The Ancient Story
The story of Kumbh Mela originates thousands of years ago when gods and demons together decided to churn the milky ocean to obtain the amrit (nectar of immortality). As the Kumbh or the jar containing the immortal nectar finally appeared, there arose a fierce tussle among both gods and the demons.
For twelve days and twelve nights (equivalent to twelve human years) the gods and demons fought for the possession of the pot of amrit. It is said that during the battle, few drops of nectar fell at four places : Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik transforming them into famous religious pilgrimage centres for Kumbh Mela.
The Holy Dip
A holy dip in the Kumbh purifies the sins thereby helping in the attainment of salvation. It is believed that at the time of Kumbh, the water of the river gets charged with astonishing healing effects by enhanced electromagnetic radiation of the Sun, Moon and the Jupiter, the flux of which also varies in accordance to positions and the phases of the moon.
Kumbh Mela is the thus, the biggest religious gathering of humanity on the earth with a distinct amalgamation of religion and socio-cultural significance.
