An opportune time for Sadhana & Spiritual progress
When faith intersects with astrology, something miraculous happens every 12 years along the banks of holy rivers or their confluence (Sangam) in four auspicious places. The Kumbh – An opportune time for a Sadhak to accelerate his journey.
Kumbh is derived from the word Kumbhak, which means a sacred container filled with the elixir of immortality.
As the Devas & Asuras churned the ocean, several divine objects and beings emerged. Finally, the divine pot filled with the Amrita. The possession of this pot became a matter of conflict, as whoever consumed the nectar would gain immortality.
The divine bird Garuda took the pot. He did this to prevent the Amrita from falling into the hands of the Asuras. Garuda then flew away. In pursuit, the Asuras and Devas fought fiercely in the sky. During this pursuit, the chase lasted twelve divine days (equivalent to twelve human years). A few drops of Amrita fell on four places on Earth - Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nasik, and Ujjain. These locations are where the Kumbh is traditionally celebrated.
Kumbh & Astrology – A great time for Sadhana
The Kumbh's occurrence is deeply connected with astrology. The event is based on the positions of the planets, particularly Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon. Kumbh happens when Jupiter enters a specific zodiac sign. The Sun and Moon must also be in particular positions. This alignment creates a unique astrological configuration.
The alignment of Jupiter (Brihaspati or Guru in Sanskrit) in Aquarius (kumbha) and the Sun in Aries is not a random occurrence. It’s a cosmic dance that has been observed and revered for thousands of years. This configuration creates a powerful spiritual energy that is believed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul. This alignment holds more than traditional significance. It signifies a convergence of cosmic forces impacting every aspect of life on Earth. Furthermore, the Moon governs the mind and emotions. Its phase during Kumbh plays a crucial role in enhancing the spiritual experience. A full moon during the event amplifies the effects of the rituals, making the experience even more profound.
Hindus believe that doing Sadhana and bathing in the sacred rivers during the Kumbh will cleanse them of their sins. This practice will help them achieve Moksha.
Why is the Kumbh held every 12 years
Jupiter takes approximately 12 years to finish its orbit around the Sun. Correspondingly, the Kumbh is celebrated every 12 years, aligning with Jupiter’s orbit. This cycle is a cornerstone in determining the timing of the festival at each of the four sacred sites.
The Four Sacred Sites
Prayagraj (Allahabad): Situated at the confluence of three rivers. These rivers are the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati. The Kumbh here is celebrated when Jupiter is in Taurus or Vrishabha. Additionally, the Sun and Moon are in Capricorn or Makara.
Haridwar: Located along the Ganga. The Kumbh occurs here when Jupiter is in Aquarius or Kumbha. The Sun and Moon are in Aries and Sagittarius, respectively.
Nasik: The festival takes place on the banks of the Godavari River. It is celebrated when Jupiter is in Leo or Simha. The Sun and Moon are in Cancer at that time.
Ujjain: The city is situated on the Shipra River. The Kumbh here takes place when Jupiter is in Leo. The Sun and Moon are in Aries during this event.
Variations of the Kumbh : The regular Kumbh is held every 12 years. There are variations like the Ardh (Half) Kumbh. It is celebrated every six years at Haridwar and Prayagraj. The Maha (Great) Kumbh occurs after 12 Purna Kumbh, amounting to 144 years. It is particularly celebrated in Prayagraj.
Kumbh - held every three years, rotating between Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nasik, and Ujjain.
Ardh Kumbh - takes place every six years at Haridwar and Prayagraj. It’s known as the “Half Kumbh” because it occurs halfway between the 12-year cycle of the normal Kumbh.
Purna Kumbh - is celebrated every twelve years at four locations. These locations are aligned with the zodiacal positions that dictate the Kumbh schedule.
Maha Kumbh - is celebrated at Prayagraj every 144 years, which is after 12 ‘Purna Kumbh’.
Sadhana during Kumbh
While millions flock to take a dip in the hold waters during these auspicious dates a true Sadhak will immerse himself in deep Sadhana called Kalpavas.
This ritual begins on Ekadashi of the full moon in the Paush month. It continues up to ‘Maghi Ekadashi’. This period is one big task. It is during this time span a Sadhak has to strictly follow 21 rules through mind, speech, and action.
The 21 good practices during Kalpavas are akin to Yama – Niyamas of Yoga
Always speak the truth
Follow Nonviolence
Understand the bad actions of others and always reason before concluding
Feel the same way for all living beings
Have no sexual relationships; your devotion should be towards the environment and Lord
Let nothing come your way. Reject all indulgence in the materialistic world
Rise before sunrise. Start your day as nature does.
Take bath 3 times a day.
Observance of ‘Trikal Sandhya'
Pay tribute to your ancestors by performing ‘Pind Daan’
Donate whatever pleases your pocket
Enunciate the name of God always at the back of your mind. Don’t think of anything else but God
Associate with a true divine being. Listen to their righteous mind and follow their sayings at Satsangs
Shetra Sanyas (non-violation of reserved space)
Say no to criticism. Let it go.
Offer services to ascetics and saints, you will earn extra brownie points for that
Japa- Meditative repetition of the name of the divine and, this time out loud
Sankirtan- Give in your all to the prayers of the divine
Eat only once a day
Sleep on the ground closer to Mother Earth
Keep distance from envy and anger
Kumbh is not a mela – it is a rare opportunity to strengthen your practise and accelerate your journey ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about MahaKumbh and how to attend here: MahaKumbh 2025 – with Sri M Prepare for Yoga Sadhana at MahaKumbh with BYK, visit here:
Read Our Kumbh special Newsletter, Yogavidya here: https://www.bharatyogavidyakendra.in/yogavidya
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