KumbhMela ~ Ramanand 6/25

Manavta ka Mahasamudra - The Great Ocean of Humanity

A timely read indeed, a book with story, experiences, Mantras, Slokas and Pictures by Ramanand translated by Lakshmi Dayal.

The Kumbh is a Mela in search  of peace, bliss and completion, trying to drive home the point "We are all one, same consciousness is in every human being". Achieving our goals becomes difficult if we stray whilst walking on this path.

For 12 days and nights, the demons continuously chased the nectare obtained churning Kshirsagar, the ocean of milk using the Mandrachal mountain and Snake deity Vasuki as rope collected in a Kumb that is the pitcher given by Dhanvantari to collect water. God's and demons fought a pitched battle for 12 continuous years. The equivalent of one celestial day is one year on earth.

When Demons tried to snatch the kumbh few drops of nectar fell at Haridwar (Ganga), Ujjain (Kshipra), Nashik(Godavari) and Prayaga(Thriveni).

To commensurate this event, Kumbh Mela is organized every 12 years at these sanctified places turn by turn. In Nasik and Ujjain every 3 years, Haridwar and Prayag, Ardh-Kumbh every six years, Purna or full Kumb every 12 years and Mahakumbh in 144 years. The Mela-Fair for Kumbh has certain particular auspicious days.

People gather is a triump of human race helping mankind realize the world is one family.  Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Among the largest group of ascetics who visit are the Nagas smeared with bhabhoot- holy ash, the traditional protectors.The temporary home or retreat of an Ascetic on the Bank of holy Ganga during the month of Magh is called Kalpavas. The rule to abide during Kalpavas is, "I must practice self-control for the welfare of all. I must remain non-violent. I should be broad-minded, generous, liberal and level-headed. Totally engrossed and focused on the truth as it appears, without fear or enmity, always remaining alert to the well-being of all people".

Motto or Mantra : Sarajevo Kalyan. Welfare of all beings.

There are 4 types of bathing - Bhasmasnan, Varunsnan, Mantrasnan and Godhulisnan meaning that with ashes, water, prayer and twilight.

Things to do if at Pyagraj are Ritual bath at SangamGhat, Akshay Vatt the grand old Banyan tree, Samudr Koop, Gangouli Shivalya, Resting Hanumanji, Viraaj Mandapam, Shankh Mahadev, Beni Madhava, Manakameshwar, Alopashankari are places of interest. You will find Prayag Guvas everywhere

#KumbhMela #Timelyread #Book #Ramanand #Prayag #triveni