Maha Kumbh Mela: The most significant, which occurs once in 144 years, marking the completion of 12 Kumbh Mela cycles.

It's unique in the fact that it marks a rare planetary alignment, and hence, it's the most auspicious since the last 144 years.

Why is Maha Kumbh 2025 a once in 144 years of gathering

Explaining the heavenly significance of this year's Maha Kumbh, Mahant Harichaitanya Brahmachari, head of TikarMafi ashram, said to the TOI,  “After 144 years, the alignment of the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn, coupled with the Pukh Nakshatra, occurs just hours before Amavasya on January 29, making this Maha Kumbh exceptionally sacred.”

Participating in the royal bath, called Shahi Snan, by the saints and monks of several akharas takes place on important days decided upon the movement of the Moon, Sun, and Jupiter in the Hindu calendar. This bath is a demonstration of the sanctity of this occasion, whereby people can obtain an opportunity for purification of sin and spiritual revival.