Changes

Calculations are made by studying the positions of three celestial bodies Sun, Moon and Jupiter in different rashis or zodiac signs.  

Calculations are made by studying the positions of three celestial bodies Sun, Moon and Jupiter in different rashis or zodiac signs.  

These astrological phenomena are deeply symbolic – the three celestial bodies have profound spiritual and physical associations. In SD Sun symbolises the Aatman; Moon the Mann; and Jupiter the Dharma. When Dharma is practiced it purifies the chitt or mann which in turn elevates the soul and opens the door for self-realisation. It is the main cause which attracts saadhaks to the kumbh mela from all over the world.

These astrological phenomena are deeply symbolic – the three celestial bodies have profound spiritual and physical associations. In Sanatana Dharma Sun symbolises the Aatman; Moon the Mann; and Jupiter the Dharma. When Dharma is practiced it purifies the chitt or mann which in turn elevates the soul and opens the door for self-realisation. It is the main cause which attracts saadhaks to the kumbh mela from all over the world.

=== Importance of Rivers in Sanatana Tradition ===

=== Importance of Rivers in Sanatana Tradition ===

Rivers have always been revered in Sanatana Dharma. River banks have traditionally been venues for organising religious festivities. Infact, many pilgrimage sites called Teerth are located on the banks of rivers.  Teerth means that place that transports or takes one across the symbolic river of life. In doing so, one is set free from worldly bondages.  Kumbh by virtue of being held on river banks becomes the locus of attaining liberation.

Rivers have always been revered in Sanatana Dharma. River banks have traditionally been venues for organising religious festivities. Infact, many pilgrimage sites called Teerth are located on the banks of rivers.  Teerth means that place that transports or takes one across the symbolic river of life. In doing so, one is set free from worldly bondages.  Kumbh by virtue of being held on river banks becomes the locus of attaining liberation.

At the Kumbh Mela bathing in the holy waters of rivers holds deep significance. In Sanatan tradition Rivers are life-giving and are worshipped as worldly manifestations of the Goddess. SD extols the maternal aspect of rivers and considers a dip in their waters as purifying and elevating. It also maintains a sense of duty towards the rivers for their preservation. At one level this cleanses the body and soul of ills; and at another level reaffirms the Hindus’ duty to keep rivers clean, and preserve their life-giving energy.

At the Kumbh Mela bathing in the holy waters of rivers holds deep significance. In Sanatan tradition Rivers are life-giving and are worshipped as worldly manifestations of the Goddess. Sanatana Dharma extols the maternal aspect of rivers and considers a dip in their waters as purifying and elevating. It also maintains a sense of duty towards the rivers for their preservation. At one level this cleanses the body and soul of ills; and at another level reaffirms the Hindus’ duty to keep rivers clean, and preserve their life-giving energy.

=== Legend of Samudra Manthan ===

=== Legend of Samudra Manthan ===

The sages and devotees that come here follow different sects; worship different gods; read different texts; and follow different paths to self-realization. Yet, it is strange, that this bewildering diversity does not discomfort anyone here.   

The sages and devotees that come here follow different sects; worship different gods; read different texts; and follow different paths to self-realization. Yet, it is strange, that this bewildering diversity does not discomfort anyone here.   

SD maintains that God is consciousness, which is all pervasive and manifests itself in myriad ways. Even laymen in India understand this. Probably this is why Indian society is so astoundingly diverse. Be it language, food, faith-practices or belief systems. Yet this diversity is bound together by an underlying unity. It is very important to understand that it is not only unity in diversity but an underlying unity which allows and makes it plural: manifest in diverse expressions. This unity is not artificial, enforced by an institution; but is inherent. Due to the underlying unity of Sanatana Dharma, the external diversities flourish without inhibitions or clashes.It salutes the diversity in Creation just as it celebrates the diversity in each individual.

Sanatana Dharma maintains that God is consciousness, which is all pervasive and manifests itself in myriad ways. Even laymen in India understand this. Probably this is why Indian society is so astoundingly diverse. Be it language, food, faith-practices or belief systems. Yet this diversity is bound together by an underlying unity. It is very important to understand that it is not only unity in diversity but an underlying unity which allows and makes it plural: manifest in diverse expressions. This unity is not artificial, enforced by an institution; but is inherent. Due to the underlying unity of Sanatana Dharma, the external diversities flourish without inhibitions or clashes.It salutes the diversity in Creation just as it celebrates the diversity in each individual.

Such a deep understanding of the diversity in Creation gives Hinduism a truly egalitarian outlook. Hinduism celebrates plurality, making it democratic in every sense. This outlook bestows upon the Hindu the tolerant eye to discern the same consciousness, in the plurality of the world. Kumbh, in a true sense, is a celebration of diversity.

Such a deep understanding of the diversity in Creation gives Hinduism a truly egalitarian outlook. Hinduism celebrates plurality, making it democratic in every sense. This outlook bestows upon the Hindu the tolerant eye to discern the same consciousness, in the plurality of the world. Kumbh, in a true sense, is a celebration of diversity.

The presence of countless sages, saints and monks, imbues the atmosphere of the Mela, with a purity that is impossible to experience elsewhere. Kumbh Mela in its true sense denotes an invocation to the collective consciousness; Kumbh is celebration of awareness, a mahayagya for cosmic wellbeing. On the banks of the Mela, flow sacred rivers and among the multitudes on their banks, flow sentiments that elevate humanity to a higher plane.

The presence of countless sages, saints and monks, imbues the atmosphere of the Mela, with a purity that is impossible to experience elsewhere. Kumbh Mela in its true sense denotes an invocation to the collective consciousness; Kumbh is celebration of awareness, a mahayagya for cosmic wellbeing. On the banks of the Mela, flow sacred rivers and among the multitudes on their banks, flow sentiments that elevate humanity to a higher plane.

Kumbh Mela is a rare opportunity to understand the tradition of saints and sages of India. They are the flagbearers of India’s spiritual legacy. Their unceasing penance has ensured the continuance of this legacy and the establishment of Dharma. That is why in SD they are treated as the highest authority in society.

Kumbh Mela is a rare opportunity to understand the tradition of saints and sages of India. They are the flagbearers of India’s spiritual legacy. Their unceasing penance has ensured the continuance of this legacy and the establishment of Dharma. That is why in Sanatana Dharma they are treated as the highest authority in society.

These great men may look different on the outside but essentially they are similar in the core values they uphold. They are all seekers of truth. Under the tutelage of these saints at the Kumbh Mela, ordinary men can find answers to the questions that have been plaguing them; and a deeper synthesis with their wisdom could show the path to a meaningful life.

These great men may look different on the outside but essentially they are similar in the core values they uphold. They are all seekers of truth. Under the tutelage of these saints at the Kumbh Mela, ordinary men can find answers to the questions that have been plaguing them; and a deeper synthesis with their wiSanatana Dharmaom could show the path to a meaningful life.

These mystics are India’s spiritual heroes, exerting a deep influence on the mind and psyche of India’s millions. The saints willingly abdicate the charms of the material world; and dedicate themselves to the pursuit of self-evolution. This is a beautiful and pragmatic rendition of the microcosm, in its journey towards the macrocosm. When the upholders of the Sant Parampara congregate at the Kumbh Mela, it truly becomes a site of great relevance; and indeed boundless reverence.

These mystics are India’s spiritual heroes, exerting a deep influence on the mind and psyche of India’s millions. The saints willingly abdicate the charms of the material world; and dedicate themselves to the pursuit of self-evolution. This is a beautiful and pragmatic rendition of the microcosm, in its journey towards the macrocosm. When the upholders of the Sant Parampara congregate at the Kumbh Mela, it truly becomes a site of great relevance; and indeed boundless reverence.

Many saints visiting the Kumbh Mela are those who have never set foot in organised society. They shun all social interaction, spending days, months and even years... in uninhabited lands, and far off caves, in deep meditation and penance.  

Many saints visiting the Kumbh Mela are those who have never set foot in organised society. They shun all social interaction, spending days, months and even years... in uninhabited lands, and far off caves, in deep meditation and penance.  

Traditionally, Kumbh Mela offers an opportunity for Debate, discourse and dialogue amongst the sages of different sects of SD. The nectar that emanates from this intellectual churning enriches the spiritual social and cultural environment of society. Kumbh Mela is a unique amalgamation of three varied traditions – the Shastra tradition; the tradition of Sadhana or meditation; and the household tradition. It is the beauty of Indian society that each of them maintained the decorum and grace of the other two. At kumbh one can also witness that how different systems of governance - political, Dharmic and social - do not control, but strengthen each other. This mutual management becomes the foundation of an ideal society.’

Traditionally, Kumbh Mela offers an opportunity for Debate, discourse and dialogue amongst the sages of different sects of Sanatana Dharma. The nectar that emanates from this intellectual churning enriches the spiritual social and cultural environment of society. Kumbh Mela is a unique amalgamation of three varied traditions – the Shastra tradition; the tradition of Sadhana or meditation; and the household tradition. It is the beauty of Indian society that each of them maintained the decorum and grace of the other two. At kumbh one can also witness that how different systems of governance - political, Dharmic and social - do not control, but strengthen each other. This mutual management becomes the foundation of an ideal society.’

Sanatan tradition is a tradition of spirituality. Despite of all physical comfort and prosperity, Man has always been plagued by an existential quest – the eternal question of the self. Who am I? What is the truth? As these questions plague the psyche, one rushes to the Kumbh Mela to seek answers.

Sanatan tradition is a tradition of spirituality. Despite of all physical comfort and prosperity, Man has always been plagued by an existential quest – the eternal question of the self. Who am I? What is the truth? As these questions plague the psyche, one rushes to the Kumbh Mela to seek answers.

They throng to the Kumbh Mela but it would be wrong to call them tourists. They are Teerthyaatri in the true sense of the word. Teerthaatan is an amazing innovation of SD. Tourists and pilgrims are different. True, both undertake journeys. But the similarity ends here. unlike Tourist, Teerthyaatries don’t seek adventure, excitement or mesmeric sights. Their journey is deeper, an inner movement, a movement to get answers to life’s perplexing questions. It is an all encompassing journey – from the stated to the unstated; from the gross to the subtle; from the manifest to unmanifest.

They throng to the Kumbh Mela but it would be wrong to call them tourists. They are Teerthyaatri in the true sense of the word. Teerthaatan is an amazing innovation of Sanatana Dharma. Tourists and pilgrims are different. True, both undertake journeys. But the similarity ends here. unlike Tourist, Teerthyaatries don’t seek adventure, excitement or mesmeric sights. Their journey is deeper, an inner movement, a movement to get answers to life’s perplexing questions. It is an all encompassing journey – from the stated to the unstated; from the gross to the subtle; from the manifest to unmanifest.

This founding principle of SD has ensured that this ancient civilization continues to thrive without conflict with nature. Both coexist in harmony, maintaining a balance that promotes growth and development. SD maintains that every speck in nature is a manifestation of consciousness, and humans are but a part of the intricate pattern that nature weaves. Hence humans can never be conquerors or controllers of nature. This humility makes SD truly egalitarian. The Kumbh Mela is a reflection of this generosity of vision – a vision that suffuses every Hindu’s outlook – he proclaims that nature is not to be subverted or exploited - its preservation and upkeep is my duty for I am but a part of it.

This founding principle of Sanatana Dharma has ensured that this ancient civilization continues to thrive without conflict with nature. Both coexist in harmony, maintaining a balance that promotes growth and development. Sanatana Dharma maintains that every speck in nature is a manifestation of consciousness, and humans are but a part of the intricate pattern that nature weaves. Hence humans can never be conquerors or controllers of nature. This humility makes Sanatana Dharma truly egalitarian. The Kumbh Mela is a reflection of this generosity of vision – a vision that suffuses every Hindu’s outlook – he proclaims that nature is not to be subverted or exploited - its preservation and upkeep is my duty for I am but a part of it.

== Kumbh - A Symbol of Bhartiyata ==

== Kumbh - A Symbol of Bhartiyata ==

Amidst the diversity...... An underlying unity.....

Amidst the diversity...... An underlying unity.....

Kumbh is world renowned for its magnificence and grandeur. Even more astounding is the beautiful diversity that it encompasses. From south to north…east to west, from Himalaya to Sahyadri, Ganga to Kaveri, streams of spirituality, wisdom and awareness merge in this Divine Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh is world renowned for its magnificence and grandeur. Even more astounding is the beautiful diversity that it encompasses. From south to north…east to west, from Himalaya to Sahyadri, Ganga to Kaveri, streams of spirituality, wiSanatana Dharmaom and awareness merge in this Divine Kumbh Mela.

The entire country manifests itself in the Kumbh which can be termed a national herald. In many ways Kumbh denotes the essence of India. It flows through the very core of the Indian way of life – reaffirming and revitalizing it. It would not be an exaggeration to term it as the driving force behind Sanatana Dharma. Kumbh Mela is the highest expression through which a Nation celebrates its civilizational continuity.

The entire country manifests itself in the Kumbh which can be termed a national herald. In many ways Kumbh denotes the essence of India. It flows through the very core of the Indian way of life – reaffirming and revitalizing it. It would not be an exaggeration to term it as the driving force behind Sanatana Dharma. Kumbh Mela is the highest expression through which a Nation celebrates its civilizational continuity.

The Kumbh is a golden opportunity to glimpse into the soul of India – to comprehend SD. A journey into understanding Kumbh is a journey into unravelling the mystery that is India. A peep into the mystical Kumbh is an attempt to de-mystify India. To understand India, one has to understand the essence of SD and Viewing SD through the looking glass of the Kumbh can make it simpler. Understanding the Kumbh can pave the way to understanding India – '''for Kumbh is India itself'''.  

The Kumbh is a golden opportunity to glimpse into the soul of India – to comprehend Sanatana Dharma. A journey into understanding Kumbh is a journey into unravelling the mystery that is India. A peep into the mystical Kumbh is an attempt to de-mystify India. To understand India, one has to understand the essence of Sanatana Dharma and Viewing Sanatana Dharma through the looking glass of the Kumbh can make it simpler. Understanding the Kumbh can pave the way to understanding India – '''for Kumbh is India itself'''.  

In India, knowledge has always been revered, but the quest to acquire knowledge has never been limited to physical prosperity. Here, quest for knowledge is deeper and multidimensional. It offers solutions to every aspect of life whether physical, social, cultural or spiritual. The Kumbh Mela is a great opportunity to enrich this age long knowledge tradition. Here scholars of different schools of thought and philosophies share their knowledge with the masses. The ordinary people get to understand numerous opinions on knowledge. They have the freedom to decide, choose and adopt any path that they wish. This phenomenon makes SD truly democratic.  

In India, knowledge has always been revered, but the quest to acquire knowledge has never been limited to physical prosperity. Here, quest for knowledge is deeper and multidimensional. It offers solutions to every aspect of life whether physical, social, cultural or spiritual. The Kumbh Mela is a great opportunity to enrich this age long knowledge tradition. Here scholars of different schools of thought and philosophies share their knowledge with the masses. The ordinary people get to understand numerous opinions on knowledge. They have the freedom to decide, choose and adopt any path that they wish. This phenomenon makes Sanatana Dharma truly democratic.  

From ages the Kumbh Mela has been a platform for free and open discussion without discord, with due reverence for all. There is interaction of people of varying opinions and worldview, with the common objective of arriving at the Truth. Many terms and phraseology, that today have become the common parlance of the intellectuals of the modern world, have defined SD since ages. Looking to this age long tradition of SD, contemporary focus on Freedom of Expression, Open discourse, Mutual respect and tolerance seems to be very superficial.

From ages the Kumbh Mela has been a platform for free and open discussion without discord, with due reverence for all. There is interaction of people of varying opinions and worldview, with the common objective of arriving at the Truth. Many terms and phraseology, that today have become the common parlance of the intellectuals of the modern world, have defined Sanatana Dharma since ages. Looking to this age long tradition of Sanatana Dharma, contemporary focus on Freedom of Expression, Open discourse, Mutual respect and tolerance seems to be very superficial.

In many ways, the Kumbh Mela also provides an insight into the depth, interconnectivity and strength of the social fabric of India.

In many ways, the Kumbh Mela also provides an insight into the depth, interconnectivity and strength of the social fabric of India.

There’s plenty for the seeker at the Kumbh Mela. It is a literary fountainhead. It is an opportunity to learn about the literary traditions of numerous schools of thought; of appreciating diverse means of acquiring knowledge, of study, of growth. Many organisations set up exhibitions, showcasing India’s glorious history of truth-seeking, from days of yore to the present day.

There’s plenty for the seeker at the Kumbh Mela. It is a literary fountainhead. It is an opportunity to learn about the literary traditions of numerous schools of thought; of appreciating diverse means of acquiring knowledge, of study, of growth. Many organisations set up exhibitions, showcasing India’s glorious history of truth-seeking, from days of yore to the present day.

In SD, search for truth is a noble quest and all are free to choose any path in that direction. SD is not a controlling or restrictive faith but a liberating one. It bestows upon its believers the freedom of choice – be that of the Guru or scripture or deity. The seeker can undertake the study of the Shastras, meditate or become follower of seers and wise men. The ways are myriad; and the choice free.  

In Sanatana Dharma, search for truth is a noble quest and all are free to choose any path in that direction. Sanatana Dharma is not a controlling or restrictive faith but a liberating one. It bestows upon its believers the freedom of choice – be that of the Guru or scripture or deity. The seeker can undertake the study of the Shastras, meditate or become follower of seers and wise men. The ways are myriad; and the choice free.  

Kumbh Mela is a celebration of individual choice which allows the natural unfoldment of a human being.

Kumbh Mela is a celebration of individual choice which allows the natural unfoldment of a human being.

=== The Katha Pravachan Parampara ===

=== The Katha Pravachan Parampara ===

SD innovated the most popular and effective method of communicating the deeper knowledge to the masses; The Katha-Pravachan Parampara. It is the traditional way of teaching through story-telling. Deep mysteries and profound principles are communicated to the masses, through the medium of tales and anecdotes, thus aiding easy comprehension. During the kumbh almost all different sects, akharas and gurus organize ‘katha pravachan’ for masses at large.

Sanatana Dharma innovated the most popular and effective method of communicating the deeper knowledge to the masses; The Katha-Pravachan Parampara. It is the traditional way of teaching through story-telling. Deep mysteries and profound principles are communicated to the masses, through the medium of tales and anecdotes, thus aiding easy comprehension. During the kumbh almost all different sects, akharas and gurus organize ‘katha pravachan’ for masses at large.

The influence of these tales is deep and pervasive. The average Hindu draws inspiration from them, establishes personal standards of right and wrong. Thus, his conduct, his choices, his decisions are tempered by the learning he has gathered through these Pravachans. In Kumbh Mela you can easily find thousands of common people, who will share the deepest knowledge or profound principles of Dharm in normal chit-chat.

The influence of these tales is deep and pervasive. The average Hindu draws inspiration from them, establishes personal standards of right and wrong. Thus, his conduct, his choices, his decisions are tempered by the learning he has gathered through these Pravachans. In Kumbh Mela you can easily find thousands of common people, who will share the deepest knowledge or profound principles of Dharm in normal chit-chat.

It is the success of ‘katha pravachan parampara’ that Indian society has maintained its wisdom for thousands of years. It’s the excellence and competence of kathakars (story tellers) who transmitted deeper knowledge of shastras to the life of common people. When transmuted into music, these sermons acquire a lyrical quality, becoming Bhajans or Kirtans – poetic expressions of Truth. Set to music often as choral singing, they elevate participants to another plane. One can only marvel at the artistry of the storytellers, who could so beautifully bind Dharma, Knowledge and Truth into simple stories for general consumption and mass communication.

It is the success of ‘katha pravachan parampara’ that Indian society has maintained its wiSanatana Dharmaom for thousands of years. It’s the excellence and competence of kathakars (story tellers) who transmitted deeper knowledge of shastras to the life of common people. When transmuted into music, these sermons acquire a lyrical quality, becoming Bhajans or Kirtans – poetic expressions of Truth. Set to music often as choral singing, they elevate participants to another plane. One can only marvel at the artistry of the storytellers, who could so beautifully bind Dharma, Knowledge and Truth into simple stories for general consumption and mass communication.

=== Kumbh Mela and Daan Parampara ===

=== Kumbh Mela and Daan Parampara ===

SD places great value on charity or Daan. And at the Kumbh Mela Daan is performed at a scale that is astonishing. It’s not only the largesse of the wealthy, but the small yet valuable contributions from the poor, that help in hosting this massive undertaking. In SD its not the size but the purity of intent that makes a Daan of worth.

Sanatana Dharma places great value on charity or Daan. And at the Kumbh Mela Daan is performed at a scale that is astonishing. It’s not only the largesse of the wealthy, but the small yet valuable contributions from the poor, that help in hosting this massive undertaking. In Sanatana Dharma its not the size but the purity of intent that makes a Daan of worth.

=== Kumbh Mela and the Seva Bhaav ===

=== Kumbh Mela and the Seva Bhaav ===