MahaKumbh Mela is very important in Hinduism. This year, it will be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from 13 January to 26 February 2025. This fair is considered to be one of the largest religious fairs in the world, so people come from all over the world to participate in it.
Mahakumbh is also special because it is held once in 12 years and during this time crores of devotees come to take bath on the holy confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. It is believed that by taking bath here all the sins of the devotees are destroyed and they attain salvation.
At which places is MahaKumbh held?
According to mythology, Kumbh Mela is related to Samudra Manthan. It is said that when the gods and demons were churning the ocean to get nectar, a few drops of nectar from the urn of nectar fell on four holy places on earth: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. This is why Kumbh Mela is held only in these divine places.
Specialty of Prayagraj
Prayagraj is also called Teerth Raj or ‘King of Pilgrimage Sthals’ because according to the scriptures, the first Yagya was performed by Brahma Ji here. Along with this, it is also known for religious practices in various Puranas including Mahabharata. Prayagraj is considered a holy place.
Why MahaKumbh is held only after 12 years
It is said that there was a fight between the gods and the demons for 12 days over the Amrit Kalash. This is the reason why MahaKumbh is held after 12 years, because it is believed that twelve days of the gods are equal to twelve years of humans.
Place and date are decided according to astrology
The date and place of MahaKumbh depends on astrology. That is why when Jupiter is in Taurus and Sun God enters Capricorn, then the Kumbh Mela is organized in Prayagraj. Similarly, when Guru Jupiter is in Aquarius and during that time Sun God comes in Aries, then Kumbh is organized in Haridwar.
Whereas when Sun and Jupiter are in Leo, the MahaKumbh is held in Nasik and when Jupiter is in Leo and Sun is in Aries, the Kumbh fair is held in Ujjain.
