Kumbh Mela is a historic Hindu religious festival and pilgrimage that is regarded as the world’s largest peaceful gathering. It takes place once every twelve years at four different locations in India—Haridwar, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Nashik, and Ujjain—brings millions of visitors from all over the world who come to bathe in the holy waters.
Since ancient times, the Kumbh Mela has had a rich history. Hindu mythology says that the Mela represents the triumph of the gods over the demons in a major conflict for the Amrit, or the sacred potion of eternal life. Four spots where drips of Amrit fell during the battle became the four sites for the Kumbh Mela. People from all walks of life come together to bathe in the sacred rivers, take part in religious activities, and seek spiritual enlightenment as the event has developed over centuries into a spiritual pilgrimage.
My Unforgettable Spiritual Journey
First of all, I am one of the 65 crore people who had the opportunity to witness this extraordinary event. I consider myself truly fortunate to have had the chance to experience this divine Kumbh with my family.
My Kumbh journey began with my family. We first boarded a train and arrived in Prayagraj. The moment I set foot on the sacred land of Prayagraj, I felt an overwhelming sense of purity. From the station, we started walking towards the fair. As soon as we stepped out of the station, we found a government bus a short distance away, which took us about 5 kilometers ahead. From there, we continued our journey on foot. The entire road was filled with devotees, and we walked along with them, feeling immense joy. The sights all around were truly inspiring, filling us with devotion and reverence.
At the Holy Sangam: Where Faith Meets Eternity
Slowly, we made our way towards the Sangam, crossing two pontoon bridges. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we were filled with immense joy. As we got closer to the Sangam, the crowd kept increasing, like a rising tide. The sight of countless devotees chanting and moving forward, the continuous echoes of bhajans all around – it was a truly mesmerizing experience.
Finally, we reached the Sangam Dwar and arrived at the sacred Triveni Sangam. The moment we took a dip in the holy waters, it felt as if all our sorrows and pain had vanished. The sense of peace and happiness we experienced was beyond words. We immersed ourselves in the sacred river and also performed a small puja. With this, our holy bath at the Triveni Sangam was complete, leaving us with an indescribable sense of spiritual fulfillment.
Journey to Bade Hanuman Ji and Akshay Vat: Exploring the Timeless Legends
After leaving the Sangam, we went to have darshan of Bade Hanuman Ji, which is located nearby. It is believed that after taking a dip in the Sangam, one should visit Bade Hanuman Ji for blessings, so we did just that.
As we reached the temple, we saw a long line of devotees waiting for their turn to pray. The atmosphere was filled with the sound of bhajans, and the fragrance of burning incense made the place feel even more spiritual. Unlike other Hanuman temples, the idol here is in a lying down position, which makes it very special.When we finally stood in front of Bade Hanuman Ji, we felt a deep sense of peace and devotion. It is believed that praying here removes obstacles and brings strength. With folded hands, we bowed before him, seeking his blessings before moving ahead on our journey.
From there, we proceeded towards Akshay Vat, which means “ The Eternal Banyan Tree” which is a very old and sacred tree inside the Prayagraj Fort. It is believed that Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana visited this sacred tree during their exile and many other mythological stories are associated with it. I captured the breathtaking view in our cameras, preserving that incredible sight forever.
Leaving Prayagraj: A Heartfelt Farewell to a Spiritual Journey
As we left Prayagraj, I couldn’t help but feel that a part of me was staying behind. The experience of the Kumbh Mela had been so special, it felt like a journey of the heart and soul. The spiritual energy and the devotion of millions of people were beyond anything I had ever felt before. It was as if everything around us—the rituals, the chants, and the people—were all connected in a deeper way.
What made the Kumbh Mela so beautiful wasn’t just the large crowds or the rituals. It was the small moments: a friendly smile from a fellow devotee, a quiet moment by the river, and the peaceful feeling we had when we took a holy dip in the Sangam. These moments made the whole experience unforgettable.
As we walked away from the Sangam, it felt like leaving something sacred behind. The sights, sounds, and warmth of the people stayed in my heart. I realized that the Kumbh Mela wasn’t just about rituals; it was about the faith, the unity, and the connection we shared with others.
When our train started moving, I thought about how this journey had changed me. There was a calmness in my heart, a gratitude for witnessing something so meaningful. It wasn’t just a religious journey; it was a reminder of the power of belief and community.
Although we were leaving Prayagraj, I knew the spirit of the place would always stay with me. The lessons of faith, humility, and togetherness would guide me for a long time. I felt that no matter where I went, the peaceful energy of Prayagraj would always be a part of me.
