HARIDWAR PURNA KUMBHA MELA - 2010 SNAAN PARV
(Bathing Dates for Haridwar Purna Kumbha 2010)
I FEB. SRI PRATHAM SHAAHI SNAAN -
12FRI, 2010 MAHA FIRST ROYAL BATH.
SHIV
RATRI
II Feb. 13Sat, 2010 Sankranti Punya Kaal General holy dip
- Sanaischari
Amaavasyaa
III Feb. 28Sun, 2010 Holika Dahan General holy dip
Holi - the Hindu
Spring festival.
IV MAR. SOMVATI AMA- DVITIYA SHAHI SNAN-
15 VASYA SECOND ROYAL BATH.
MON, 2010 Royal Bath for six Akhaaraas
(Academies) of Vaishnav and Udasi
sects.
V March 16Tue, 2010 Nav- General holy dip
Samvatsaraarambh
Snaan
VI March 20Sat, 2010 Maha Vishnu Divas General holy dip
Snan
VII March 24Wed, Sri Ram Navami Fifth Snan-General holy dip.
2010
VIII March 30Tue, 2010 *Chaitra Purnima Bath for Vaishnav Akharas.
Snan (Chaitra
Fullmoon Parv
Snaan)/
Snaan of Vaishnav
Akharas
*Hanuman Jayanti
IX APRIL MESH SAN- PRAMUKH SHAHI SNAN PARV/
14WED, 2010 KRANTI MAIN ROYAL BATH (3rd/last) for six
Ama- Akharas (academies) of Vaishnav and
vasya of Krishna Udasi sects.
Paksh (dark
fortnight) of
month of
Baisakh
(Vaisakh)
X April 28Wed, 2010 Vaishakh Adhimas The fullmoon day, last auspicious bathing
(Shakh) Purnima date of the Kumbh festival.
Snan (Fullmoon Day
Bath)
The Purna Kumbha Mela concludes here.
-----
The pre-Kumbha general Snaans are:-
A January 14Thu Makar First General holy dip.
2010 Sankranti
Punyakaal
Snaan
B January 15Fri, Mauni Second General holy dip.
2010 Amavasya &
Surya Grahan
Snaan (Solar
Eclipse Bath)
C January Sri Basant Third General holy dip.
20Wed, 2010 Panchmi Snan
Vasant
Panchami
D January 30Sat, Maagh Fourth General holy dip.
2010 Poornima
Pushp Sutaa
Snan
The post-Kumbha general Snaans are:-
A May 14Fri, Adhimaas General holy dip
2010 Vaishaakh
Poorti Snan
B May 16Sun, Akshay Tritiya General holy dip
2010 Snan
C May 18Tue, Adya Guru General holy dip
2010 Sankaracharya
Snan
D May 27Thu, Vaishaakh General holy dip.
2010 Purnima (Full
Moon Day)
Snan.
Haridwar General Information:
Population: 3,48142 (Urban) 1991
Area: 2,360 sq. kms.
Altitude: 249.7 mtrs.
Climate: Summer - Maximum - 40.9 Degree Celcius, Minimum - 15.6 DC
Winter - Max- 16.6 DC, Min-06 DC
Clothing: Cotton in Summers and Woolens in Winters
Best Time to Visit: Round the Year
Language: Hindi and English
Telephone STD Code: 01334
If you are planning to go to Haridwar during Kumbh Mela, it will be better to reserve
your stay there (in some Ashram or Dharmashala or Hotel, etc., either at Haridwar
or its twin town of Rishikesh that is 24 kms from Haridwar) well in advance. For
more information, visit the Official Website of Uttarakhand Government for
accommodation and other details at: http://www.kumbh2010haridwar.gov.in/
----------------
Please go through the following for Kumbha details and significance of the hoary
tradition:-
HARIDWAR PURNA KUMBHA MELA - 2010
Bharat (India) is a River Civilization. A Kumbha Mela is the largest gathering of people
for a religious purpose in the world. It is a Lifetime Experience. The Mela
(gathering/meet/fair) is called "Kumbh" as it is celebrated under the zodiac sign of Kumbh
(Aquarius). It celebrates the Pauraanic "Amrit Kumbha" (Nectar/panacea of energy and
immortality contained in a Pitcher/Kumbh/Kalash as discussed in the Deva Kathaas). It
inspires man to discover Immortality (Amritam), Light (Jyoti) and Truth (Sat) - in fact the
macrocosm (Brahmaand) in the microcosm (Pinda/Kumbh=human body) - whereby the
Jeeva/Nara (man) becomes Shiva/Narayan (Cosmic Man) through cultivation and release
of the potential Kundalini Shakti that unfolds the seven higher radically different levels of
consciousness beyond the normal three.
A Tirtha/Teerth is a pilgrimage site. Literally, the Sanskrit term Teerth means a ford - a
shallow place in a river where one can walk or drive across. A tirtha provides the
inspiration to enable one to cross over from worldly engagements to the side of Moksha
(Moh-Kshyay) - Enlightenment, Self-Realization (Truth), identification with cosmic
consciousness & realization of Immortality free from the limitations of the world of
relativity and mortality. A Tirth on earth is a spiritual ford that empowers man to go
across from his/her micro unenlightened worldly existence to the macro enlightened
godly existence. It is, therefore, prescribed in the scriptures to perform Snaan (holy bath),
Daan (donations), Punya (altruistic acts to earn spiritual merits), etc., when visiting a
Tirth (place of pilgrimage). Generally speaking, a Tirth is a sacred place that bears the
footprints of a Devta (deity) or some Mahapurush (great soul) or bears witness to some
big positively transforming event or home to some holy river, sea shore, holy pond, holy
lake, etc. People visit Tirthas with prayers for spiritual emancipation and God-
Realization.
Three kinds of Teerthas are recognised in Bharat, viz., "Jangam Teerth" (e.g.,
Realized/Enlightened Souls, Saints, Yogis), "Maanas Teerth" (e.g., Great
Altruists/Paraarthvaadis/Parahitavaadis that have concern for the needs and feelings of
other people above their own and they are committed and dedicated to Seva activities.
There is no room for egotism in their life) and "Sthaavar Teerth" [Ayodhya, Mathura,
Maya (Haridwar), Kashi (Varanasi), Kanchi, Avantika (Ujjain) and Dwarakapuri are the
Saptapuris and Mokshadaayini Teerthas. Every Hindu is expected to cover these Teerthas
at least once in his/her lifetime]. Innumerable Sthavar Tirthas dot the whole Akhand
Bharat. The Padma Puraan talks of 3.50 crore (35 million) Tirthas! The said three kinds
of Teerthas are the salt of our planet Earth.
Our Rishis were the Jangam Teerthas and the great Seva-Dharmis were the Maanas
Teerthas. They were, nevertheless, scientists and masters of intuition with comprehensive
universal perception and eye for details. They had the holistic worldview and developed a
holistic paradigm. They anticipated the theories like the unified field (Vishwaroop),
superstring, quantum, etc. They did not see man and the earth in isolation, but recognised
their cosmic connection. They saw relativity in the intraplay and interplay in the solar
system including the sun, moon, planets and other heavenly bodies. They studied the
factors like solar wind, radiation, gravitation, tides, distance, life, nature, time, space, etc.
They studied the positions and movements of stars and planets and their influence on
earth and man. They also studied the universe and its origin and development. They had
disproved the geocentric and the heliocentric views of the universe. They took into
account all such factors to realize a holistic equation which also identified areas on earth
that had the right electromagnetic field and receptivity to beneficial cosmic radiation
conducive to the spiritual growth of man. They designated these places as perennial
Sthaavar Teerthas. The specific Parvas (festivals/fairs) at specific Teerthas were
determined on the basis of the times when the respective Teerthas become influenced by
specific positive radiation from specific combination angles of planets and the sun that
empowers, energises and medicates the water, air, land, etc., of the particular Teertha
conducive to physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing and growth of man.
The Teerthas celebrate a nature and life friendly worldview.
To watch a Kumbh Shahi Snaan (Royal Bath) procession of Sadhus, Nagas, Yogis,
Sannyasis and millions of lay devotees is to witness the march of centuries. The actual
Kumbh at Haridwar in 2010 opens with the First Shahi Snaan (Royal Bath) on February
12, 2010. Ten Crore (100 Million) people are estimated to cover this Kumbh fair during
about 75 days period of Kumbh. But the spectacular D-Day that will wear a global look
(other days are likely to wear local and regional look) is on April 14Wednesday, 2010.
The 3rd & Main Shahi Snan at Haridwar on 14th April commences at 06.56 A.M. when
the aligned astronomical configuration of Jupiter (Vrihaspati/Guru) with Aquarius
(Kumbh), Sun with Aries (Mesha) and Moon with Sagittarius (Dhanu) takes place. This
planetary position is said to medicate the waters of Ganga at a particular spot called Har-
ki-Pauri (steps of God) on the banks of River Ganga in Haridwar (Gateway to Hari, i.e.,
Badrinath)/Hardwar (Gateway to Har, i.e., Kedarnath), and turns it into nectar on these
days, thereby attracting millions to purify their inner-self through holy bathing rituals.
Spiritually, position of planets during the Kumbh Mela is good for concentration and
meditation. Two Crore (20 Million) people are estimated to keep their date with Haridwar
on this day for which they will descend on the pilgrimage town well in time and try to
take the holy dip at the appointed time in the Ganga at Har-Ki-Pouri (Steps of God) and
nearby ghats. The concluding Haridwar Kumbh Snan is on April 28, 2010.
Capt. Thomas Skinner witnessed the Kumbh Fair at Haridwar in 1830 said, "We had
passed thousands of people in every description of vehicles hastening towards it. They
were of all ages, all costumes and all complexions; no spot on earth can produce so great
a variety of the human race at one assemblage."
HARIDWAR PURNA KUMBHA MELA - 2010 SNAAN PARV
(Bathing Dates for Haridwar Purna Kumbha 2010)
I FEB. SRI PRATHAM SHAAHI SNAAN -
12FRI, MAHA FIRST ROYAL BATH.
2010 SHIV (Maha is the Big One, Shiv means auspiciousness, and
RATRI Ratri means night; this is a day when we awake to the
most auspicious truth within ourself. Night stands for
darkness i.e. ignorance, in which all beings sleep & then
dream. Our present transmigratory existence and
limited individuality is nothing but a big dream.
Freedom is never by some unique or scintillating
experiences in this dreamy realm of existence, but only
by waking up to that which is not a product of mind.
That which is not a product of mind is the Self, the
Atma. Mandukya Upanishad calls that non-relative
truth of Self as Shiva. That is referred to as the fourth
state of the Self, the Turiya. It is the most auspicious
one, knowing which one truly wakes up and gets 'as
though' liberated. One who knows the Atma as
Brahman alone is a liberated one.
The other three states apart from the Turiya are the
waking, dream and the deep sleep states - when we turn
extrovert and try to get experiences from the things
around, revel in our imaginary worlds, or just switch off
and rest, respectively. The fact that the special sadhana
of this day has been kept for night implies that we need
to simulate deep sleep, i.e. no flights of mind as in
waking or dream states. Turn away from all
experiences, physical or mental and just become quiet.
No responsibilities, no desires, no burden to achieve
anything, no roles to play, no regrets, no aspirations -
just as in deep sleep but all consciously. When all
relative roles and their corresponding thoughts are kept
aside and the mind is quiet, then that which remains is
that which is not a product of our minds - the Shiv
tattva, the turiya, the auspicious one. Let us awake to
that and realize it to be our real Self, thereafter, let this
free and awakened mind respond to any situation
around, there will be just the fragrance of
auspiciousness in everything. That will be the real
celebration of Mahashivrati).
General holy dip
(Shani Amavasya is the no moon day that falls on a
II Feb. Sankranti Saturday or Shanivar in traditional Hindu calendar.
13Sat, Punya Kaal
2010 - Sanaischari
Amaavasyaa Amavasya is considered inauspicious in some traditions and
the fear of Lord Shani is well known as he is believed to
create havoc in the life of people. So Amavasya falling on
Saturday is considered highly inauspicious by some people.
Shani Amavasya is keenly followed by people who believe
in astrology. People suffering from Pitri Dosh and Kaal
Sarpa Dosh conduct remedial pujas on the day. Various
other rituals dedicated to Lord Shani are performed on the
day. The day is also considered ideal for performing
Shraaddh and Tarpan for deceased ancestors.
There are numerous theories regarding the effects of Lord
Shani on one’s horoscope. But there are also people who
consider Shani Bhagavan as just one of the Navgrahas and
believe that there is nothing to worry about.
If one feels that one is under the malevolent effect of Lord
Shani, the easy escape from it is by praying to Lord
Hanuman.
One must not fall into traps of unscrupulous people who try
to take undue advantage of people by instilling fear in their
minds in the name of Shani Maharaj and advise them costly
remedial measures. Shani Maharaj by himself is not harmful
as justice is his forte. He only ensures retribution for those
that indulge in unjust and unrighteous acts. He only
demands Dharma, i.e., righteousness from people.)
III Feb. Holika General holy dip
28Sun, Dahan (Holika Dahan, burning of woods or lighting of fire, is one
2010 Holi - the of the most important ceremonies during Holi festival. It
Hindu
Spring
symbolically represents the victory of good over evil. On
festival. the night before Dhulandi, people light fire with old wood,
sticks, branches and leaves.
In most regions, Holik Dahan is associated with Demon
Holika attempting to kill young Prahlad and in that attempt
gets herself killed. Young Prahlad is saved by the grace of
Lord Vishnu. In some regions, people believe that Prahlad
was saved by Lord Agni.
The day is observed as Hutashani Purnima in some regions.)
IV MAR. SOMVATI DVITIYA SHAHI SNAN-
15 AMA- SECOND ROYAL BATH.
MON, VASYA Royal Bath for six Akhaaraas (Academies) of Vaishnav
2010 and Udasi sects.
The no-moon day on a Monday (Som-vaar) is such an
auspicious event that the river Ganga, the divine cosmos,
along with all the revered pilgrimages on this earth,
shower exceptional spiritual benediction on anyone who
performs worship, japa, or meditation on this auspicious
day. The significance of this day is equivalent to the
auspiciousness of a Solar Eclipse. Taking a holy dip and
performance of charitable acts on this day are
considered liberating. There is also a popular belief the
soul of ancestors will rest in peace if children and
relatives take a holy dip in the sacred rivers.
Observance of vow of silence (Mauna) followed by a holy
dip in the sacred waters bestows the person with the
meritorious effect equivalent to that of giving a thousand
cows in donation.
The significance of Somvati Amavasya was also narrated
to Yudhishthir by Pitamah Bhisma in the Mahabharata.
It is said that whoever takes a bath in the sacred rivers
on the day would be prosperous, free of diseases and
would be free from grief and sorrow. Married women
take the holy dip for a happy married life and for the
long life of their husbands. They also worship the pipal
tree on the day. Somavara Amavasya Vrata (control &
moderation of the Vrittis - modifications of the mind) is
observed for a long and happy married life by couples.
Many devout Hindus also fast on the day and some
people only have a single meal.
On the day thousands of people take a dip in Ganga at
Haridwar, Triveni and other places.)
V March Nav- General holy dip
16Tue, Samvatsaraa
2010 rambh (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada is known as Varsh
Snaan
Pratipada. The Hindu New Year starts on this day. It
symbolizes the day of an auspicious beginning,
indeed, the beginning of creation itself. This day
celebrates Spring Season when Mother Nature
springs up bountiful vegetation and blesses Mother
Earth with abundance of fruits, crops, &c.
The Hindu calendar, also known as Panchanga or
Panjika provides us with the knowledge of the
cosmic events that have a natural co-relation with
individual life and the noble values we cherish.
Instead of looking at us in isolation, it tells us about
our cosmic connection.
This day is the-
* Happy Birthday of the present cycle of Universe. Srishti
Samvat/
Happy New Year 155 521 972 949 112 !
* Coronation Day of Samrat Sri Ramchandra
* Kali/Sarvajit Samvat 5112
* Emperor Vikramaditya defeated the Saka invaders/Vikram
Samvat started (2067 VS)
This day is also celebrated as:
* Baishakhi (Punjab)
* Bohaag Bihu/Goru Bihu (Assam)
* Cheiraoba (Manipur)
* Cheti Chand/Chaitra Chandra festival (Sindhi tradition)
* Gudi Padwa/Guru Parv (Maharashtra)
* Luth Avurudhy (Sinhalese)
* Nava Varsha (Nepal)
* Navaratras & Ram Navami celebrations start (Northern
Bharat)
* Navreh/Nau Roz (Kashmir)
* Nyepi (Bali, Indonesia)
* Poila Baishakh/Naba Barsha (Bengal)
* Ugadi/Yugadi (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh)
* Varsha Pirappu/Puthandu (Tamil Nadu)
* Vishu (Kerala)
* Vishuva Sankranti (Oriya)
It is also the Happy Birthday of-
* Sant Jhulelal
* Arya Samaj Founder Swami Dayanand Saraswati
* Arya Samaj
* Sangh Founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar
On this day, people wish one another Shaanti (Peace),
Shakti (Energy), Sampatti (Divine Assets), Swaroop (Self-
Realization), Sanyam (Moderation), Saadgi (Simple Living,
High Thinking), Safaltaa (Success), Samriddhi (Prosperity),
Sanskaar (Refinement), Swaasthya (Health), Sammaan
(Esteem), Saraswati (Learning), Sneh (Love & Affection),
&c.)
VI March Maha General holy dip
20Sat, Vishnu
2010 Divas Snan
VII March Sri Ram Fifth Snan-General holy dip.
24Wed, Navami A famous Hindu festival that celebrates the advent of
2010 Maryadapurushottam Bhagwan Sri Rama. People try to
internalize the righteous Rama spirit for attainment of
perfection as human beings by various approaches. Many
devotees fast for nine days (Navaraatra celebrations),
beginning on Ugaadi (first day of Hindu year) to Rama
Navami.
VIII March *Chaitra Bath for Vaishnav Akharas. The fullmoon day of Chaitra
30Tue, Purnima month is particularly sacred to the Chitra Guptas, the
2010 Snan
(Chaitra
recording/photographic recording & computing angels of
Fullmoon the Hindu pantheon who keep record of all human actions in
Parv Snaan)/ order for implementation of the Law of Karma (Law of
Snaan of Action & Reaction and Retributive Justice). A special
Vaishnav worship is offered to these celestial representatives of
Akharas
Yamaraj (the god of death), and an offering of spiced rice is
prepared and later distributed as prasad or holy sacrament.
A fire worship is done at the close of the ritualistic worship.
*Hanuman This day is also Hanuman Jayanti - the Happy Birthday of
Jayanti
Bajrangbali Hanuman, who symbolizes strength,
unparalleled devotion, diplomatic acumen, military strategy
and strength and selfless service. A fast is often observed on
this date, and mantras to Hanuman are chanted.
IX APRIL MESH PRAMUKH SHAHI SNAN PARV/
14WED SAN- MAIN ROYAL BATH (3rd/last) for six Akharas (academies)
, 2010 KRANTI of Vaishnav and Udasi sects.
Ama- The no-moon day in the month of Vaisakh is the festival
vasya of of Vata Saavitri Vratam. It is a fast day observed by a
Krishna Hindu married woman for her husband's good health
Paksh and longevity. Early in the morning, women take
(dark purificatory bath and wear new clothes. They worship
fortnight) Savitri and offer fruits to the goddess. In the afternoon,
of month the she bows to her husband and the elderly.
of
Baisakh Mesha Sankranti marks the beginning of the new year in
(Vaisakh) Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Orissa and Tamil Nadu -- these
states follow a purely solar calendar for fixing the length
of the year.
X April Vaishakh The fullmoon day, last auspicious bathing date of the
28Wed, Adhimas Kumbh festival.
2010 (Shakh)
Purnima
Snan
(Fullmoon
Day Bath)
The Purna Kumbha Mela concludes here.
-----
The pre-Kumbha general Snaans are:-
A January 14Thu Makar First General holy dip.
2010 Sankranti According to Hindu Astrology, on this day the Sun
Punyakaal enters the constellation Capricorn (Makar Raasi) and
Snaan
begins returning to the Northern Hemisphere. This
day is celebrated all over Bharat to welcome Sun
God to the Northern Hemisphere through various
festivals and pilgrimages - the main Snaan being at
Gangasagar - the confluence of the Ganga and the
Bay of Bengal, Haridwar and other places.
B January 15Fri, Mauni Second General holy dip.
2010 Amavasya & This is "New Moon of the Saints." Holy men and
Surya Grahan women keep total silence on this day. This is a main
Snaan (Solar
Eclipse Bath)
bathing day for them. They take out processions to
participate in it. It is also a day when new members
receive their initiation to various holy monastic
orders.
C January Sri Basant Third General holy dip.
20Wed, 2010 Panchmi Snan This is Saraswati Day - the goddess of learning. This is the
Vasant fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month and is
Panchami
the festival celebrating Spring Season in Northern
Hemisphere. Traditionally people wear yellow on
this day. It is a day when people pray to the gods for
a bumper harvest.
D January 30Sat, Maagh Fourth General holy dip.
2010 Poornima This is the fullmoon day in the month of Maagha
Pushp Sutaa (January - February). Winter is a memory and the
Snan
moon shines over the holy river.
The post-Kumbha general Snaans are:-
A May 14Fri, Adhimaas General holy dip
2010 Vaishaakh
Poorti Snan
B May 16Sun, Akshay Tritiya General holy dip
2010 Snan
C May 18Tue, Adya Guru General holy dip
2010 Sankaracharya
Snan
D May 27Thu, Vaishaakh General holy dip.
2010 Purnima (Full This day also marks the three major events in the life
Moon Day) of Lord Buddha - the Enlightened One : His Advent,
Snan.
Enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana.
---
According to Hindu astrological calculations it is time for -
1. Haridwar Kumbh on the banks of the holy Ganga when the aligned configuration
of Jupiter (Vrihaspati/Guru) with Aquarius (Kumbh), Sun with Aries (Mesha) and
Moon with Sagittarius (Dhanu) takes place; At Haridwar Purna (complete)
Kumbha takes place every 12 years and Ardha (half) Kumbha after 6 years of
Purna Kumbh.
2. Prayag (Allahabad) Kumbh on the banks of holy Triveni Sangam (confluence of
holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Antarvaahi Saraswati) when the aligned
configuration of Jupiter with Taurus (Vrish), Sun with Capricorn (Makar) and
Moon with Capricorn takes place; At Prayag, Purna Kumbha takes place every 12
years and Ardha Kumbh after 6 years of Purna Kumbh. Every 12th Purna Kumbh
here in 144 years is Maha Kumbha (Mega Kumbh). The annual Magh Mela here
from Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima is also called Mini Kumbh. It is marked by
the mega city of tents inhabited by Kalpavaasis (retired householders who do
penance here and also cover all the Royal Baths conducted during the Kumbhs)
who also give the Kumbh fairs here an anchored stability whereas the millions of
floating pilgrims come, take a holy dip and go back.
3. Nasik Kumbh on the banks of the river Godavari when the aligned configuration of
Jupiter with Leo (Simha), Sun with Cancer (Kark) and Moon with Cancer takes
place; No Ardha Kumbh here; Only Purna Kumbh every 12 years in rotation.
4. Ujjain Kumbh on the banks of the river Kshipraa when the aligned configuration
of Jupiter with Leo, Sun with Aries and Moon with Aries takes place. No Ardha
Kumbh here; Only Purna Kumbh every 12 years after rotation in other three
Teerthas.
In fact, 12 Kumbha Parvas are held in 12 years. Four of them are held on earth and the
rest eight are held in Devalokas. The Devatas hid the Amrit Kumbha (Pitcher of
Ambrosia) at the said four places on earth and at eight places in the Devalokas during
their tug of war with the demons for 12 days & nights. A human year of 365 days equals
only one day of the Devatas.
The significance of Kumbha Snaan (bath) at the right time at the right Teerth can
be gauged from the following verse from the Skanda Puraan:
"Sahasram Kaartikey Snaanam, Maaghey Snaana Shataani Cha,
Vaishaakhey Narmadaa Koti Kumbha Snaanena Tat-phalam."
It says: “A single holy Kumbh dip equals in piety and spiritual merits to a thousand
Kartik holy dips (Oct-Nov), a hundred Maagh (January winter) holy dips and millions of
Narmada holy dips in the summer month of Vaishakh (Apr-May)."
It further says:
"Ashwamedha Sahasraani Vaajapeya Sataani Cha,
Lakshyam Pradakshinaa Bhoomeh Kumbha Snaaney Tat-phalam."
"The fruits of Kumbh snan are equal to the fruits of a thousand Ashvamedh Yajnas, a
hundred Vaajapeya Yagnas and a hundred-thousand times of Parikramaa
(circumambulation) of Bhoomi (journeys around the Earth/i.e., globe-trotting)."
The pious Hindus believe that simply by taking a bath in the holy waters of these places
frees them and their ancestors preceding back to the eighty-eighth generation from their
past sins (karma). They hold that taking bath makes them and their ancestors eligible for
liberation from the cycle of birth and death and ensures their Moksha (absolute
feedom/liberation/salvation). Of course a pure lifestyle is also to be maintained after
taking bath, otherwise nothing comes of this ritual. The ritual of bathing is carried out in
the open and ideally on the banks of a river or stream with complete submergence of the
body under water. Afterwards, an oblation is made to Bhagwan Suryanarayan (the Sun
god). The pilgrims also have Darshan and Blessings of saints and some pilgrims interact
with wise men in order to accumulate knowledge and understanding about the purpose of
life - the ChatuStambha, viz., Dharma, Artha, Kãma and Moksha. Pilgrims also
contribute to religious institutions so that their services may continue for future pilgrims.
"Vayam Amritasya Putraah"
"We are the sons of ambrosia/immortality!"
- Rig Veda.
The Vedas indicate that since the dawn of thought man has been in quest of immortality;
the Indian idea of immortality is liberation from the cycle of life and death called Moksha
or Nirvana.
The spiritual view of churning of the Ksheera-Saagara (Ksheera-Samudra/milk-ocean) by
the gods and the demons is symbolic of the churning of the thoughts in humans in order
to achieve Moksha or Nirvana. Here, the gods and the demons represent the good and
evil forces perpetually grappling with each other inside a man.
The Amrita (Amrit) is procured through this churning of knowledge, however before the
release of Ambrosia, several by-products of the churning are produced starting with
Visham (vishã) – poison, when we start questioning the existence, purpose, definition of
good and bad, so forth, most of the times the questioner gets what might be considered as
bad answers or thoughts that have negative shades which is represented by the first by-
product poison. Shiva (Shiv) the deity of Dissolution comes to the rescue and drinks the
poison representing the end of Ajnana/Agnyaan (ignorance)
Many precious Gems, Dhanvantri (the god of Indian medicine), Airaavata, Kaamadhenu,
many potent weapons and countless trinkets are produced upon further churning of the
knowledge of self (Soul). These represent the many good and useful thoughts and ideas
that a human on the quest of truth would receive upon meditation and other mind control
techniques. The sad part of the modern day Sãdhaka is that many get satisfied with small
nuggets of wisdom and end the churning of self-knowledge.
It is believed that every man is endowed with an Amrita (Amrit) Kumbha, located in
between his/her eyebrows which could possibly be what the modern medicine calls the
pineal glands, most meditation techniques emphasise on opening up the Amrita (Amrit)
Kumbha – the pineal glands in an attempt to produce the ambrosia from this pitcher that
becomes available to man for attaining liberation from the cycle of life and death.
To fulfil the above quest of man, Kumbha (Kumbh) Parva has been designed with
symbolic representation of elements of the Pinda - microcosm and its counterparts of the
Brahmanada - macrocosm. Everything connected with the Kumbha brings the two
worlds - material and non-material (spirituality & religion) together.
VHP PROGRAMMES AT HARIDWAR DURING THE KUMBH PERIOD:
Here are a few of the PROGRAMMES that VISHVA HINDU PARISHAD (VHP) is
going to hold AT HARIDWAR KUMBHA MELA in which only the invitee Karyakartas
will participate and VHP will arrange accommodation for them only. In case non-invitee
Karyakartas happen to be at Haridwar/Rishikesh during those dates, they are welcome to
observe the programmes if they like. They, however, have to make their arrangements for
accommodation on their own well in advance. Please visit the Uttarakhand Government
website for lists of Ashrams, Dharmasalas, Hotels, etc., with their contact numbers, at:
http://www.kumbh2010haridwar.gov.in/ . The Haridwar Telephone STD Code
is - 01334:
Some of the VHP programmes are:
* April 2, 3, 4, 2010 - Goraksha Vibhag : Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarta Sammelan (1,000
leading Gorakshaks are expected to participate)
* April 6, 2010 - Virat Sant Sammelan
* April 6, 7, 8, 2010 - Akhil Bharatiya Sammelan of Vishva Hindu Parishad Karyakartas
(1,500 leading Karyakartas are expected to participate. Expected Karyakartas: Vibhag
Mantri, Vibhag Organizing Secretaries, Six active office-bearers from every State
(including Bajrang Dal), Zonal Chiefs of VHP Aayaams/Ministries, Ekal Yojana Zonal
Pramukh and Regional Pramukhs of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, VHP Central Team, Three
active office-bearers from every district of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand (including
Bajrang Dal Coordinators, etc.)
* April 09, 10, 2010 - Dharma Prasar Akhil Bharatiya Baithak (250 expected)
* April 09, 10, 11, 2010 - Dharma Yatra Maha Sangh Akhil Bharatiya Sammelan (250
expected)
* April 10, 11, 2010 - Samajik Samarasata Akhil Bharatiya Sammelan (300 expected)
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For an eye witness account of the PRAYAGRAJ (ALLAHABAD) KUMBH MELA, you
may visit the website: http://www.archaeologyonline.net/artifacts/kumbha-mela.html
