4,129
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 99:
Line 99: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Line 119:
Line 139: − − == Kumbh - A celebration of Nature == − At the Kumbh we can witness yet another defining uniqueness of Hinduism. It perceives divinity in every particle of creation. In nature, every speck cradles within itself, a spark of this divinity. No wonder then, that the Hindu worships nature. In kumbh it is very obvious that millions of people bow before trees, rivers and forces of nature with the same reverence they bow before gods, scriptures and sages. − − The world today is facing severe ecological imbalance. But it can learn reverence for nature from Sanatana Dharma, especially through Kumbh. Hinduism’s worldview of recognising a pervasive consciousness is not merely a dharmic practice. It is a belief system with deep understanding of life, and its preservation. It is obvious that Hindus feel obsessive need to forge a relationship with nature. The Hindus see the maternal figure in a cow, or a river, or a tulsi plant. Trees and mountains are believed as protectors. Serpents are worshiped as deities. In fact a monkey or a cat invokes familial associations such as Uncle or Aunty. This is neither coincidence nor superstition. It bears testimony to Hinduism’s subordination to Mother Nature, and heeding to her mighty assertions. In doing so the Hindu vows to protect and preserve her. For a Hindu it is not important whom he is worshiping but what is really important is the understanding, that every creation of nature is divine and thus eligible for worship. − − == Kumbh Mela and The Feminine == − The kumbh mela also reflects that the feminine principle has been regarded with the deepest reverence in Hinduism. Infact, the place of pre eminence that the feminine holds here, is difficult to find in any other civilisation. Devi or Goddess worship and Shakti or Energy worship is widespread in Hinduism. All pursuits, esoteric or worldly, have an element of the feminine enshrined in them. Be it the arts, music, mantras or meditation, Hinduism perceives the female force in everything, and bows before it in gratitude and supplication.This veneration of the Goddess percolates down to the daily life of the Hindus too. Women are accorded a special place in society. − − == Kumbh Mela and its Logistics == − As obvious by its sheer size, management of the Mela is a herculean task. The responsibility of boarding, lodging, feeding, transporting the millions who will visit the hallowed grounds is a miniature picture of management. At the Kumbh, this responsibility is shared by the administration and the society. At the designated location, every member of the society contributes – be it a child, an adult or the elderly. People from every walk of life, come forth to do their bit, in making the event a thumping success. Be it a villager or city-dweller, a labour, farmer or businessman, an employee or a student... everyone contributes according their capacity. − − It is an amazing experience that during the kumbh, entire city turns host. Faces wear smiles and hospitality becomes a dharma. Invitations are despatched to friends and relatives, months before the event. In happy anticipation of the fair and the visitors it will bring along, everyone prepares to live up to the sanctity of the saying “atithi devo bhava” – guests are next to God. Hence, before the KM nothing can be left undone in the welcome of the guests. This hospitality is not reserved for the known but for every pilgrim to KM. This effectively reasserts Indian society’s venerable tradition of respecting human ties, and the inexhaustible zeal to keep them alive. − − Planning and organising an event as diverse as the KM is no mean task. Observers are often in disbelief at what goes into this exercise. Every few years, after astrological calculations a location is selected and within days a temporary city arises like a hulking giant, ready to engorge the millions who will visit it. This city-within-city has a life span of merely a month and in this month its citizenry is in millions. At the end of the month, it quickly dissolves with a silent promise that it will rise again, at another location, to reveal the mystery that is the KM. − − This temporary citadel-of-sorts is a study in hospitality. An example would be the city of Ujjain that hosted the KM in 2016. A rather small city of a population of 5 lakh, hosted a mindboggling 5 crore visitors – an unbelievable 100% greater than its population. − − It staggers the world to imagine that such a mammoth exercise can be executed with near flawless finesse. The perfect tuning of the efforts of the government and administration and religio-social organisations, is an example of robust administration, mutual collaboration and deep understanding of India. It is an opportunity for the management professionals to explore that with amalgamation of traditional methods, common sense and modern technology; how India creates an entire new world.
Kumbh Mela (कुम्भ मेला) (view source)
Revision as of 19:51, 15 January 2019
, 19:51, 15 January 2019Rearranged Paragraphs
== Kumbh - A testimony to Social Inclusiveness ==
== Kumbh - A testimony to Social Inclusiveness ==
Here the fair is for all. Be it the feeding tents, visits to temples, dips in holy rivers or being in the tutelage of saints – all participate, all are welcome. This is social inclusiveness at its best.
Here the fair is for all. Be it the feeding tents, visits to temples, dips in holy rivers or being in the tutelage of saints – all participate, all are welcome. This is social inclusiveness at its best.
== Kumbh - A celebration of Nature ==
At the Kumbh we can witness yet another defining uniqueness of Hinduism. It perceives divinity in every particle of creation. In nature, every speck cradles within itself, a spark of this divinity. No wonder then, that the Hindu worships nature. In kumbh it is very obvious that millions of people bow before trees, rivers and forces of nature with the same reverence they bow before gods, scriptures and sages.
The world today is facing severe ecological imbalance. But it can learn reverence for nature from Sanatana Dharma, especially through Kumbh. Hinduism’s worldview of recognising a pervasive consciousness is not merely a dharmic practice. It is a belief system with deep understanding of life, and its preservation. It is obvious that Hindus feel obsessive need to forge a relationship with nature. The Hindus see the maternal figure in a cow, or a river, or a tulsi plant. Trees and mountains are believed as protectors. Serpents are worshiped as deities. In fact a monkey or a cat invokes familial associations such as Uncle or Aunty. This is neither coincidence nor superstition. It bears testimony to Hinduism’s subordination to Mother Nature, and heeding to her mighty assertions. In doing so the Hindu vows to protect and preserve her. For a Hindu it is not important whom he is worshiping but what is really important is the understanding, that every creation of nature is divine and thus eligible for worship.
== Kumbh Mela and The Feminine ==
The kumbh mela also reflects that the feminine principle has been regarded with the deepest reverence in Hinduism. Infact, the place of pre eminence that the feminine holds here, is difficult to find in any other civilisation. Devi or Goddess worship and Shakti or Energy worship is widespread in Hinduism. All pursuits, esoteric or worldly, have an element of the feminine enshrined in them. Be it the arts, music, mantras or meditation, Hinduism perceives the female force in everything, and bows before it in gratitude and supplication.This veneration of the Goddess percolates down to the daily life of the Hindus too. Women are accorded a special place in society.
== Kumbh Mela and its Logistics ==
As obvious by its sheer size, management of the Mela is a herculean task. The responsibility of boarding, lodging, feeding, transporting the millions who will visit the hallowed grounds is a miniature picture of management. At the Kumbh, this responsibility is shared by the administration and the society. At the designated location, every member of the society contributes – be it a child, an adult or the elderly. People from every walk of life, come forth to do their bit, in making the event a thumping success. Be it a villager or city-dweller, a labour, farmer or businessman, an employee or a student... everyone contributes according their capacity.
It is an amazing experience that during the kumbh, entire city turns host. Faces wear smiles and hospitality becomes a dharma. Invitations are despatched to friends and relatives, months before the event. In happy anticipation of the fair and the visitors it will bring along, everyone prepares to live up to the sanctity of the saying “atithi devo bhava” – guests are next to God. Hence, before the KM nothing can be left undone in the welcome of the guests. This hospitality is not reserved for the known but for every pilgrim to KM. This effectively reasserts Indian society’s venerable tradition of respecting human ties, and the inexhaustible zeal to keep them alive.
Planning and organising an event as diverse as the KM is no mean task. Observers are often in disbelief at what goes into this exercise. Every few years, after astrological calculations a location is selected and within days a temporary city arises like a hulking giant, ready to engorge the millions who will visit it. This city-within-city has a life span of merely a month and in this month its citizenry is in millions. At the end of the month, it quickly dissolves with a silent promise that it will rise again, at another location, to reveal the mystery that is the KM.
This temporary citadel-of-sorts is a study in hospitality. An example would be the city of Ujjain that hosted the KM in 2016. A rather small city of a population of 5 lakh, hosted a mindboggling 5 crore visitors – an unbelievable 100% greater than its population.
It staggers the world to imagine that such a mammoth exercise can be executed with near flawless finesse. The perfect tuning of the efforts of the government and administration and religio-social organisations, is an example of robust administration, mutual collaboration and deep understanding of India. It is an opportunity for the management professionals to explore that with amalgamation of traditional methods, common sense and modern technology; how India creates an entire new world.
== Other Unique Aspects of Kumbh Mela ==
== Other Unique Aspects of Kumbh Mela ==
=== Kumbh Mela and the Seva Bhaav ===
=== Kumbh Mela and the Seva Bhaav ===
At the KM the spirit of Seva (Service) is evident everywhere – in the unending supplies at the feeding tents, where all are humbly requested to partake of the offering and to visit again. Daan-Dakshina is given to saints and seers, in the effusive and generous hospitality accorded to every visitor.
At the KM the spirit of Seva (Service) is evident everywhere – in the unending supplies at the feeding tents, where all are humbly requested to partake of the offering and to visit again. Daan-Dakshina is given to saints and seers, in the effusive and generous hospitality accorded to every visitor.
......
......