The Left ecosystem has demonstrated its competence in crafting false narratives, particularly against Hindu Dharma and its culture. In one of the videos, Mr. Niranjan Takale, a journalist from Maharashtra, promotes Akbar’s glory and claims that the Kumbha Mela was founded by him. Twisting historical facts, ignorance of scientific truths, or “logical fallacy” and “ad hominem” arguments are only a few of the features of the left ecosystem.
If any person or group achieves something good for humanity, we should all be grateful, regardless of religion, caste, creed, or sect. However, scoring a point solely to gratify a specific group for selfish purposes is against humanity.
With the advancement of science and technology, fake narratives about Hindu festivals, fake historians, and their fake theories such as the Aryan invasion theory, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and so on are being addressed with scientific, archaeological, historical references, satellite imaging, cosmological studies, and ancient books. Left historians must understand that their ability to create fake narratives will no longer be accepted simply by society; every fake narrative has a retort with references.
Here, I will provide you with information on Kumbh Mela to dispel the myth that Kumbh Mela was started by Akbar. The majority of Hindu festivals have profound scientific and spiritual meanings that everyone should grasp. I’ve also discussed the scientific components of the Kumbh Mela.
Ancient Origins and Early References : Kumbh Mela through the ages
Rigveda and Pali Canons: Early Mentions
The Rigveda Pariśiṣṭa, a supplement to the Rigveda, first mentions Prayag, a key location for the Kumbh Mela. This ancient Vedic literature, like the Pali Canons of Buddhism, emphasizes the importance of bathing in the sacred confluence at Prayag. These references underline the festival’s long-standing history of pilgrimage and ritual bathing, emphasizing its historical roots.
Mahabharata and Puranic References
The Mahabharata, one of India’s great epics, emphasizes the Maha Kumbh Mela’s importance in Indian culture. It portrays the Prayag bathing pilgrimage as a kind of atonement and purification, a tradition that was firmly ingrained in ancient India’s spiritual culture. These allusions in the Mahabharata and other Puranic writings offer insight into the early religious and cultural rituals that shaped the Kumbh Mela.
Puranas describe Kumbh in detail
Similar descriptions are found in the Skanda Purana and the Padma Purana. The Padma Purana states, “पृथिव्यां कुम्भयोगस्य चतुर्धा भेद उच्चते। चतु:स्थले नितनात् सुधा कुम्भस्थ भूतले।। चन्द्र प्रस्रवणा रक्षां सूर्यों विस्फोटनात् दधौ। दैत्येभ्यश्च गुरु रक्षां सौरिदेवेंद्रजात् भयात्।।”This means that there are four types of Kumbha Yoga on earth. Nectar (Suddha) flows in four places at all times. Here, protection flows through the sun and moon.
Regarding Kumbh, it is said in the Skanda Purana, “माघे मासे गंगे स्नानं यः कुरुते नरः। युगकोटिसहस्राणि तिष्ठंति पितृदेवताः।।”That is, the ancestors of a person who takes a bath in Ganga in the month of Magh reside in heaven. Whereas, in the Padma Purana it is said, “त्रिषु स्थलेषु यः स्नायात् प्रयागे च पुष्करे। कुरुक्षेत्रे च धर्मात्मा स याति परमं पदम्।।”This means, the righteous person who takes a bath in Prayag, Pushkar and Kurukshetra goes to the supreme abode.
It is said in the Garuda Purana, “अग्निष्टोमसहस्राणि वाजपेयशतानि च। कुंभस्नानस्य कलां नार्हंते षोडशीमपि।।” (Even thousands of Agnistomas and hundreds of Vajpeyi sacrifices are not equal to one-sixteenth of a Kumbha bath.) According to the Brahma-vaivarta Purana, “प्रयागे माघमासे तु स्नात्वा पार्थिवमर्दनः। सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्येत पितृभिः सह मोदते।।” That is, by taking a bath in Prayag in the month of Magh, one is freed from all sins and his ancestors are pleased.
According to the Agni Purana, “कुंभे कुंभोद्भवः स्नात्वा प्रायच्छति हि मानवान्। ततः परं न पापानि तिष्ठन्ति शुभकर्मणाम्।।” That is, taking a bath in Aquarius frees one from sins and leads one to good deeds. According to the Vishnu Purana, “अयं कुंभः परं पुण्यं स्नानं येन कृतं शुभम्। सर्वपापक्षयं याति गच्छते विष्णुसन्निधिम्।।”That is, bathing in Kumbh is extremely pious and one goes to Vishnu world.
Meanwhile the Srimad Bhagavat Purana says, “तत्रापि यः स्नानकृत् पुण्यकाले। गंगा जलं तीर्थमथाधिवासम्।। पुण्यं लभेत् कृतकृत्यः स गत्वा। वैकुण्ठलोकं परमं समेति।।” That is, a person who takes a bath in Ganga in holy times attains merit and goes to Vaikuntha Dham. In the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata it is said, “त्रिपुरं दहते यज्ञः स्नानं तीर्थे तु दहते। सर्वपापं च तीर्थे स्नात्वा सर्वं भवति शुद्धये।।”
This implies that Yagya purifies the three worlds, but by bathing in the Tirtha, all sins are destroyed and the person becomes completely pure. It is said in the Kurma Purana that all sins are destroyed by taking a bath in Kumbh. In order to destroy the sins in Kumbh and make the bath fruitful, one should also take a pledge not to commit sins.
Xuanzang’s (7th Century) Observations
The 7th-century report of Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Xuanzang is one of the earliest historical chronicles of the Kumbh Mela. His descriptions of the Hindu city of Prayag, with its numerous temples and religious practices, such as bathing at the river confluence, provide important insights into the festival’s early history. His observations suggest a thriving spiritual center that drew pilgrims and religious practitioners from all over. Finally, these ancient scriptures and historical chronicles provide a vivid picture of the Maha Kumbh Mela’s profound significance in Indian religious and cultural history. They lay the groundwork for understanding how this enormous celebration has grown over the years, preserving its spiritual essence while adapting to changing times.
Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas and Muslim Historians’ Accounts
The 16th century was a watershed moment in the history of the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Hindu epic “Ramcharitmanas” by Tulsidas describes an annual Mela in Prayag, emphasizing its significance in Hindu culture. Similarly, the “Ain-i-Akbari,” a Muslim historian’s account from the same century, described Prayag as the “king of shrines” for Hindus, especially during the Magha month. These multiple narratives demonstrate the festival’s widespread recognition and devotion throughout India’s various cultures.
Here are some scientific elements of the Mahakumbh Mela:
Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest religious and cultural gathering founded on scientific principles. According to astronomy, Ardha Kumbh, Purna Kumbh, and Maha Kumbh are held when the planets and stars are in a specific position. Although the first written knowledge on the Kumbh may be found in Chinese traveler Huen Tsang’s journey tales, it is considered the beginning of the universe in religious teachings.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a festival that incorporates science, astrology, and spirituality. The dates of the Maha Kumbha are calculated using scientific techniques, the majority of which utilize planetary placements. When the planet Brihaspati (Jupiter) enters the astrological sign Vrishabha (Taurus), it corresponds with Surya (Sun) and Chandra (Moon) entering Makara (Capricorn). These changes affect the water and air, resulting in a completely positive atmosphere in the holy city of Prayagraj. Simply being there at that sacred site and taking a holy dip in the Ganges can spiritually enlighten a soul, reducing physical and mental stress.
Astrology: The celebration takes place when the sun, moon, and Jupiter are in certain positions. River confluences: The event takes place at river confluences where unique forces are thought to act at specific periods in the solar cycle. Water: The event is thought to benefit the body (72% water) by connecting with the energy churning of the waterways. The Maha Kumbh Mela is a massive gathering of people from all across India who come to wash in the sacred Ganges River. The event is filled with information and features numerous rituals and cultural activities.
Conclusion
The Maha Kumbh Mela’s journey through the ages demonstrates its eternal spiritual and cultural significance. The Maha Kumbh Mela has been an important event in India’s spiritual life since its first mention in sacred books, through its evolution during the medieval and colonial ages, and its adaptation to modern difficulties. Its impact on art, literature, and society, combined with modern innovations and logistical prowess, exemplify the festival’s dynamic nature. The Maha Kumbh Mela, which represents harmony, peace, and devotion, remains a beacon of faith and tradition, reflecting the rich tapestry of Indian spirituality and culture.
(Source : Mahakumbh.in and Sudheer Gahlot )
–Pankaj Jagannath Jayswal
