subject: Auspicious Days For Bathing During Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 [print this page] There is an interesting story behind the origin of this big religious and spiritual event called Kumbh mela. Legend has it that during a war between the demigods and demons for the possession of the elixir of eternal life, a few drops of it fell in four places that are today known as Allahabad (Prayag), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. It is believed that the drops gave mystical powers to these places and bathing there on auspicious dates is to gain "an eternal life free of sins". This is the promise that comes attached with the magnificent event of Maha Kumbh.
The normal Kumbh Mela is held every 3 years, the Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela is held every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad while the Purna (complete) Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years at four places - Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik, based on planetary movements. The event is held in Allahabad when Jupiter is in Aries or Taurus and Sun and Moon are in Capricorn during the Hindu month of Magha (January-February). The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated at Allahabad after 144 years (after 12 'Purna Kumbh Melas').
In 2001 when the Maha Kumbh Mela was last held in Allahabad nearly 60 million bathed at Sangam, the confluence of the three sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. 12 years later the wait is finally over as the Maha Kumbh is once again back to where it belongs Allahabad. And the Mela that is held here is considered to be the largest and holiest of all the four destinations and is believed to be the most auspicious. Allahabad is one of the most sacred cities in India the purity lying in the belief that after creating the world, Brahma, the great creator offered his first sacrifice at this place; and also because of the important position it holds according to the Hindu scriptures for possessing the holy confluence, known as Triveni Sangam, of the three sacred rivers of India - Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.
The important dates of Maha Kumbh Mela 2013:
27th January (Sunday) - Paush Purnima
6th February (Wednesday) - Ekadashi Snan
10th February (Sunday) - Mauni Amavasya Snan (Main Bathing Day)
15th February (Friday) - Basant Panchami Snan
17th February (Sunday) - Rath Saptami Snan
18th February (Monday) - Bhisma Ashtami Snan
25th February (Monday) - Maghi Purnima Snan
Millions of devotees, from every corner of the world, come to Allahabad to take part in this mega event. So it is advisable to prebook your visit to Allahabad for Maha Kumbh Mela 2013.
