The word Kumbh symbolizes completion. Perhaps this is why self-realized saints and sages are also referred to as ‘Kumbh.’
Fairs have been an integral part of human life for ages. The Kumbh Mela, one of the oldest and grandest spiritual celebrations, brings together those who desire nothing and those who seek many things, for the common cause of uplifting humanity and fulfilment in personal life.
The word Kumbh symbolizes completion. Perhaps this is why self-realized saints and sages are also referred to as “Kumbh.”
Those who are truly complete often dwell in solitude, away from the crowds. However, the Kumbh Mela provides a rare chance to meet saints and gurus in one place. Here, wisdom, meditation, and teachings are effortlessly accessible. It is an extraordinary opportunity to experience the connection between the subtle and the gross realms, the manifest and unmanifest and to be graced by the uplifting and sacred energy of enlightened yogis and fellow seekers. Even for the reclusive saints, this gathering offers an opportunity to share the fruits of their penance. Perhaps, this tradition was established by our ancestors to dissolve the apparent contradiction between solitude and congregation. According to Vedantic philosophy, the individual soul is like a pot, the Self is akin to space, and humanity is a collection of these pots.
In a world where competition and one-upmanship prevail, driven by the constant desire to prove one’s superiority, the Kumbh Mela stands as a beacon of harmony. It brings together diverse schools of thought, ideas, and philosophies of Hinduism on a single platform, recognizing the value of each and highlighting the collective goal of human betterment.
The Ganga symbolizes knowledge, while the Yamuna represents love. Symbolically, when the head and heart meet, the unseen divinity reveals itself. This is what the Triveni Sangam signifies. The story goes that the forces of good and evil churned the ocean of the universe, bringing forth poison, which Lord Shiva, the Divinity himself, the absolute intelligence, drank up. Then, the nectar of immortality came forth. This nectar or infinite awareness dawns in one’s consciousness when figuratively speaking, the head and heart merge, and infinite awareness dawns in one’s consciousness.
They say that when one takes a dip in such a place, all sins vanish, guilt and fear disappear, love and compassion bloom, and the universal purpose of human life is fulfilled. The Kumbh Mela is a unique spiritual experience, offering a heightened space for reflection and contemplation on highest truths, and to experience one’s eternal connection with the Divine, in serenity and celebration. A much needed respite from material life and place where the weary mind finds solace. It offers an opportunity for those stuck in worldly affairs to reflect on life’s ultimate purpose.
The practice of Kalpavas holds great significance during the Kumbh.
Simply taking a dip in the holy river for a day and returning home is not enough. Spending several days there in self-reflection, contemplating knowledge, and returning to society with a renewed purpose is the essence of the pilgrimage to Kumbh. To make the pilgrimage meaningful, pilgrims usually do penance to purify their body and mind, swadhyay or study to acquire knowledge, perform rituals to purify their karma, do charity, and lose themselves in devotion. The Kumbh is an unparalleled confluence of yoga, wisdom, chanting, and faith.
In this grand confluence, ascetics and saints come to free themselves from the fruits of their penance by selfless showering their blessings on all, rather than developing pride in their spiritual prowess.
Beyond our body and the five senses, lies a vast, unmanifest aspect of our consciousness, that we are often not aware of. As one matures, one is naturally drawn towards the unseen, seeking out the company of enlightened masters, while the material world becomes dull and unappealing. Sitting in the company of saints and immersing oneself in the river of wisdom washes away inner impurities, distractions or obstacles, and the veil of ignorance. Life then becomes filled with joy and bliss.
During this time, cosmic energies are believed to align into a harmonious rhythm. The soul is immortal, and devotion is like nectar. Merging one’s identity with the cosmic existence and attaining completion is the essence of this tradition.
It is remarkable that even as millions of devotees gather at Kumbh compassion, service, and selflessness shine through.
We often hear the Hindi phrase “Duniya do din ka mela hai”—the world is but a fleeting two-day fair. This Vedantic adage is often used in Indian culture as a metaphor to depict the ephemeral and impermanent nature of life. The MahaKumbh Mela is an extraordinary event.
Whether you come to the Kumbh Mela as a tourist or a spiritual seeker it will leave a positive imprint.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a globally revered spiritual and humanitarian leader. He has spearheaded an unprecedented worldwide movement for a stress-free, violence-free society. Through a myriad of programs and teachings, a network of organizations including the Art of Living and the International Association for Human Values, and a rapidly growing presence across 180 countries, Gurudev has reached an estimated 500 million people.