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| 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. |
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− | Though the Kumbh Mela is essentially a fair of saints and ascetics, it is also a rare opportunity for the householder to witness great sages and gather invaluable education about what constitutes right and wrong, Dharma and Adharma. | + | Though the Kumbh Mela is essentially a fair of saints and ascetics, it is also a rare opportunity for the householder to witness great sages and gather invaluable education about what constitutes right and wrong, Dharma and Adharma. In a world torn asunder by blatant individualism, that fragments families, and throws one into painful isolation, the hallowed grounds of the Kumbh Mela can be learning grounds – grounds where individuals can resurrect belief in humanity and human relationships. |
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− | 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. |
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− | 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.’ | + | 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. |
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| Sanatana 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. | | Sanatana 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. |
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− | 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.
| + | 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. |
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− | 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. | + | People 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. |
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| + | 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 – (s)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. |
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| == Kumbh Mela - A Symbol of Bhartiyata == | | == Kumbh Mela - A Symbol of Bhartiyata == |
− | A window to the heart of India
| + | Kumbh mela is a window to the heart of India. It is an epitome of hospitality that beckons all. |
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− | An epitome of hospitality that beckons all
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− | Amidst the diversity...... An underlying unity.....
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− | 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, wisdom and awareness merge in this Divine Kumbh Mela. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. | | 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. |
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| + | Kumbh Mela is a gigantic platform on which multicultural India’s diverse art forms and folk traditions are showcased to an enthralled audience. Artists from the length and breadth of the country, meet, mix and mingle. Thus art grows, spreads and thrives. |
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| + | == Kumbh Mela - A testimony to Social Inclusiveness == |
| + | Kumbh mela is open 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. |
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| 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. | | 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. |
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| 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. |
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− | In a world torn asunder by blatant individualism, that fragments families, and throws one into painful isolation, the hallowed grounds of the Kumbh Mela can be learning grounds – grounds where individuals can resurrect belief in humanity and human relationships.
| + | In fact, the gathering at Kumbh Mela has always busted many established western principals. Western principles related to the psyche and behaviour of crowd, all collapse like a pack of cards. |
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− | Kumbh Mela is a gigantic platform on which multicultural India’s diverse art forms and folk traditions are showcased to an enthralled audience. Artists from the length and breadth of the country, meet, mix and mingle. Thus art grows, spreads and thrives.
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− | == Kumbh Mela - A testimony to Social Inclusiveness ==
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− | 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.
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− | In fact, the gathering at Kumbh Mela has always busted many stablished western principals. Western principles related to the psyche and behaviour of crowd, all collapse like a pack of cards. | |
| == Kumbh Mela - A celebration of Nature == | | == Kumbh Mela - 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. | + | 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. |
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− | 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. | + | 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. |
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| == Kumbh Mela and The Feminine == | | == 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. | + | 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 civilization. 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. |
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| == Kumbh Mela and its Logistics == | | == Kumbh Mela and its Logistics == |
− | On an average the Kumbh Mela is held every three years across four different locations. Hence, each location becomes the chosen location after a span of 12 years. Once the location is declared, a temporary township emerges there - almost out of thin air - ready to house the surging crowds that would descend there during the month long fair. The Kumbh township is a mobile citadel that moves from one location to another, taking within its folds, the devout whose numbers keep growing with every passing year. | + | On an average the Kumbh Mela is held every three years across four different locations: Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. Hence, each location becomes the chosen location after a span of 12 years. Once the location is declared, a temporary township emerges there - almost out of thin air - ready to house the surging crowds that would descend there during the month long fair. The Kumbh township is a mobile citadel that moves from one location to another, taking within its folds, the devout whose numbers keep growing with every passing year. |
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− | It can intrigue an external observer that without any central authority, publicity and formal invitation, how millions come together at Kumbh Mela on specific date and place. Even more magical is the fact, that they spend an entire month together, in peaceful coexistence, without conflict or discord and sharing their knowledge, experience and worldview with each other. After completion of the Kumbh they return to their native places blissfully, with adding treasure of knowledge, austerity and spirituality with them. This shows the sacred and historical significance of the Kumbh Mela; and also the unflinching devotion of the devotees to Sanatana Dharma | + | It can intrigue an external observer that without any central authority, publicity and formal invitation, how millions come together at Kumbh Mela on specific date and place. Even more magical is the fact, that they spend an entire month together, in peaceful coexistence, without conflict or discord and sharing their knowledge, experience and worldview with each other. After completion of the Kumbh they return to their native places blissfully, with adding treasure of knowledge, austerity and spirituality with them. This shows the sacred and historical significance of the Kumbh Mela; and also the unflinching devotion of the devotees to Sanatana Dharma. |
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− | 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. | + | 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. |
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− | 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 Kumbh Mela nothing can be left undone in the welcome of the guests. This hospitality is not reserved for the known but for every pilgrim to Kumbh Mela. This effectively reasserts Indian society’s venerable tradition of respecting human ties, and the inexhaustible zeal to keep them alive. | + | 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 akin to God. Hence, before the Kumbh Mela nothing can be left undone in the welcome of the guests. This hospitality is not reserved for the known but for every pilgrim to Kumbh Mela. This effectively reasserts Indian society’s venerable tradition of respecting human ties, and the inexhaustible zeal to keep them alive. |
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| Planning and organising an event as diverse as the Kumbh Mela 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{{Citation needed}}. 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 Kumbh Mela. | | Planning and organising an event as diverse as the Kumbh Mela 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{{Citation needed}}. 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 Kumbh Mela. |
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− | This temporary citadel-of-sorts is a study in hospitality. An example would be the city of Ujjain that hosted the Kumbh Mela 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{{Citation needed}} . | + | This temporary citadel-of-sorts is a study in hospitality. An example would be the city of Ujjain that hosted the Kumbh Mela 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{{Citation needed}}. |
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| 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. | | 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. |
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| 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. |
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− | 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.
| + | Millions of people take their food and drinking water during the Kumbh but there have not been major reports of ill health. Temporary sanitation facilities are set up for the lakhs who visit. Forget an outbreak of epidemic, even minor illness is a rarity. Infact, this phenomenon continues to baffle the world, especially, medical science. The answer lies in India’s ancient and unique enunciation of Clean and Unclean; Pure and Impure. Cleanliness here goes beyond the absence of anything dirty. It also goes beyond mere hygiene. Roughly, it means a state or condition cleansed of anything that sullies or soils - a condition not limited to the surroundings or the body but extending to the mind, the heart, and the soul. |
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− | Kumbh Mela is a celebration of individual choice which allows the natural unfoldment of a human being.
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− | One wonders – is it Godly intervention? Is it the purity that wafts through the Kumbh Mela? Millions of people take their food and drinking water during the Kumbh but there have not been major reports of ill health. Temporary sanitation facilities are set up for the lakhs who visit. Forget an outbreak of epidemic... even minor illness is a rarity.
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− | Infact, this phenomenon continues to baffle the world... especially, medical science. The answer lies in India’s ancient and unique enunciation of Clean and Unclean; Pure and Impure. Cleanliness here goes beyond the absence of anything dirty. It also goes beyond mere hygiene. Roughly, it means a state or condition cleansed of anything that sullies or soils - a condition not limited to the surroundings or the body but extending to the mind, the heart, and the soul. | |
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| Some other aspects of Kumbh Mela are as follows: | | Some other aspects of Kumbh Mela are as follows: |
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| === The Katha Pravachan Parampara === | | === The Katha Pravachan Parampara === |
− | 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. | + | 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. |
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− | 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 one can easily find thousands of common people, who will share the deepest knowledge or profound principles of Dharm in normal chit-chat. |
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− | 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 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. |
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| === Kumbh Mela and Daan Parampara === | | === Kumbh Mela and Daan Parampara === |
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| Kumbh Mela can be termed a mirror image of an ancient civilisation; where knowledge was revered; where conscience was the ultimate arbitrator; where life got an opportunity to grow and expand, unfettered and untarnished. | | Kumbh Mela can be termed a mirror image of an ancient civilisation; where knowledge was revered; where conscience was the ultimate arbitrator; where life got an opportunity to grow and expand, unfettered and untarnished. |
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− | Mere logic would not suffice to truly understand and appreciate the kumbh mela. It requires a patient eye and a yearning heart. It involves an empathetic understanding of the process of the maturing of civilisations and also the insight about the deeper and complex relationship between the individual and the society. <ref>'''Content Taken from the Documentary "Kumbh- Eternal Journey of Indian Civilization". Written and Directed by Harshit Jain. Produced by India Inspires and Indus University, Ahmedabad.''' </ref> | + | Mere logic would not suffice to truly understand and appreciate the kumbh mela. It requires a patient eye and a yearning heart. It involves an empathetic understanding of the process of the maturing of civilisations and also the insight about the deeper and complex relationship between the individual and the society. <ref>'''Content Taken from the Documentary "Kumbh- Eternal Journey of Indian Civilization". Written and Directed by Harshit Jain. Produced by India Inspires and Indus University, Ahmedabad.''' </ref> |
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| ==References== | | ==References== |