Blog by Siddharth Paramhans - writing for a Better India
As I sit down to pen my thoughts about our recent visit to the Maha Kumbh Mela, I am filled with a sense of awe and reverence. The sheer magnitude of this spiritual gathering in this MAHA KUMBH at Prayagraj, which has taken place after 144 years, is a testament to the enduring power of faith and tradition. Our family, consisting of my wife Meera, son Sarang, younger brother Savyasachi, and I, embarked on a journey to experience the magic of Kumbh Mela, and what a journey it was!
The journey began on a chilly winter morning on 20th Jan 2025, as we set off from our home in our car, ready to drive over 700 kilometers to reach our destination, Prayagraj. The excitement was palpable as we hit the road, with the anticipation of witnessing one of the largest human gatherings on the planet. We decided to break our journey at Lucknow, where we spent a comfortable night, preparing ourselves for the adventure that lay ahead.
The next morning on 21st Jan 2025, we resumed our
journey, we were struck by the excellent condition of the highways. The roads
were wide, smooth, and well-maintained, making our car journey a pleasure. As
we drove, the landscape outside our window changed, with the urban sprawl
giving way to green and verdant fields. The scenery was a perfect accompaniment to
our excitement, building up our anticipation for the experience that awaited
us.
Finally, after hours of driving, we reached Prayagraj, the
city that was once known as Allahabad. As we entered the city, we could feel
the energy of the Kumbh Mela, with devotees and pilgrims thronging the streets.
We made our way to the ISKCON Temple Guest House, which was our home for the
next two days. The guest house was a newly built property, situated on the
banks of the majestic Yamuna River. Our room was spacious and beautifully
appointed, with a stunning view of the river. We spent some time freshening up
and then stepped out to explore the city, taking in the sights and sounds of
the Kumbh Mela.
The next morning on 22nd Jan 2025, we had planned
to take a boat ride to the Sangam Ghat, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna,
and Saraswati rivers, where we would take a holy dip. However, fate had other
plans. At the last minute, we were informed that the boat ride had been
canceled due to a visit by UP government ministers to the Sangam Ghat, and
security concerns had taken precedence. We were disappointed, but we were
determined to make the most of our experience. We decided to take a local
conveyance to reach the Sangam Mela, and as we made our way through the crowded
streets, we could feel the excitement building up.
The walk to the Sangam Ghat was long, almost 7-8 kilometers,
but we were undeterred. We walked through the crowded streets, taking in the
sights and sounds of the Kumbh Mela. The air was filled with the chanting of
mantras, the beating of drums, and the smell of incense and flowers. We passed
by stalls selling everything from spiritual literature to handicrafts, and the
atmosphere was electric. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we
reached the Sangam Ghat, and the sight that greeted us took our breath away.
The Sangam Ghat was a sea of humanity, with millions of devotees gathered to take a holy dip in the Ganges. The atmosphere was surreal, with the sound of chanting and prayer filling the air. We made our way to the river, and as we took our first dip, we felt a sense of purification and renewal. The water was cold, but it was invigorating, and we felt our spirits lift. We spent some time at the Sangam Ghat, taking in the sights and sounds, and feeling grateful for the experience.
After our dip, we visited various Sadhu’s Pandals, which
were a sight to behold. The Naga Sadhus, with their ash-smeared bodies and
matted hair, were a fascinating sight, and we were struck by their devotion and
dedication. The Sanyasis, with their simple robes and serene faces, exuded an
aura of peace and tranquility. We spent some time interacting with them,
learning about their way of life, and seeking their blessings.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to the
ISKCON Temple Guest House, tired but exhilarated by our experience. We spent
some time relaxing and reflecting on the day's events, and then, in the
evening, we set off on our journey back home. The drive was long, but we were
all smiles, still basking in the glow of our experience.
As I look back on our journey to the Maha Kumbh Mela, I am
filled with our hearts with joy, wonder, and awe.
Siddharth Paramhans
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Brief History of Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela, one of the largest human gatherings on the
planet, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times.
According to Hindu mythology, the Kumbh Mela originated from the Samudra
Manthan, a churning of the ocean that produced a pot of nectar, known as the
Amrit. The gods and demons fought over the Amrit, and during the battle, a few
drops of the nectar fell to the earth at four different locations: Prayagraj,
Nashik, Ujjain, and Haridwar. These locations are now the sites of the Kumbh
Mela, which is held every 12 years in each of these cities. The Maha Kumbh
Mela, which we attended, is held every 144 years and is considered the largest
and most auspicious of all.
The Enigmatic Naga Sadhus
As we walked through the crowded streets of the Kumbh Mela,
we were struck by the sight of the Naga Sadhus, their bodies smeared with ash,
their hair matted and unkempt. The Naga Sadhus are a mystical and enigmatic
group of Hindu ascetics who have renounced worldly life and dedicated
themselves to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. They are known for their
intense spiritual practices, which include meditation, yoga, and austerity. The
Naga Sadhus play a significant role in Hindu society, serving as spiritual
guides, teachers, and guardians of ancient traditions. They are also known for
their bravery and martial skills and have been involved in various battles and
wars throughout Indian history.
The ISKCON Society
Our stay at the ISKCON Temple Guest House was a wonderful
experience, and we were impressed by the warmth and hospitality of the ISKCON
community. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is a
spiritual organization that was founded in the 1960s by A.C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami Prabhupada. The society is dedicated to the propagation of Krishna
consciousness and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. ISKCON is known for its
vibrant temples, its colorful festivals, and its emphasis on spiritual practices
such as chanting, meditation, and devotional service. The society has a strong
presence in India and around the world, and its members are known for their
dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to spiritual growth.
No comments:
Post a Comment