Ujjain! As soon as we hear the name, a sense of spirituality raises our nerves and fills our mind with spiritualism.
This saintly city is reputed for the magnificence associated with the Kumbh Mela i.e. celebrated after every 12 years. Over the years, Ujjain has witnessed this Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv. This year Simhasth Kumbh is from 22nd April to 21st May.
This Mahaparv is based on the celestial line-up of planets and the signs of the Zodiac, which occurs every 12 years. The holy dip in the river Kshipra is taken on an auspicious day at a defined time at which it is believed that ‘Nector’ from the ‘Kumbh’ was dropped in the pious river.
It is believed that taking a dip in river Kshipra on the occasion purifies the soul and overcomes all the sins. It is the power of faith which motivates the devotees to endure all the hardships and gather at the Ghats of Kshipra.
Rituals:
Though all the Kumbh Melas enjoy the similar number of devotees but the name of Ujjain Maha Kumbh always comes on top with all the Indian and foreign pilgrimages.
There are numerous bathing Ghats, temples, and ashrams along the bank of the river. On various ghats, one sees thousands of devotees taking a holy dip in the Kshipra all through.
As the evening descends hundreds of devotees standing on the Ghats wave the aarti with the sound of cymbals and bells accompanying them.
Devotees at the Ghats join the aarti by singing bhajans and floating earthen lamps placed on large leaves and flowers into the river. Wobbling up and down on the sacred waters of Ganga, these floating diyas along with the dimming sounds of bells and cymbals leaves behind a lingering memory of the divine experience.
Main Bathing (Snan) Dates for Ujjain Kumbh Mela:
- 22 April Friday Purnima First Shahi Snaan (Royal Holy Dip)
- 03 May Tuesday Vratparv Vauthini Ekadashi
- 06 May Friday Vaishakh Krishna Amavasya (First Pramukh Snan)
- 09 May Monday Shukla/Akshey Tritya (Second Pramukh Snan)
- 11 May Wednesday Shukla Panchami
- 15 May Sunday Vrishabh Sankranti
- 17 May Tuesday Ekadashi & Pradosh Snan
- 19 May Thursday Pradosh
- 20 May Friday Nursingh Jayanti
- 21 May Saturday Purnima Main Shahi Snan
Kumbh is believed to be the largest human gathering in the World and one of the most anticipated fair.
The Ghats are rejuvenated and atmosphere divine such is the power of faith at Kumbh. It is an atmosphere so incredibly colourful and diverse.
One can see a wave of humanity that carries everyone along to utmost belief. A belief to free the soul from the materialistic world.
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