Kumbh Mela

Nasik is located in the north of Maharashtra, situated 200 kms from Mumbai and Pune. The city is widely acclaimed for glorious temples that include: Balaji temple, Sundranarayan temple, Kalaram Mandir, Kampaleshwar temple and the Rameshwar or temple.

Ujjain on the other hand is located on the western boundary of Madhya Pradesh and is 55 km from Indore. When King Shiva was victorious over the ruler of Tripuri, he changed the name of his capital, Avantipura to Ujjayini. Both the cities, Nashik and Ujjain, are among the four important pilgrimage sites holding Kumbh Mela.

Prayag or Allahabad, is one of the holiest cities of India and an important city famous for its culture and contemporary heritage. It is situated at about 240 km from Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.The Prayag (Allahabad) Kumbh Mela is the largest and holiest of all melas and is believed to be the most auspicious. On important bathing dates, lakhs of pilgrims take bath on the banks of the holy Sangam. The Purna (complete) Kumbh or Maha Kumbh, the biggest and the most auspicious fair, which falls once every 12 years, is always held in Allahabad. Ardha Kumbh Mela is held every 6th year and the Magh Mela is the annual version of the Kumbh. The main bathing days are known as 'Shahi Snans' or 'Royal Bathing Days'.

Haridwar, is situated on the foothills of Shivaliks. It is here that the river Ganga, coming down from the gigantic Himalayas, touches the plains. Haridwar is the first place where the river meets the plains.The astrological date for Kumbh at Haridwar falls when Venus and Jupiter coincide with Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. This planetary position is said to medicate the waters of the Ganga and turn it into nectar. Apart from Kumbh, Ardh Kumb Mela is also held here,every six years.

The History
The historical origin of the Kumbh Mela dates back to the time when there was a conflict among the gods and the demons over the possession of the "Amrit Kumbh", or the pot of immortal nectar. During the tussle, some drops of the amrit splashed and fell at four places. These four places were: Allahabad, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain, the sacred sites for the Kumbh Mela.

It is during the time when the auspicious planets align in the same position, devotees come together to commemorate this divine holy dip. It is believed that the holy dip purifies one, of all the sins and the cycle of rebirth and death ends as the soul becomes divine. Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering in the world of people with a religious purpose sharing knowledge and information about religion and other spiritual practices. It is a tradition that has been maintained over centuries with the traces of its origin indicating to the creation of the Universe. People from all walks of life assemble to take a holy bath and include: sadhus with ash-smeared bodies, robed saints, hymn-chanting priests, yogis and preachers etc.