Kumbh Mela – the largest human gathering
on the planet !
From time immemorial people have been gathering for the ritual
of bathing on auspicious days. T hough written record appears
in diaries of travellers circa 500 AD and onward, it is known
to be as ancient as religion itself. This fair, which in 2001
has brought more than 25 Million people together for the most
auspicious day (the gathering was so immense, it was seen from
outer space), is based on a myth of the Maha Kumbh Mela originates
from the Shrimad Bhagavatam Veda. .
The Demons and the Angels were churning the ocean in order to
raise its hidden secrets. First emerged a deadly poison which
Shiva drank in order to save everyone (hence the blue throat).
After the poison many good blessings came in the way of gifts
for the world. Eventually, Danwantri, the divine healer appeared
holding a kumbh (pitcher) full of Amrita - the nectar of immortality.
The Demons and Angels were both trying to posses the pitcher.
The angel Jayanta took possession of the nectar and flew with
it away towards the heavens where it could be protected. On the
way he stopped at four places: Allahabad), Haridwar, Nasik and
Ujjain. Some drops of the nectar have touched earth in each of
these spots.
So, a fair where the bliss, peace, love, compassion would be
showered on masses from space , who participate and take holy
bath on the pre-decided dates at the significant places.
Does it mean that the Kumbh Mela is a ritual or a religious affair?
Or a product of Indian Mythologies? No, not at all. Like most
myths, the story has depth in hidden meaning and symbolism. In
yogic sense, it is the most scientific experience to happen to
our Universe. An auspicious time of culmination of various planets
in a particular position in our Galaxy. A time when this culmination
sends forth its radiation to a particular spot on the earth and
its surroundings which cleanse the environment, the polluted confused
minds of the masses. Thus, peace and harmony are bestowed on humankind.
This happens when people take bath at various destined places
of Kumbh Mela on different dates in particular years. And symbolically,
the ocean can be likened to consciousness, the stirring struggle
of angels and demons to human awareness of desires and self-awareness.
The nectar is the liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth.
If you would like to stay at Pilot Baba camp for the
next Kumbh Mela at Nasik (2004), please contact :info@mahayog.com
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