Mahakumbh Mela: Its Origin and Mythological Background

PRAYAGRAJ: This Mahakumbh Mela currently underway at Prayagraj is one of the rarest of rare Kumbh Melas, and it happens at an interval of 144 years. The last Mahakumbh Mela was held in 1881. A mahakumbh mela is held after 11 kumbh melas, i.e., it is the 12th kumbh mela. Since each Kumbh Mela is held at an interval of 12 years, the interval of Mahakumbh Mela is 12X12=144 years. Going by this calculation, the next Mahakumbh Mela will be held in the year 2169.

The origin of Kumbh Mela is traced back to Hindu mythology, especially the legend of Samundra Manthan, or churning of the ocean. According to ancient scriptures, this celestial event was a collaborative effort between the Devas (gods) and the Asuras (demons) to retrieve amrit (nectar of immortality). During the process, a kumbh (pitcher or pot) filled with sacred nectar emerged. The kumbh of nectar was the bone of contention between the gods and the demons, and they fought for 12 days for the kumbh of nectar. To safeguard the nectar from the demons, Lord Vishnu, disguised as Mohini, seized the pot of nectar and fled. In the journey, a few drops of the nectar spilt at four places-Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik-making them holy sites for the Kumbh Mela. This is how the Kumbh Mela takes place in these four places on a rotation basis.

The celestial position of the moon, the sun, and Jupiter indicates in which of these four places Kumbh Mela will take place.

Prayagraj, where the Mahakumbh Mela has been underway since January 13, 2025, holds immense spiritual significance due to its mythological roots and geography. It is the home to the Triveni Sangam-the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the Saraswati rivers-revered as one of Hinduism's holiest sites.

 Also Read: Xatradhikars from Assam Embark on Journey to Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj

Also Watch: