Kumbh Mela- धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः||

The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, celebrated by millions of Hindu pilgrims. The festival occurs in a 12-year cycle, rotating among four locations in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. It is marked by a series of ritual baths in sacred rivers, with the belief that these purifying dips cleanse the soul and lead to salvation.

The event is not only significant for its spiritual aspects but also for its cultural and social importance. It attracts saints, sadhus, and ascetics who demonstrate their faith through various acts of devotion and renunciation.

It's truly a remarkable event that showcases the rich traditions and deep spiritual roots of Hindu culture. If you ever get a chance to witness or participate in the Kumbh Mela, it would be an unforgettable experience!In Hindu mythology, the Kumbh Mela has its roots in the story of the churning of the ocean of milk, or "Samudra Manthan." According to the myth, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality, known as "Amrita." During the churning process, the Kumbh (pot) containing the nectar emerged from the ocean.

A fierce battle ensued between the gods and demons over the possession of the Kumbh. The story goes that during this battle, drops of nectar fell at four places on earth: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. These places are now the sites of the Kumbh Mela, where the festival is held every 12 years to commemorate the event and the holy nectar.

The Kumbh Mela is thus deeply symbolic, representing the victory of good over evil and the quest for immortality and spiritual enlightenment. The ritual baths taken during the festival are believed to cleanse the soul and lead to salvation, reflecting the sanctity of the nectar that once fell on these sacred sites. 🏺

It's a beautiful blend of mythology, spirituality, and cultural heritage that continues to inspire millions of devotees.

The Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2025 is particularly special because it is a Maha Kumbh, which occurs once every 144 years! This grand event will take place from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Here are some highlights that make it unique:

Shahi Snan Dates: The most significant bathing rituals, known as Shahi Snan, will occur on key dates such as Paush Purnima (January 13), Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), Basant Panchami (February 3), Maghi Purnima (February 12), and Mahashivratri (February 26).

The Akharas, religious orders of sadhus and ascetics, are a central feature of the Kumbh Mela. Each Akhara follows its traditions, but collectively, they symbolize renunciation, spiritual dedication, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Attendees of the Kumbh Mela often gather to witness the Naga Sadhus, who are the most well-known of these groups for their extreme ascetic practices and their vow of nudity, symbolizing their detachment from worldly desires.

Government of Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of chief minister Yogi Adityanath has made exceptional arrangements for the smooth and enriching experience of Kumbh Mela. 

• Upgraded Infrastructure: Extensive upgrades have been made to the ghats along the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, including decorative pavilions, gender-sensitive facilities, and improved river traffic management systems.
• Cultural and Spiritual Activities: The event will feature a wide range of cultural performances, spiritual discourses, yoga sessions, and devotional music, creating a vibrant and immersive experience for all attendees.

Pilgrims and spiritual seekers from around the world will converge at Prayagraj, making it a truly international gathering of faith and culture. The Kumbh Mela not only has a profound spiritual significance but also boosts the local economy and fosters social unity. 

At the heart of the Kumbh Mela lies the sacred ritual of snan (bathing) in the holy rivers. Devotees from across the world gather at the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati—to immerse themselves in the purifying waters. This act of bathing is not just a physical cleanse but is believed to offer profound spiritual benefits. According to Hindu belief, taking a dip during the auspicious days of the Kumbh Mela can wash away sins accumulated over lifetimes, helping devotees achieve moksha or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Throughout the Kumbh Mela, various religious leaders, gurus, and scholars deliver spiritual discourses on topics related to Hindu philosophy, the meaning of life, and paths to spiritual enlightenment. These talks attract thousands of listeners, offering a unique opportunity to hear insights from revered saints. Alongside these discourses, devotional singing or bhajans fill the air with chants praising Hindu deities, creating a powerful and uplifting atmosphere for all attendees.

It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines spirituality, culture, and community in a grand celebration.

Cultural and Social Importance

The Kumbh Mela is more than a religious gathering; it is a celebration of India’s vast cultural diversity and unity. The 2025 Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj serves as a platform where millions of people from different parts of India, and the world, come together, transcending social, economic, and geographic barriers. The festival embodies the spirit of togetherness, showcasing how deeply intertwined faith, culture, and heritage are in Indian society.

1. A Symbol of Unity: One of the most profound aspects of Kumbh Mela is how it brings people from various castes, regions, and social backgrounds together. Despite the immense diversity among the attendees, the festival fosters a sense of universal brotherhood and communal harmony. Pilgrims, irrespective of their status, gather for the common purpose of spiritual cleansing and salvation.
2. Showcasing Indian Culture: Kumbh Mela is a live showcase of India’s rich cultural heritage. From traditional art forms, music, and dance performances to handicrafts and local cuisine, the festival provides a stage for local artisans and performers to display their talents. Devotional music, in the form of bhajans and kirtans, creates a deeply spiritual environment, while cultural programs allow attendees to immerse themselves in various aspects of Indian culture.
3. A Hub for Spiritual Learning: Kumbh Mela has historically been a gathering place for scholars, saints, and philosophers. During the Mela, spiritual leaders and gurus from across India gather to deliver discourses on religious philosophy, ethics, and spirituality. These gatherings, known as satsangs, provide an opportunity for devotees to gain wisdom and insights into the deeper meanings of life, karma, and dharma.
4. Strengthening Faith and Devotion: For many pilgrims, attending the Kumbh Mela is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that reaffirms their faith and devotion. The communal act of bathing in the holy rivers, alongside millions of others, enhances the collective sense of spirituality and provides a shared experience that reinforces belief in religious traditions. The festival also plays an essential role in passing on these traditions to the younger generations.

धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः||

Swami Vivekanand indication on Bhagwat Gita

 अन्तवन्त इमे देहा नित्यस्योक्ता: शरीरिण: |

अनाशिनोऽप्रमेयस्य तस्माद्युध्यस्व भारत ||

Only the material body is perishable; the embodied soul within is indestructible, immeasurable, and eternal. Therefore, fight, O descendent of Bharat.

 

Swamiji says; The book known as the Gita forms a part of the Mahabharata. The Gita is like these truths beautifully arranged together in their proper places—like fine garland of a choicest flowers. The scene is laid on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. There were two branches of the same race fighting for the empire of India about five thousand years ago. The Pândavas had the right, but the Kauravas had the might.

For all of us the worldly life is a continuous fight, and under the pretext of forgiveness or renunciation we live through laziness and cowardice. We have identified ourselves with our bodies. We are only body, or rather, possessed of a body                  

The Upanishads deal elaborately with shraddha (faith) but it hardly mentions bhakti. In the Gita the subject of bhakti is explained repeatedly, and spirit of bhakti has attained its culmination. 

Gita emphasizes on Tyag and prominently talks about Nishkama karma, or work without attachment. Modern philosophy thinks what is implied by being unattached is to become purposeless. 

The true Nishkama karma is neither inert, nor heartless, it should be performed with love, sympathy and one can embrace the whole world with love. The reconciliation of different paths of Dharma, and work without attachment.

 

Bhakti Yog-

Why a man should love God is the puzzle to be solved, until we understand that it is difficult the grasp the subject. Western philosophy lays more stress on physical aspect of man, while Bhartiya essence lies in spiritual side of mankind. In Indian context man is a soul and has a body. God is the goal of life; sense enjoyment is something which we are passing through and hoping to get better things. But it is terrible if the man had nothing but sense enjoyment as the goal. 

So with men desiring a heaven full of sense-pleasure. They are like swine wallowing in the mire of the senses unable to see beyond.  These can never be Bhaktas in the highest sense of the word; they can never be true lovers of God. 

 

Jnana Yog- 

In this world we find that all happiness is followed by misery as its shadow. They differ from each other in degree of intensity. We find as a fact that the same nerve systems carry good and bad sensations alike, and when the nerves are injured, neither sensation comes to us. How temporary the emotions are..and whole life we live based on emotions. There has never been anything which gives pleasure to all alike, its always relative. 

Swamiji has a special mention about “know your country, know your culture” 

Take America country which is the richest in the world, and which is more luxurious than any other, and see how intense the misery is, how many more lunatics you have, compared with other races, only because the desires are so keen. A man must keep up a high standard of living, and the amount of money he spends in one year would be a fortune to a man in India. You cannot preach to him of simple living because society demands so much of him in the America. The wheel of society is rolling on; it stops not for the widow's tears or the orphans' wails. 

However, those who have less materialistic prosperity have much less suffering. Vedanta does not take the position that this world is only a miserable one. So, the first thought of the Vedanta is the finding of unity in the external; the One Existence manifesting Itself, however different It may appear in manifestation. "He is the One, the Creator of all, the Ruler of all, the Internal Soul of every being — He who makes His Oneness manifold. Yours (western philosophy)  is the vanishing point of enjoyment of the senses — there is nothing permanent in it, it only brings more and more misery — while mine ( Sanatan) brings eternal peace.

As proved time and again, it must be that those who train themselves to live on the least and control themselves well will in the end gain the battle, and that those who run after enjoyment and luxury, however vigorous they may seem for the moment, will have to die and become annihilated. And desires/ enjoyment can never be the goal, because enjoyment can only be in nature. 

 

Karma Yog- The word Karma is derived from the Sanskrit Kri, to do; all action is Karma. Technically, this word also means the effects of actions. Pleasure is not the goal of man, but knowledge. Watch a man do his most common actions; those are indeed the things which will tell you the real character of a great man. If big occasions rouse even the lowest of human beings shows some kind of greatness, but he alone is the really great man whose character is great always, the same wherever he be. Karma has effect on the character. No one can get anything unless she earns it. So is good will or blessings, it’s our karma that’s grants us what we deserve. With regard to Karma-Yoga, the Gita says that it is doing work with cleverness and as a science; by knowing how to work, one can obtain the greatest results. One has to put his heart and soul in his duty for good results; and not work for work sake. 

 

Karma-Yoga, therefore, is a system of ethics and religion intended to attain freedom through unselfishness, and by good works. The Karma-Yogi need not believe in any doctrine whatever. He may not believe even in God, may not ask what his soul is, nor think of any metaphysical speculation. He has got his own special aim of realising selflessness; and he has to work it out himself. Every moment of his life must be realisation, because he has to solve by mere work, without the help of any theory, the very same findings to which the Jnâni applies his reason and inspiration and the Bhakta his love. We cannot add happiness to this world; similarly, we cannot add pain to it either. He works best who works without any motive, neither for money, nor for fame, nor for anything else; and when a man can do that, he will be a Buddha, and out of him will come the power to work in such a manner as will transform the world. This man represents the very highest ideal of Karma-Yoga.

श्रीभगवानुवाच |

बहूनि मे व्यतीतानि जन्मानि तव चार्जुन |

तान्यहं वेद सर्वाणि न त्वं वेत्थ परन्तप ||

you and I have run the cycle of births and deaths many times, but you are not conscious of them all. I am without beginning, birthless, the absolute Lord of all creation. I through my own nature take form. Whenever virtue subsides and wickedness prevails, I come to help mankind. For the salvation of the good, for the destruction of wickedness, for the establishment of spirituality I come from time to time.

Swami Vivekanand - Strength is life and weakness is death

Swami Vivekanand wanted our youths to be lions. He himself was a courageous and divine personality  to follow. His ideology and thoughts inspired many to jump into freedom movement of Bharat mata, to name few..Subhash Chandra Bose, Lokmanya Tilak and many more till date are inspired by his thoughts, guidance. 

 

The world recognized him as great personality when he appeared as a delegate in famous parliament of religion at Chicago in 1893. We celebrate his birthday on  January 12 as “National Youth Day”.  Swamiji used to carry ganga and Gita, whenever he went to the West. 

Swami Vivekanand is an architect of modern India; he was shocked to see emaciated and physically weak youth during his wondering days. He said, “ First and foremost young men should be strong, Religion will come afterwards. You will be nearer to the heaven by playing football than reading Gita.” 

What are we doing to make our youth strong? It’s not just food and luxuries, prepare them to take up life challenges through positive outlook and practical wisdom. The modern and lethargic lifestyle is causing health hazards to many of our youth. 

 

Swamiji has said;” neither money pays, not fame, mor learning; it is character that can cleave through adamantine walls of difficulties.” But money is playing very dominant role in the present society.  People are ready to get to any extent to earn money, they are least bothered about the means. This is making mankind greedier and more selfish. 

Swamiji figured out this and he said, “Bring light to the ignorant and bring more light to the educated.” He wanted India to be great nation but not at the cost of cherished moral values and culture. He wanted western science coupled with Vedanta. Every year India is manufacturing thousands of doctors, engineers, administrators but not sure how many are real human beings with high values. 

 

Swamiji said, “My hope of the future lies in the youths of character – intelligent, renouncing all for the service of others, and obedient – who can sacrifice their lives in working out my ideas and thereby do good to themselves and to the country at large.”

We read in the Bhagavad-Gita again and again that we must all work incessantly. 

 

All work is by nature composed of good and evil. We cannot do any work which will not do some good somewhere; there cannot be any work which will not cause some harm somewhere. Every work must necessarily be a mixture of good and evil; yet we are commanded to work incessantly. Good and evil will both have their results, will produce their Karma. Good action will entail upon us good effect, bad action, bad. But good and bad are both bondages of the soul. The solution reached in the Gita in regard to this bondage-producing nature of work is that, if we do not attach ourselves to the work we do, it will not have any binding effect on our soul. We shall try to understand what is meant by this “non-attachment to” to work. 

(Swami Vivekananda’s book Karma Yoga, Chapter III The secret of Work)

 

Swamiji has said; One of the greatest lessons I have learnt in my life is to pay as much attention to the means of work as to its end. He was a great man from whom I learnt it, and his own life was a practical demonstration of this great principle I have been always learning great lessons from that one principle, and it appears to me that all the secret of success is there: to pay as much attention to the means as to the end.

 

Our great defect in life is that we are so much drawn to the ideal, the goal is so much more enchanting, so much more alluring, so much bigger in our mental horizon, that we lose sight of the details altogether. 

But whenever failure comes, if we analyze it critically, in ninety-nine per cent of cases we shall find that it was because we did not pay attention to the means. Proper attention to the finishing, strengthening, of the means is what we need, If we examine our own lives, we find that the greatest cause of sorrow is this: we take up something, and put our whole energy on it — perhaps it is a failure and yet we cannot give it up. 

We know that it is hurting us, that any further clinging to it is simply bringing misery on us; still, we cannot tear ourselves away from it. That is the one cause of misery: we are attached, we are being caught.

 

Gita teaches Karma-Yoga. We should work through Yoga (concentration). In such concentration in action (Karma-Yoga), there is no consciousness of the lower ego present. The consciousness that I am doing this and that is never present when one works through Yoga. इदं-न-मम is the divine concept for real pleasure and satisfaction.