Ujjain kumbh mela – a holy festival of the grandest scale

The Kumbh Mela in Ujjain is one of the most important religious festivals that are held in this city. Held in every 12 years, the event that spans on for about a month sees millions of devotees and tourists visiting the city of Ujjain from all corners of the country and even from international territories. One of the four main cities in India to hold this special ceremony (the others being Haridwar, Nashik and Allahabad or Prayaga), Ujjain is also a major holy city in its own right and is among the seven pilgrimage cities or Sapta Puri.

The origins of Kumbh Mela go back to the medieval Hindu puranas, known as the Bhagavata Purana. The Samudra Manthan is an episode that plays an important role in the evolution of the Kumbh Mela. According to mythology, the Gods or Devas were affected by the curse put by Durvasa Muni and they had lost all of their strength. To regain their lost strength they approached Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. The Devas were directed by Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma to go to Lord Vishnu and offer prayers to him. Hearing their prayers, Lord Vishnu instructed them to derive Amrita or the nectar of immortality from churning the primordial ocean of milk called Ksheera Sagara. In order to do this, they needed to make a temporary arrangement with the Asuras to work together and then share the wealth eventually. Nevertheless, a fight ensued between the Devas and the Asuras when this Amrita-containing Kumbha appeared. The fight went on for 12 days and 12 nights. During this battle, Vishnu flew away with this Kumbha of Amrita or elixir and drops of the nectar fell at four different places: Ujjain, Nashik, Haridwar and Allahabad (Prayag).

While historians are not sure as to when the Kumbh Mela Ujjain actually started, it is now a known fact that the first modern mention for this religious festival was found in the British records. At present, Kumbh Mela at Ujjain is a major festival that attracts millions of tourists every year and even attention from the media. If you want to attend this festival, it is advisable that you book your rooms early with the hotels in Ujjain. Arrangements for Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016 have already started, which means that numerous hotels have already started to put in their offers to attract patrons. If you are looking for a nice hotel at Ujjain, you can find plenty to choose from when you look through the various online resources.

Ujjaintourism.in Ujjain’s first private travel portal where You are assured of the best service of Ujjain hotels.