Mahakumbh Mela

Kumbh Mela was assumed to be started by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th Century. Many Hindus believe that the Kumbh Mela originated in times immemorial and is attested in the Hindu Puranas about Samudra Manthana (lit. churning of the ocean). Dhanvantri emerged carrying a pitcher of amrita, or the elixir of immortality. To make sure the Asuras don’t get it, Indra’s son, Jayant, ran off with the pot. The Sun, his son Shani, Brihaspati (the planet Jupiter), and the Moon went along to protect him and the pot. As Jayant ran, the amrita spilt at four spots: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik-Trimbakeshwar. He ran for 12 days, and as one day of the Devas is equal to one year of humans, Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these locations every 12 years. So everyone take bath at these places to gain immortality. This is not the only theory available, there are many other stories also. But this is widely believed by Hindu society. Chinese Traveller of the 7th Century Hieun Tsang also mentioned that the practice of bathing at rivers is present in his works. Shankaracharya who instituted the 13 Akharas and monastery system said that this Kumbh Mela will be an opportunity where the Akharas will held their meetings, gather and elect their chiefs, council and divide powers. An akhada, or akhara, is a traditional sect of sadhus (monks) that participate in the Kumbh Mela. The word "akhara" comes from the word "akhand", which means indivisible. This year’s meeting passed as a resolution to establish Sanathan Dharma Board. The latest Akharas that was established was “Kinnara Akhara” by Transgender Activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi. This Kumbh celebrated for every 4 years called as Kumbh Mela, It also celebrated for every 6 years called as Ardh Kumbh Mela, It is also celebrated for every 12 years called as Purn Kumbh Mela, For every 144 years called as Maha Kumbh Mela. It is celebrated at these 4 places at different points of time based on the stars and location in astrology.