KUMBHA: The Festival of Immortality
Book overview
Kumbha-mela is an ageless festival, celebrating the nectar-churning pastime of the Lord Krsna. The word kumbha means ‘pitcher’ or ‘pot, referring to the pot that carried the immortal nectar (amrta) produced from the churning of the ocean of milk. Today by the influence of the planets, at certain times the amrta produced from the churning of the ocean of milk reappears at these rivers and the water becomes spiritually surcharged. To bathe in these rivers during these times gives the bather the benediction of liberation.
Srila Prabhupada missed no opportunity to attend this festival, even despite his ill health in 1977. After establishing the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Srila Prabhupada and his disciples from various countries participated in the 1971 ardha(every six years) Kumbha-mela and in the 1977 Maha (every twelve years) Kumbha-mela in Prayaga. Simply by attending these two melas, Prabhupada made a statement about how he regarded Kumbha-mela to be a valuable preaching opportunity.
I had the great fortune of participating in the Maha Kumbha of 1977 which was an unforgettable experience. I really wanted to share the glories of this mela with one and all. With the advent of the 2001 Maha Kumbha-mela approaching, I began to contemplate producing a book informing devotees of the history of the Kumbha-mela festival and, more importantly, to remember Srila Prabhupada’s involvement in the festival. When I informed the ISKCON India Kumbha-mela Committee of my intention, the members encouraged me to pursue the idea.
This edition is complete with descriptions of the four mela holy places and includes narrations of the glories of the holy rivers flowing at these places. Allahabad is also known as Prayag-raj or the ‘king of all rivers of confluence’. This is where there is the auspicious junction of three sacred rivers Gaṇga, Yamuna and Sarasvati. At Haridwar, Kumbha-mela is celebrated on the bank of river Gaṇga, at Ujjain on the bank of river Sipra, and at Nasika on the bank of river Godavari. Lord Sri Hari performed many divine pastimes at these places, making these places memorable.
I hope that this book will be a source of education and inspiration for both the general readers and the organizers of the Kumbha-mela alike and that it inspires you to participate in one of the world’s biggest gathering every six or twelve years.
This book is in the service of all the pilgrims and devotees.
-Lokanath Swami