Kumbh Mela (कुम्भ मेला) - Revision history

Fordharma at 08:55, 11 January 2025

2025-01-11T08:55:26Z

Fordharma at 16:28, 10 January 2025

2025-01-10T16:28:58Z

Fordharma: adding and editing content

2024-12-24T10:20:18Z

adding and editing content

AnuragV at 10:04, 24 November 2024

2024-11-24T10:04:35Z

Prthvi: video added

2021-04-30T08:27:17Z

video added

Prthvi at 15:21, 5 December 2020

2020-12-05T15:21:49Z

Prthvi: /* Kumbh Mela - Introduction */

2020-12-03T07:46:36Z

Kumbh Mela - Introduction

Pṛthvī: Text replacement - "spiritual" to "adhyatmik"

2020-03-12T16:46:25Z

Text replacement - "spiritual" to "adhyatmik"

Pṛthvī: images added

2019-02-11T14:31:13Z

images added

Pṛthvī: pics added

2019-01-28T07:08:09Z

pics added

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	Kumbh Mela is regarded as the world’s largest peaceful congregation of people and has been inscribed as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.<ref>https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/kumbh-mela-01258#identification</ref> A grand spectacle of sadhus and saints who congregate at the sacred riverside to take a purificatory bath, this event draws people from all corners of this vast ancient land and lately internationally. In Sanatana culture, the tradition of river bathing on the occasion of special festivals or Sankranti has been going on since ancient times. Kumbh festival is also a river-based tradition held at an interval of every twelve years at the confluence of the Ganges at Haridwar, Kshipra at Ujjain, Godavari at Kik, and Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati at Prayagraj, depending on the celestial planetary positions of the Sun and Brihaspati. The festival is a blend of three main traditions, namely pilgrimage, celestial planetary confluence, and rivers. It conveys the spirit of faith, sacrifice, dedication, commitment, and cooperation along with spiritual progress.{{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep6AhYEkWXI&feature=youtu.be		Kumbh Mela is regarded as the world’s largest peaceful congregation of people and has been inscribed as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.<ref>https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/kumbh-mela-01258#identification</ref> A grand spectacle of sadhus and saints who congregate at the sacred riverside to take a purificatory bath, this event draws people from all corners of this vast ancient land and lately internationally. In Sanatana culture, the tradition of river bathing on the occasion of special festivals or Sankranti has been going on since ancient times. Kumbh festival is also a river-based tradition held at an interval of every twelve years at the confluence of the Ganges at Haridwar, Kshipra at Ujjain, Godavari at Kik, and Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati at Prayagraj, depending on the celestial planetary positions of the Sun and Brihaspati. The festival is a blend of three main traditions, namely pilgrimage, celestial planetary confluence, and rivers. It conveys the spirit of faith, sacrifice, dedication, commitment, and cooperation along with spiritual progress.{{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep6AhYEkWXI&feature=youtu.be

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 }}
 == Introduction ==
-On prescribed dates during the Kumbh Mela, special bathing rituals are held on the ghats or banks of holy rivers. These are called Shahi or Amrit Snan; and are undoubtedly the most spectacular and anticipated events during the Mela. Sages and monks gather at the ghats for a holy dip, giving the devotees a rare and precious opportunity to see them up close. Naga sadhus – ascetics whose only covering is ash or Bhasma - hold out a message to the onlookers. Everything is prey to the scourge of Time and ultimately will return to ashes. After the bathing of sages, it is auspicious to take bath in the holy water.
+== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
-=== Importance of Rivers in Sanatana Tradition ===
+On prescribed dates during the Kumbh Mela, special bathing rituals are held on the ghats or banks of the rivers. These are called Shahi or Amrit Snan; and are undoubtedly the most spectacular and anticipated events during the Mela. Sages and monks gather at the ghats for a holy dip, giving the devotees a rare and precious opportunity to see them up close. Naga sadhus – ascetics whose only covering is ash or Bhasma - hold out a message to the onlookers. Everything is prey to the scourge of Time and ultimately will return to ashes. After the bathing of sages, it is auspicious to take bath in the holy water.
-At the Kumbh Mela bathing in the holy waters of rivers holds deep significance. In Sanatana tradition Rivers are life-giving and are worshipped as worldly manifestations of the Goddess. Sanatana Dharma extols the maternal aspect of rivers and considers a dip in their waters as purifying and elevating. It also maintains a sense of duty towards the rivers for their preservation. At one level this cleanses the body and soul of ills; and at another level reaffirms the Hindus’ duty to keep rivers clean, and preserve their life-giving energy.[[File:KumbhMela.jpeg|frame|'''Saadhus at Kumbh Mela''' ]]
+== परिभाषा॥ Definition ==
 == Time and venue of Kumbh Mela ==
-Kumbh is organised at four places on the banks of sacred rivers. In the north at Haridwar; and in the east at Prayaag, on the banks of the river Ganga. Ujjain in the west hosts the Kumbh on the banks of river Shipra while in the south it is the Godavri whose banks at Nasik are the venue for the grand event.
+Kumbh is organized at four places on the banks of sacred rivers. In the north at Haridwar; and in the east at Prayaag, on the banks of the river Ganga. Ujjain in the west hosts the Kumbh on the banks of river Shipra while in the south it is the Godavri whose banks at Nasik are the venue for the grand event.
 The timing and venue of Kumbh Mela is determined on the basis of astronomical events. It is believed that during these planetary alignments, adhyatmik energy is at its peak, making Kumbh Mela a truly divine event. Calculations are made by studying the positions of three celestial bodies Sun, Moon and Jupiter in different rashis or zodiac signs.

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-{{One source|date=January 2019}}
+{{ToBeEdited}}
 {{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep6AhYEkWXI&feature=youtu.be
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 |description=कुंभ – भारतीय सभ्यता की सनातन यात्रा
 }}
-== Kumbh Mela - Introduction ==
+== Introduction ==
-[[File:KumbhMela.jpeg|frame|'''Saadhus at Kumbh Mela''' ]]
+Since Vedic times, there has been a tradition of bathing, charity, and sacrifice on the banks of the Tirtha Kshetra, and rivers during Sankranti and Grahana etc. But it cannot be said with certainty that mass Kumbh bathing fairs were held even in the Puranic period as they are today. Without any formal invitations these saints converge at the Mela site under the flags of their respective [[Akharaas]] and sects. Traditionally, the Kumbh Mela has been the prerogative of Akharaas, that is, special sects to which sages and saints bear allegiance. Nearly all of the designated 13 Akharaas trace their origins to Adi Shankaracharya{{Citation needed}}. Each Akhara is distinct in its philosophy, practices of worship, choice of chief deity etc.  Inspite of this diversity, all Akharaas subscribe to a common mission – the upholding and propagation of Sanatana Dharma. Their coming together at the Kumbh Mela bears testimony to this common purpose. The Kumbh Mela beckons to them and they respond – emerging from their distant abodes in jungles, caves or mountains. The wanderers too, turn their steps towards the Kumbh Mela.
 On prescribed dates during the Kumbh Mela, special bathing rituals are held on the ghats or banks of holy rivers. These are called Shahi or Amrit Snan; and are undoubtedly the most spectacular and anticipated events during the Mela. Sages and monks gather at the ghats for a holy dip, giving the devotees a rare and precious opportunity to see them up close. Naga sadhus – ascetics whose only covering is ash or Bhasma - hold out a message to the onlookers. Everything is prey to the scourge of Time and ultimately will return to ashes. After the bathing of sages, it is auspicious to take bath in the holy water.
@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 Rivers have always been revered in Sanatana Dharma. River banks have traditionally been venues for organising religious festivities. Infact, many pilgrimage sites called Teerth are located on the banks of rivers.  Teerth means that place that transports or takes one across the symbolic river of life{{Citation needed}}. In doing so, one is set free from worldly bondages.  Kumbh by virtue of being held on river banks becomes the locus of attaining liberation.
-At the Kumbh Mela bathing in the holy waters of rivers holds deep significance. In Sanatana tradition Rivers are life-giving and are worshipped as worldly manifestations of the Goddess. Sanatana Dharma extols the maternal aspect of rivers and considers a dip in their waters as purifying and elevating. It also maintains a sense of duty towards the rivers for their preservation. At one level this cleanses the body and soul of ills; and at another level reaffirms the Hindus’ duty to keep rivers clean, and preserve their life-giving energy.
+At the Kumbh Mela bathing in the holy waters of rivers holds deep significance. In Sanatana tradition Rivers are life-giving and are worshipped as worldly manifestations of the Goddess. Sanatana Dharma extols the maternal aspect of rivers and considers a dip in their waters as purifying and elevating. It also maintains a sense of duty towards the rivers for their preservation. At one level this cleanses the body and soul of ills; and at another level reaffirms the Hindus’ duty to keep rivers clean, and preserve their life-giving energy.[[File:KumbhMela.jpeg|frame|'''Saadhus at Kumbh Mela''' ]]
 == Time and venue of Kumbh Mela ==
 Kumbh is organised at four places on the banks of sacred rivers. In the north at Haridwar; and in the east at Prayaag, on the banks of the river Ganga. Ujjain in the west hosts the Kumbh on the banks of river Shipra while in the south it is the Godavri whose banks at Nasik are the venue for the grand event.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:04, 24 November 2024
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	==References==		==References==
	<references />		<references />
		+	[[Category:Festivals]]

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 {{One source|date=January 2019}}
+{{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep6AhYEkWXI&feature=youtu.be
 == Kumbh Mela - Introduction ==
 [[File:KumbhMela.jpeg|frame|'''Saadhus at Kumbh Mela''' ]]

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 === Kumbh Mela and the Seva Bhaav ===
-At the Kumbh Mela the spirit of Seva (Service) is evident everywhere – in the unending supplies at the feeding tents, where all are humbly requested to partake of the offering and to visit again. Daan-Dakshina is given to saints and seers, in the effusive and generous hospitality accorded to every visitor.
+At the Kumbh Mela the spirit of seva (सेवा | selfless service) is evident everywhere – in the unending supplies at the feeding tents, where all are humbly requested to partake of the offering and to visit again. Daan-Dakshina is given to saints and seers, in the effusive and generous hospitality accorded to every visitor.
 === Kumbh Mela and Crime Rates ===

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 Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest, grandest, most spectacular event{{Citation needed}} . Drawing 50 million people{{Citation needed}}  from all corners of this vast land. It is primarily a confluence of sages and ascetics. Without any formal invitations these saints converge at the Mela site under the flags of their respective [[Akharaas]] and sects. Traditionally, the Kumbh Mela has been the prerogative of Akharaas, that is, special sects to which sages and saints bear allegiance. Nearly all of the designated 13 Akharaas trace their origins to Adi Shankaracharya{{Citation needed}}. Each Akhara is distinct in its philosophy, practices of worship, choice of chief deity etc.  Inspite of this diversity, all Akharaas subscribe to a common mission – the upholding and propagation of Sanatana Dharma. Their coming together at the Kumbh Mela bears testimony to this common purpose. The Kumbh Mela beckons to them and they respond – emerging from their distant abodes in jungles, caves or mountains. The wanderers too, turn their steps towards the Kumbh Mela.
-On prescribed dates during the Kumbh Mela, special bathing rituals are held on the ghats or banks of holy rivers. These are called Shahi or Amrit Snan; and are undoubtedly the most spectacular and anticipated events during the Mela. Sages and monks gather at the ghats for a holy dip, giving the devotees a rare and precious opportunity to see them up close. Naga sadhus – naked ascetics whose only covering is ash or Bhasma - hold out a message to the onlookers. Everything is prey to the scourge of Time and ultimately will return to ashes. After the bathing of sages, it is auspicious to take bath in the holy water.
+On prescribed dates during the Kumbh Mela, special bathing rituals are held on the ghats or banks of holy rivers. These are called Shahi or Amrit Snan; and are undoubtedly the most spectacular and anticipated events during the Mela. Sages and monks gather at the ghats for a holy dip, giving the devotees a rare and precious opportunity to see them up close. Naga sadhus – ascetics whose only covering is ash or Bhasma - hold out a message to the onlookers. Everything is prey to the scourge of Time and ultimately will return to ashes. After the bathing of sages, it is auspicious to take bath in the holy water.
 === Importance of Rivers in Sanatana Tradition ===
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 Mere logic would not suffice to truly understand and appreciate the kumbh mela. It requires a patient eye and a yearning heart. It involves an empathetic understanding of the process of the maturing of civilisations and also the insight about the deeper and complex relationship between the individual and the society. <ref>'''Content Taken from the Documentary "Kumbh- Eternal Journey of Indian Civilization". Written and Directed by Harshit Jain. Produced by India Inspires and Indus University, Ahmedabad.''' </ref>
 ==References==

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 Kumbh is organised at four places on the banks of sacred rivers. In the north at Haridwar; and in the east at Prayaag, on the banks of the river Ganga. Ujjain in the west hosts the Kumbh on the banks of river Shipra while in the south it is the Godavri whose banks at Nasik are the venue for the grand event.
-The timing and venue of Kumbh Mela is determined on the basis of astronomical events. It is believed that during these planetary alignments, spiritual energy is at its peak, making Kumbh Mela a truly divine event. Calculations are made by studying the positions of three celestial bodies Sun, Moon and Jupiter in different rashis or zodiac signs.
+The timing and venue of Kumbh Mela is determined on the basis of astronomical events. It is believed that during these planetary alignments, adhyatmik energy is at its peak, making Kumbh Mela a truly divine event. Calculations are made by studying the positions of three celestial bodies Sun, Moon and Jupiter in different rashis or zodiac signs.
-These astrological phenomena are deeply symbolic – the three celestial bodies have profound spiritual and physical associations. In Sanatana Dharma Sun symbolises the Aatman; Moon the Mann; and Jupiter the Dharma{{Citation needed}}. When Dharma is practiced it purifies the chitt or mann which in turn elevates the soul and opens the door for self-realisation. It is the main cause which attracts saadhaks to the kumbh mela from all over the world.
+These astrological phenomena are deeply symbolic – the three celestial bodies have profound adhyatmik and physical associations. In Sanatana Dharma Sun symbolises the Aatman; Moon the Mann; and Jupiter the Dharma{{Citation needed}}. When Dharma is practiced it purifies the chitt or mann which in turn elevates the soul and opens the door for self-realisation. It is the main cause which attracts saadhaks to the kumbh mela from all over the world.
 === Mathematics Behind Calculation of Time and Venue<ref>Written by Nityananda Mishra, Writer based in Mumbai. This excerpt has been taken from his FB Post. (https://www.facebook.com/nityanand.misra/posts/2054498124667256 accessed on 17 January 2019)</ref> ===
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 == Kumbh Mela - Spiritual Dimension ==
 [[File:KumbhMelaSadhu.jpeg|frame|599x599px|'''Saadhu at Prayaag''']]
-Kumbh mela is an unknown, mystical world, where spirituality reigns supreme. It is a collective quest for truth and for appreciating countless paths leading up to it. The Kumbh is a celebration of bliss. It is a wonderful opportunity to rise above the pain and suffering, a rare moment to embrace divinity; and participate in the festivity of human existence.
+Kumbh mela is an unknown, mystical world, where adhyatmikity reigns supreme. It is a collective quest for truth and for appreciating countless paths leading up to it. The Kumbh is a celebration of bliss. It is a wonderful opportunity to rise above the pain and suffering, a rare moment to embrace divinity; and participate in the festivity of human existence.
-Kumbh is a rare moment when, the sages, ascetics and spiritual masters, from every corner of India reach householders. While normally devotees make difficult journeys to get blessings of great sages, in Kumbh the sages come themselves to impart blessings. All over the Kumbh, the sages meditate; hold sacred discussions about how to attain ultimate knowledge and the divine nectar overflows; the divine nectar for which sadhakas rush from across the globe.
+Kumbh is a rare moment when, the sages, ascetics and adhyatmik masters, from every corner of India reach householders. While normally devotees make difficult journeys to get blessings of great sages, in Kumbh the sages come themselves to impart blessings. All over the Kumbh, the sages meditate; hold sacred discussions about how to attain ultimate knowledge and the divine nectar overflows; the divine nectar for which sadhakas rush from across the globe.
 The presence of countless sages, saints and monks, imbues the atmosphere of the Mela, with a purity that is impossible to experience elsewhere. Kumbh Mela in its true sense denotes an invocation to the collective consciousness; Kumbh is celebration of awareness, a mahayagya for cosmic wellbeing.
-Kumbh Mela is a rare opportunity to understand the tradition of saints and sages of India. They are the flagbearers of India’s spiritual legacy. Their unceasing penance has ensured the continuance of this legacy and the establishment of Dharma. That is why in Sanatana Dharma they are treated as the highest authority in society.
+Kumbh Mela is a rare opportunity to understand the tradition of saints and sages of India. They are the flagbearers of India’s adhyatmik legacy. Their unceasing penance has ensured the continuance of this legacy and the establishment of Dharma. That is why in Sanatana Dharma they are treated as the highest authority in society.
 These great men may look different on the outside but essentially they are similar in the core values they uphold. They are all seekers of truth. Under the tutelage of these saints at the Kumbh Mela, ordinary men can find answers to the questions that have been plaguing them; and a deeper synthesis with their wisdom on Sanatana Dharma could show the path to a meaningful life.
-These mystics are India’s spiritual heroes, exerting a deep influence on the mind and psyche of India’s millions. The saints willingly abdicate the charms of the material world; and dedicate themselves to the pursuit of self-evolution. This is a beautiful and pragmatic rendition of the microcosm, in its journey towards the macrocosm. When the upholders of the Sant Parampara congregate at the Kumbh Mela, it truly becomes a site of great relevance; and indeed boundless reverence.
+These mystics are India’s adhyatmik heroes, exerting a deep influence on the mind and psyche of India’s millions. The saints willingly abdicate the charms of the material world; and dedicate themselves to the pursuit of self-evolution. This is a beautiful and pragmatic rendition of the microcosm, in its journey towards the macrocosm. When the upholders of the Sant Parampara congregate at the Kumbh Mela, it truly becomes a site of great relevance; and indeed boundless reverence.
 Though the Kumbh Mela is essentially a fair of saints and ascetics, it is also a rare opportunity for the householder to witness great sages and gather invaluable education about what constitutes right and wrong, Dharma and Adharma. In a world torn asunder by blatant individualism, that fragments families, and throws one into painful isolation, the hallowed grounds of the Kumbh Mela can be learning grounds – grounds where individuals can resurrect belief in humanity and human relationships.
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 Many saints visiting the Kumbh Mela are those who have never set foot in organised society. They shun all social interaction, spending days, months and even years in uninhabited lands, and far off caves, in deep meditation and penance.
-Traditionally, Kumbh Mela offers an opportunity for Debate, discourse and dialogue amongst the sages of different sects of Sanatana Dharma. The nectar that emanates from this intellectual churning enriches the spiritual social and cultural environment of society. Kumbh Mela is a unique amalgamation of three varied traditions – the '''Shastra tradition'''; the '''tradition of Sadhana''' or meditation; and the '''household tradition'''. It is the beauty of Indian society that each of them maintained the decorum and grace of the other two. At Kumbh one can also witness that how different systems of governance - political, Dharmic and social - do not control, but strengthen each other. This mutual management becomes the foundation of an ideal society.
+Traditionally, Kumbh Mela offers an opportunity for Debate, discourse and dialogue amongst the sages of different sects of Sanatana Dharma. The nectar that emanates from this intellectual churning enriches the adhyatmik social and cultural environment of society. Kumbh Mela is a unique amalgamation of three varied traditions – the '''Shastra tradition'''; the '''tradition of Sadhana''' or meditation; and the '''household tradition'''. It is the beauty of Indian society that each of them maintained the decorum and grace of the other two. At Kumbh one can also witness that how different systems of governance - political, Dharmic and social - do not control, but strengthen each other. This mutual management becomes the foundation of an ideal society.
-Sanatana tradition is a tradition of spirituality. Despite of all physical comfort and prosperity, Man has always been plagued by an existential quest – the eternal question of the self. Who am I? What is the truth? As these questions plague the psyche, one rushes to the Kumbh Mela to seek answers.
+Sanatana tradition is a tradition of adhyatmikity. Despite of all physical comfort and prosperity, Man has always been plagued by an existential quest – the eternal question of the self. Who am I? What is the truth? As these questions plague the psyche, one rushes to the Kumbh Mela to seek answers.
 In Sanatana Dharma, search for truth is a noble quest and all are free to choose any path in that direction. Sanatana Dharma is not a controlling or restrictive faith but a liberating one. It bestows upon its believers the freedom of choice – be that of the Guru or scripture or deity. The seeker can undertake the study of the Shastras, meditate or become follower of seers and wise men. The ways are myriad; and the choice free. Kumbh Mela is a celebration of individual choice which allows the natural unfoldment of a human being.
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 Kumbh mela is a window to the heart of India. It is an epitome of hospitality that beckons all.
-Kumbh is world renowned for its magnificence and grandeur. Even more astounding is the beautiful diversity that it encompasses. From south to north, east to west, from Himalaya to Sahyadri, Ganga to Kaveri, streams of spirituality, wisdom and awareness merge in this Divine Kumbh Mela.
+Kumbh is world renowned for its magnificence and grandeur. Even more astounding is the beautiful diversity that it encompasses. From south to north, east to west, from Himalaya to Sahyadri, Ganga to Kaveri, streams of adhyatmikity, wisdom and awareness merge in this Divine Kumbh Mela.
 The entire country manifests itself in the Kumbh which can be termed a national herald. In many ways Kumbh denotes the essence of India. It flows through the very core of the Indian way of life – reaffirming and revitalizing it. It would not be an exaggeration to term it as the driving force behind Sanatana Dharma. Kumbh Mela is the highest expression through which a Nation celebrates its civilizational continuity.
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 The Kumbh is a golden opportunity to glimpse into the soul of India – to comprehend Sanatana Dharma. A journey into understanding Kumbh is a journey into unravelling the mystery that is India. A peep into the mystical Kumbh is an attempt to de-mystify India. To understand India, one has to understand the essence of Sanatana Dharma and Viewing Sanatana Dharma through the looking glass of the Kumbh can make it simpler. Understanding the Kumbh can pave the way to understanding India – '''for Kumbh is India itself'''.
-In India, knowledge has always been revered, but the quest to acquire knowledge has never been limited to physical prosperity. Here, quest for knowledge is deeper and multidimensional. It offers solutions to every aspect of life whether physical, social, cultural or spiritual. The Kumbh Mela is a great opportunity to enrich this age long knowledge tradition. Here scholars of different schools of thought and philosophies share their knowledge with the masses. The ordinary people get to understand numerous opinions on knowledge. They have the freedom to decide, choose and adopt any path that they wish. This phenomenon makes Sanatana Dharma truly democratic.
+In India, knowledge has always been revered, but the quest to acquire knowledge has never been limited to physical prosperity. Here, quest for knowledge is deeper and multidimensional. It offers solutions to every aspect of life whether physical, social, cultural or adhyatmik. The Kumbh Mela is a great opportunity to enrich this age long knowledge tradition. Here scholars of different schools of thought and philosophies share their knowledge with the masses. The ordinary people get to understand numerous opinions on knowledge. They have the freedom to decide, choose and adopt any path that they wish. This phenomenon makes Sanatana Dharma truly democratic.
 Kumbh Mela is a gigantic platform on which multicultural India’s diverse art forms and folk traditions are showcased to an enthralled audience. Artists from the length and breadth of the country, meet, mix and mingle. Thus art grows, spreads and thrives.
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 On an average the Kumbh Mela is held every three years across four different locations: Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. Hence, each location becomes the chosen location after a span of 12 years. Once the location is declared, a temporary township emerges there - almost out of thin air - ready to house the surging crowds that would descend there during the month long fair. The Kumbh township is a mobile citadel that moves from one location to another, taking within its folds, the devout whose numbers keep growing with every passing year.
-It can intrigue an external observer that without any central authority, publicity and formal invitation, how millions come together at Kumbh Mela on specific date and place. Even more magical is the fact, that they spend an entire month together, in peaceful coexistence, without conflict or discord and sharing their knowledge, experience and worldview with each other. After completion of the Kumbh they return to their native places blissfully, with adding treasure of knowledge, austerity and spirituality with them. This shows the sacred and historical significance of the Kumbh Mela; and also the unflinching devotion of the devotees to Sanatana Dharma.
+It can intrigue an external observer that without any central authority, publicity and formal invitation, how millions come together at Kumbh Mela on specific date and place. Even more magical is the fact, that they spend an entire month together, in peaceful coexistence, without conflict or discord and sharing their knowledge, experience and worldview with each other. After completion of the Kumbh they return to their native places blissfully, with adding treasure of knowledge, austerity and adhyatmikity with them. This shows the sacred and historical significance of the Kumbh Mela; and also the unflinching devotion of the devotees to Sanatana Dharma.
 As obvious by its sheer size, management of the Mela is a herculean task. The responsibility of boarding, lodging, feeding, transporting the millions who will visit the hallowed grounds is a miniature picture of management. At the Kumbh, this responsibility is shared by the administration and the society. At the designated location, every member of the society contributes – be it a child, an adult or the elderly. People from every walk of life, come forth to do their bit, in making the event a thumping success. Be it a villager or city-dweller, a labour, farmer or businessman, an employee or a student, everyone contributes according their capacity.
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 The Kumbh Mela is truly an amazing event the world gets to witness. It views life in its entirety. Not through the narrow lens of cold reason or irrational logic. It refuses to dissect life into airtight compartments. It sees life as a continuum and hence, its worldview is holistic, rather than fragmented. This worldview helps to enrich all aspects of life and motivates towards higher goals called Dharma, Arth, Kaam and Moksha.
-The Kumbh Mela is grand manifestation of Indian view, which perceives a human life in physical, intellectual and spiritual form and offers environment to nourish all forms of life.
+The Kumbh Mela is grand manifestation of Indian view, which perceives a human life in physical, intellectual and adhyatmik form and offers environment to nourish all forms of life.
 Kumbh Mela can be termed a mirror image of an ancient civilisation; where knowledge was revered; where conscience was the ultimate arbitrator; where life got an opportunity to grow and expand, unfettered and untarnished.

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 == Kumbh Mela - Introduction ==
-[[File:KumbhMela.jpeg|frame|Saadhus at Kumbh Mela]]
+[[File:KumbhMela.jpeg|frame|'''Saadhus at Kumbh Mela''' ]]
 Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest, grandest, most spectacular event{{Citation needed}} . Drawing 50 million people{{Citation needed}}  from all corners of this vast land. It is primarily a confluence of sages and ascetics. Without any formal invitations these saints converge at the Mela site under the flags of their respective [[Akharaas]] and sects. Traditionally, the Kumbh Mela has been the prerogative of Akharaas, that is, special sects to which sages and saints bear allegiance. Nearly all of the designated 13 Akharaas trace their origins to Adi Shankaracharya{{Citation needed}}. Each Akhara is distinct in its philosophy, practices of worship, choice of chief deity etc.  Inspite of this diversity, all Akharaas subscribe to a common mission – the upholding and propagation of Sanatana Dharma. Their coming together at the Kumbh Mela bears testimony to this common purpose. The Kumbh Mela beckons to them and they respond – emerging from their distant abodes in jungles, caves or mountains. The wanderers too, turn their steps towards the Kumbh Mela.
@@ Line 50: / Line 50: @@
 == Kumbh Mela - Spiritual Dimension ==
-[[File:KumbhMelaSadhu.jpeg|frame|599x599px|Saadhu at Prayaag]]
+[[File:KumbhMelaSadhu.jpeg|frame|599x599px|'''Saadhu at Prayaag''']]
 Kumbh mela is an unknown, mystical world, where spirituality reigns supreme. It is a collective quest for truth and for appreciating countless paths leading up to it. The Kumbh is a celebration of bliss. It is a wonderful opportunity to rise above the pain and suffering, a rare moment to embrace divinity; and participate in the festivity of human existence.
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 == Kumbh Mela and The Feminine ==
 The Kumbh mela also reflects that the feminine principle has been regarded with the deepest reverence in Hinduism. Infact, the place of pre eminence that the feminine holds here, is difficult to find in any other civilization. Devi or Goddess worship and Shakti or Energy worship is widespread in Hinduism. All pursuits, esoteric or worldly, have an element of the feminine enshrined in them. Be it the arts, music, mantras or meditation, Hinduism perceives the female force in everything, and bows before it in gratitude and supplication.This veneration of the Goddess percolates down to the daily life of the Hindus too.  Women are accorded a special place in society.
 == Kumbh Mela and its Logistics ==
 On an average the Kumbh Mela is held every three years across four different locations: Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. Hence, each location becomes the chosen location after a span of 12 years. Once the location is declared, a temporary township emerges there - almost out of thin air - ready to house the surging crowds that would descend there during the month long fair. The Kumbh township is a mobile citadel that moves from one location to another, taking within its folds, the devout whose numbers keep growing with every passing year.
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 As obvious by its sheer size, management of the Mela is a herculean task. The responsibility of boarding, lodging, feeding, transporting the millions who will visit the hallowed grounds is a miniature picture of management. At the Kumbh, this responsibility is shared by the administration and the society. At the designated location, every member of the society contributes – be it a child, an adult or the elderly. People from every walk of life, come forth to do their bit, in making the event a thumping success. Be it a villager or city-dweller, a labour, farmer or businessman, an employee or a student, everyone contributes according their capacity.
+[[File:Side-cross view Kumbh.jpeg|thumb|© Dharmawiki]]
 It is an amazing experience that during the kumbh, entire city turns host. Faces wear smiles and hospitality becomes a dharma. Invitations are despatched to friends and relatives, months before the event. In happy anticipation of the fair and the visitors it will bring along, everyone prepares to live up to the sanctity of the saying “Atithi Devo Bhava” – guests are akin to God. Hence, before the Kumbh Mela nothing can be left undone in the welcome of the guests.  This hospitality is not reserved for the known but for every pilgrim to Kumbh Mela. This effectively reasserts Indian society’s venerable tradition of respecting human ties, and the inexhaustible zeal to keep them alive.