Literary Meaning of ‘Kumbh’
Kumbha is a Sanskrit word meaning a Pot (Vase) of specific design ,traditionally, it is made by a particular community called Kumbhars (Potters) also known as Prajapatis.In the context of Hinduism , Jainism and Bhudhism the kumbha symbolises the womb and represents fertility, life, sustenance and generative power of human beings. Often goddesses specially the Ganges are depicted holding this Kumbh full of Gold coins in her hand.While the word ‘Mela’ means ‘a Gathering’ or ‘a meet’, or simply a fair.
According to Hindu mythology, the first kumbha was created by Prajapati on the occasion of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, so he was first kumbhara “potter”. Another myth says that the first Kumbh (Pot) was created by god Vishwakarma on the occasion of the churning of the ocean for the first keeping safely the Amrit (Nector) Kumbhas (sometimes also mentioned as Kalashas) filled with water and decorated with fresh leaves motifs, ornaments are still an integral part of the most of the Hindu religious ceremonies and rituals.In Indian astrology the kumbha stands for the zodiac sign Aquarius.This particular festival is called Kumbh Mela because it is also celebrated when the planet Brihhaspati (Jupiter) enters the house of Kumbh (Aquarius).
Astrological and Geographical Significance
The planet Jupiter plays pivotal role in calculation of place and time for Kumbh Mela.Jupiter takes approximately 12 years (eleven years, ten months and fourteen days) to complete its revolution around the sun, so approximately once in twelve years the sun earth and Jupiter align the same way as they were aligned during the great churning of the ocean done by Gods and demons. This astronomical alignment in the universe makes the water of the four places where the nectar fell on earth vitally energized. When one takes a dip in the holy waters during this period of Kumbh, it is believed that energies through the water can effect a positive change in the mind, body and spirit of human beings, in other words cleanses the life free of the sins. In Hindu culture, the sun and the moon represents human rational mind and intellect, Jupiter known, as guru is the spiritual master. Philosophically when the human mind and intellect are aligned with the guru, the result is the realization of immortality.Places where the nectar fell on earth happen to be Prayag (Allahabad),Haridwar,Nashik (Trimbakeshwar) and Ujjain.
The months over which the festival is observed cycles at each site approximately once in every 12 years based on the Hindu calendar and during specific astrological positions of the Jupiter, Sunand Moon.
The position of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter in different zodiac signs determines the celebration of the Kumbh Mela to be held in any of these four places. Kumbh is celebrated after every 12 Years at each of these four places and after keeps rotating after every three years at remaining places.
The fight for Nector (Amrit) between Gods and Demons lasted for 12 Days of the realm of Gods, which equals to 12 Years of the earth.That’s why MahaKumbh is celebrated only after every 12 years.
Essential Planetary combinations for Kumbh at four locations
Place of Kumbh | Sun’s Position | Jupiter’s position | Hindi Month | Sacred River |
Haridwar | Aries | Aquarius | Phagun /Chittra | Ganga |
Prayag (Magh Mela) | Capricorn | Taurus | Magh | Ganga,Yamuna, Sarasvati |
Nasik | Cancer | Leo | Vaishak | Godavari |
Ujjain(Simhasth Kumbh) | Aeries | Scorpion | Shravan | Kshipra |
Mythology of Samudra Manthan (Churning of the ocean)
This mythological event of extracting the nectar from the ocean is called ‘Samudra Manthana’ beacause the word ‘Samundar’ literarily means the ocean and Manthan means ‘Churning’ and is one of the best-known episodes in the Hindu philosophy narrated in the Shrimad Bhagwad Mahapurana , Mahabharta and in the Vishnu Purana.It was done collectively by both the Gods and Demons to get Amrita (the nectar of immortality).After churning of the ocean finally when they got the Pot full of nector, a fight started between Gods and demons and few drops this nector spilled at Four places and only at these four places Kumbh Mela is celebrated.According to Hindu mythology Jupiter saved the pot from demons while Sun insured the safety of Pot and Moon insured that Nectar does not spill.Therefore “When ever these three celestial bodies align,Mahakumbh occurs.”
According to the ancient legand, Indra, the King of Gods (Devatas), while riding on an elephant, came across a sage named Durvasa who offered him a special garland. Indra accepted the garland, placing it on the trunk of the elephant. The elephant, irritated by the smell of the garland, threw it to the ground. This enraged the sage as the garland was a dwelling of Sri (fortune) and was to be treated as prasada. Durvasa Muni cursed Indra and all devas to bebereft of all strength, energy, and fortune.In battles that followed this incident, Devas were defeated and Asuras (demons) led by king Bali gained control of theuniverse. Devas sought help from god Vishnu who advised them to treat Asuras in a diplomatic manner. Devas formed analliance with Asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality and to share it among them. However, Lord Vishnutold Devas that he would arrange that they alone obtain the nectar The churning of the Ocean of Milk or the Milky Way was an elaborate process. Mount Mandarachala was used as the churning rod, and Vasuki, the king of serpents, became the churning rope The demons (Asuras) demanded to hold the head of the snake, while the demigods (devas), taking advice from Vishnu, agreed to hold its tail. As a result the demons were poisoned by fumes emitted by Vasuki. Despite this, the demigods and demons pulled back and forth on the snake’s body alternately, causing the mountain to rotate, which in turn churned the ocean.
However, once the mountain was placed on the ocean, it began to sink. Vishnu in his second incarnation, in the form of a turtle Kurma, came to their rescue and supported the mountain on his back.
During the “Samudra Manthan” by the gods and demons, one of the product emerged from the churning was a dangerous poison (Halahala).This terrified the gods and demons because the poison was so toxic that it might have destroyed all of creation. On the advice of Vishnu, the gods approached Shiva for help and protection.
Out of compassion for living beings, Shiva swallowed the poison in an act of self-sacrifice.However, his consort Parvati who was looking on, terrified at the thought of his impending death, prevented the poison from descending into his body.Thus the poison was stuck in Shiva’s throat with nowhere togo, and it was so potent that it changed the color of Shiva’s neck to blue. For this reason, he is also called Nilakanta (the blue-throated one; “Neela” = “blue”, “Kantha” = “throat”in Sanskrit).When the heat from the poison had become unbearable Shiva is supposed to have used his Trishul (Trident) to dig for water and it formed the Gosaikunda lake.
All kinds of herbs were cast into the ocean and14 Ratnas (gems or treasures) were produced from the ocean and were divided between Asuras and Gods. Though usually the Ratnas are enumerated as 14, the list in the scriptures ranges from 9 to 14 Ratnas. According to the quality of the treasures produced, they were accepted by Vishnu, the Devas, and the Asuras. There were three categories of Goddesses which emerged from the ocean;
- Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune and Wealth-accepted by Vishnu as His eternal consort.
- Apsaras, various divine nymphs like Rambha, Menaka (wife of indra), Punjikasthala, etc. given to the demigods.
- Varuni or Sura, goddess and creator of alcohol -taken – somewhat reluctantly (she appeared dishevelled and argumentative) – by the demons.
- Kamadhenu or Surabhi (sanskrit:kāmadhuk), the wish-granting divine cow – taken by Vishnu, and given to sages so the ghee obtained from her milk could be used in rituals (sacrifices).
- Airavata, and several other elephants, taken byIndra, leader of the devas.
- Uchhaishravas, the divine 7-headed horse -given to the demons.
- Likewise, three types of supernatural animals appeared;
- Kaustubha, the most valuable jewel in the world, worn by Vishnu
- Parijat, the divine flowering tree with blossoms that never fade or wilt – taken to Indraloka by the devas.
- A powerful bow – symbolic of the demon’s belligerence.
- Chandra, the moon which adorned Shiva’s head
- Dhanvantari, the doctor of the gods with Amrita the nectar of immortality. (At times, considered as two different Ratnas)
- Halahala, the poison swallowed by Shiva
- Shankha Vishnu’s conch
- Jyestha – the goddess of misfortune
- the umbrella taken by Varuna
- the earrings given to Aditi, by her son Indra
- Tulasi plant
- Nidra or sloth
Finallyemerged, Dhanvantari, the heavenly physician holding the pot containing Amrita, the heavenly nectar of immortality. To drink this nectar a fierce battle commenced between Devas and Asuras.