Astrological celebration at Kumbh Mela in Nasik

Kumbha Mela 2015 in Nasik

Nasik Welcomes All!

Considered as the 11th highly populated district of India and the 4th largest city of Maharashtra state, Nasik embraces you all for Kumbha Mela 2015! The locals of Nasik are fortunate to witness the world’s largest peaceful religious gathering taking place every twelve years in their city.

It was last celebrated eleven years ago in 2003 that had attracted massive visitors who broke away from their daily domestic and professional duties in order to experience the boundlessly spiritual ecstasy at Kumbh Mela. In the current year 2015, the Kumbh festive season is set to draw the crowds 14 festive season is set to draw the crowds 14th of July on wards till 25th of September.

Story behind Kumbha Mela:Vedas tell the story of the gods in heaven who were often attacked by the asuras (demons). The gods were directed by Lord Brahma to pray to Lord Vishnu who said the Churning of Milky Ocean would help bring up amrita, the Nectar of Immortality for all. The Churning would be done by both, gods and asuars. Later, the Milky Ocean was churned with the Vasuki snake wrapped around the Mountain Mandara in the centre.The Churning produced the precious belongings and valuables such as gemstones, gold, beautiful apsaras (divas) that were taken by gods and demons as their possessions. When the poison was produced, the gods and demons were petrified as it was dangerous enough to annihilate all the creations. Lord Shiva took the poison and saved the world.The vessel of nectar appeared causing rivalry between the participants. King Indra’s son Jayant ran away with it. Soon the chase ensued. The demons ran after to bring back the vessel. And while they ran, some drops of nectar fell onto Earth at Allahbad, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain.

Celebration astrologically: In the astrological context, the planetary position of Jupiter and Sun determines the celebration of Kumbh Mela. Jupiter in Aquarius with Sun in Aries marks the celebration at Haridwar. Jupiter in Taurus and Sun in Capricorn mark the celebration in Prayag, Allhabad whereas Ujjain sees the celebration when Jupiter and Sun transit into Scorpio. And when Jupiter and Sun enter Leo, the Kumbh Mela is celebrated in Nasik, Maharashtra.

Trimbakeshwar the hub of celebration:Pilgrims from across the nation and the world converge to Trimbakeshwar, one of the holiest places in India as it is one among twelve jyotirlingas. The holy pond Kusavarta is located in the temple premises. The pond is said to be the endless source of Godavari River. And this is the kund (pond) where holy men and spiritualists take a dip into the waters during Kumbha Mela.

Enthusiasm of people:Masses of people from different parts of the country are the evidence that the celebration of Mela is done with greater passion and enthusiasm. Millions of people come to Nasik in order to deep into the water to rid of all the past karmas and karmic reactions.

Holy bath:Millions of sadhus (spiritualists) and pilgrims take their holy bath in Ramkund and Kusavarta at a specific time formed by the Nakshatra.

Following are the processions held in the real Kumbha Mela (2015).14 July 2015 (Tuesday): Flag hoisting of the main ceremony at Ram Kunda14 August 2015 (Friday): Flag hoisting of the Akhara at Sadhugram26 August 2015 (Wednesday): Shravan Shudha- First Snan29 August 2015 (Saturday): Shravan Purnima - First Shahi Snan at Ram Kunda13 September 2015 (Sunday): Bhadrapad Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan/ Main bathing day18 September 2015 (Friday): Bhadrapad Shukla Panchmi (Rushipanchami) - Third Shahi Snan25 September 2015 (Friday): Bhadrapad Shukla Dwadashi - Vaman Dwadashi Snan

Sagar Mavani is a professional content writer working with Rudra Centre, a reputed firm that specializes in spiritual products such as Rudraksha beads and malas, gemstones, etc. He is a PostGraduate (Mba) in Marketing from Mumbai University.