Mahakumbh is a symbol of Indian culture, spirituality and faith. Held every 12 years, this fair is not only a religious event but also a celebration of the mythological traditions and spiritual heritage of India. Prayagraj, where three rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati confluence, is the center of this divine event. Every 12 years, Mahakumbh is organized on the banks of Sangam in Prayagraj.
Today we are telling you the story of Mahakumbh, whose history and religious importance make it the biggest and most special festival in the world. Prayagraj, the sacred land of the Gods, where it is believed that one can attain liberation from the cycle of life and death. It is believed that bathing in the Triveni Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati in Prayagraj leads to attainment of virtues and atonement for sins. Maha Kumbh is not only an opportunity for atonement for sins, but also a path for purification of the soul and attaining salvation.
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Maha Kumbh will be organized in Sangam city Prayagraj starting from January 13, 2025 and will continue till February 26. Along with the devotees, lakhs of saints and sages come to Kumbh and special preparations are made for them too. On this auspicious occasion, crores of devotees from all over the country and the world will take a dip in the Sangam. Different colors of Babas are being seen in the Kumbh Mela. Some are impressing people with their unique feats in Peshwai and some are in the news because of their unique resolutions and vows.
Every time the Naga Sadhus who gather in Kumbh are discussed the most. The reason for this is their lifestyle, dress and devotion. Kumbh cannot be imagined without Naga Sadhus. While walking on the path of protecting religion, Naga Sadhus make their life so difficult that it is difficult for the common man to even think. Naga Sadhus are those who are completely free from worldly attachments and indulge in the worship of Lord Bholenath. Naga Sadhus lead an ascetic life. They set an example of purity and spiritual practice by renouncing all worldly things.
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Everyone knows about the 16 adornments of Hindu religion, which married women do. But Naga Sadhus do 17 adornments and only after that they take a dip in the Sangam for the royal bath. These 17 adornments of Naga Sadhus are – Bhabhut, loincloth, sandalwood, silver or iron bangles on the feet, Panchkesh i.e. twisting the hair five times and wrapping it around the head. Roli paste, ring, garland of flowers, tongs in hands, damru, kamandal, dreadlocks, tilak, kajal, bangles in hands, Vibhuti paste and Rudraksha around the neck.
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After Mahakumbh, Naga Sadhus are nowhere to be seen. There is a question in people’s mind that where do they go and are they seen in every Kumbh and Mahakumbh. Actually, after Maha Kumbh, Naga Sadhus return to the Akharas built in different parts of the country. Some of them go to the caves and caves of the Himalayas and some to other hilly areas of the country. The two largest Akharas of Naga Sadhus are Mahaparinirvan Akhara and Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara in Varanasi. Most of the Naga Sadhus come from here.
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Apart from 17 adornments, Naga Sadhus often carry a trident and cover their body with ashes. In the name of clothes, they live only in loincloth and something wrapped below the waist and above the knees. In Maha Kumbh or Kumbh, only Naga Sadhus take bath first, only after this other devotees are allowed to take bath. During the celebrations of Maha Kumbh and Kumbh, some special days are fixed for the royal bath according to the date and importance. On all these occasions, Naga Sadhus are the first to take bath in the Sangam. After the end of Mahakumbh and Kumbh, all the Naga Sadhus return to their respective mysterious worlds.
