Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Unique Maha Sangam in Prayagraj after 144 years

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is the biggest religious and cultural festival of India, which is considered to be the biggest spiritual gathering in the world. The Maha Kumbh Mela to be held in Prayagraj in 2025 holds special importance because it is a unique event to be held after 144 years due to a rare astrological coincidence. In this fair, crores of devotees will take a dip at the Sangam coast and wish to attain salvation.

Mythological Story of Maha Kumbh Mela

The origin of the Maha Kumbh Mela is linked to the legend of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). According to Hindu scriptures, when the gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain Amrit, a pitcher (kumbh) full of Amrit emerged. The struggle between the gods and demons to get Amrit lasted for twelve days (which is equivalent to twelve years on earth). During this time, Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini and started distributing Amrit to the gods.

It is said that a few drops of Amrit from the Amrit Kalash fell at four places on earth—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. This is the reason why Kumbh Mela is organized at these four places. This legend shows the importance of the Maha Kumbh Mela and it is believed that bathing at these places during Kumbh gives a person salvation.

What did the demons get?

During the Samudra manthan, the Asuras also got many precious gems and powers. They got precious gems like various types of gems, Varuni (wine), Airavat elephant, Kamdhenu cow, Apsaras, Moon and Kaustubha Mani. However, when Amrit was obtained, a conflict broke out between the Gods and Asuras over it. Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini and took away the Amrit from the Asuras by deceit and gave it to the Gods, due to which the Gods became immortal and the Asuras remained deprived.

Historical events related to Maha Kumbh Mela

Kumbh during Mughal period: It is said that Akbar made special arrangements to organize the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. He named this place Allahabad and strengthened the security and administrative system here.
Kumbh of 1858: During this Kumbh Mela, the British increased administrative surveillance, which gave it recognition as an organized event.
Kumbh tragedy of 1954: Thousands of people were injured and hundreds died in the stampede at the 1954 Kumbh Mela. After this, the security and management of the Kumbh Mela started becoming more organized.
Mahakumbh of 2013: This was the largest Kumbh Mela ever, with an estimated 12 crore devotees attending. The event became famous globally and for the first time in the digital age, it was shown worldwide through live broadcast.

Historical and astrological importance of Maha Kumbh Mela

The Maha Kumbh Mela is organized under special planetary positions. This time the Maha Kumbh Mela is being organized in Prayagraj under a special astrological coincidence, which is happening after 144 years. Due to the rare position of the planets, this Mela is considered especially auspicious.