Wishesh Magazine June 2016

“Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv” is one of
the four “Kumbh Melas” celebrated by
largest spiritual gathering. Simhasth
Kumbh Mahaparv is rejoiced by holy dip
in the sacred river Kshipra in ancient and
religious city Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh).
that during ‘Samundra
Manthan’ , a pot of nectar
was found. The most
popular legend regarding
the origin of Kumbh Melas
is the Samudra Manthan
or ‘churning of the ocean’.
Gods and demons competed
fiercely in the churning in
search of the divine nectar
of immortality. During this
epic battle to capture the
Urn (Kumbh) containing
the nectar, drops of the
precious liquid fell on four
places – Haridwar, Prayag
(Allahabad), Nashik and
Ujjain. Hence , river Kshipra
became the enhancer of life
and to celebrate this event
since then the grand festival
came in vogue.
Thousands of holy men
and women attend this
festival. Sadhus are seen
clad in saffron robes with
Vibhuti ashes smeared
on their skin as per the
requirements of ancient
traditions. Some, called naga
sanyasis, may not wear
any cloth even in severe
winter. It is considered a
sign of separation from the
materialistic world.
During Simhasth, various
events will be organised
by Akharas, Sadhu Santa
( Bhagwat Katha, Ram
Katha, Bhajan, Havan,
Sunderkand, Pujan, Yoga
), Culture events, exhibition
and Sports. List of events
will be published in due
course of time. Traditionally,
the Dutta Akhara Zone is
occupied by Shaiv Panthis
and Managalnath Zone
is occupied by Vaishnav
Panthis.
The 2016 Ujjain Simhastha
is scheduled between 22
April and 21 May. Elaborate
arrangements are being
made for comfort and
safety of visitors. It includes
creation of 51 police
chowkies during Simhasth
Kumbh Mahaparv 2016.
JUNE 2016 | WWW.WISHESH.COM