Pilgrims seethe Ardh Kumbh for reasons

Allahabad, Dec 31: Over eight crore pilgrims are likely toconverge in the Ardh Kumbh Mela, starting on January 3, to seep in thehighly spiritual ambience and enjoy the colour, beauty and oftenbizarre sights of the Mela, which has a special attraction of its own.

The Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswathi rivers meet at Allahabad, whichis popularly identified as Prayag. It is this confluence of the holyrivers that has made Prayag one of the holiest spots in Hinduism.

The month long (Jan-Feb) Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh fairs at Allahabadare such great momentous events where one can realize the essence ofIndia's religious traditions. The events are held here after everytwelve years on the sandy bed of the river Ganga.

Stating the importance of Ardh Kumbh Mela, Acharya ShriMahamandleshvar Swami Avdheshanand Giri said ''Rig Veda says thatbathing at Sangam gives immortality to humans. The Brahma Purana,Vishnu Purana, Varaha Purana, Matsya Purana talks about the importanceof Prayaga or Sangam. Bathing during the Ardh Kumbh Mela at the Sangamwashes away the sins of generations. The Bathing Ritual at the Sangamis equal to 1,000 Ashwamedha Yajnas (horse sacrifices).'' Mr Giri addedLord Ram, Sita and Lakshman had visited Sangam during their 14 yearexile. Pandavas also visited the holy city.

Perhaps, there are very few places parallel to Allahabad which aredescribed with great reverence in ancient scriptures as Prayag -Prayagraj or Teertharaj, that is, 'the holiest pilgrimage centre'.

Then, with the added attractions of Kumbh&Ardh Kumbh events,hailed as the world's largest congregation of devotees, its glory hasdoubled, he added.

Legend traces the origin of this unique congregation from the timeimmemorial. The history of 'Kumbh' originates from the beginning of thecreation.

According to the Hindu Mythology, Gods and the Demons once churnedthe oceans in search of 'amrit' (nectar) for immortality. As soon asthe pitcher containing nectar was retrieved, a struggle started betweenthe two to wrest control of the same. During the battle, four drops offell at four different places -- Prayag (Allahabad), Hardwar, Nasik andUjjain making them hallowed and sacred.

Since then, when the planets come in a particular position, Kumbhfestival is celebrated at these four places. When Jupiter is in Taurusand Sun&moon are in Capricorn in the month of Magh (January) andwhen Jupiter is in Scorpio&Sun is in Capricorn Kumbh-Ardh Kumbhevents are held at Allahabad after every twelve years, whereas Maghfair (mini Kumbh) is held here annually on the banks of the Sangam.

The astrologers believe that such planetary position is the mostauspicious occasion for spiritual realisation which obviously doublesthe importance of the Sangam.

UNI