There is a fascinating legend about Maha Kumbh Mela. It is held at Prayagraj of Uttar Pradesh.
One legend is like this
There was a severe fight between the deities and the demons. They were churning the ocean. As a result, they found Amrit Kumbh-A pot or pitcher of nectar. The Devatas- deities claimed their right to have the Amrit Kumbh because they were superior. But, the demons-Asuras said it was their hard work because of which churning of the cosmic ocean was possible. Hence, it was their first right for the Kumbh. Both sides began to quarrel, and it resulted in a fight. Meanwhile, the son of Indra, Jayant, took the Amrit Kumbh and ran away. The demons (Asura) ran after Jayant. Subsequently, there was a severe war between the deities and the demons. When Jayant was running away along with the Kumbh, some drops of the Amrit- Nectar fell on the land of Prayagraj, Ujjain, Nasik and Haridwar, making them sacred and spiritually significant.
From that time, they organize the Maha Kumbh Mela at three places in India. This mega festival occurs every twelve years.
There is one more story
The Devtas (deities) and Asura (demons) were fighting for the pitcher of nectar. To refrain them from drinking the nectar, they made some tricky plans. Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini, an enchantingly beautiful woman, to hide the Amrit Kumbh from the Asuras.
She distracted the demons with her beauty. She attracted all the demons towards her and did whatever she said. They forgot about the nectar in the pot. Thus, she served the nectar to the deities, and the deities became immortal.
But there was a demon in the group of Devtas, disguised as a deity. He tried to drink the nectar. Chandra and Surya Devta revealed his presence. Hence, Lord Vishnu pushed him away. Thus, a few drops of Amrit fell at the four places where the Kumbh Mela was being held. And the ritual continues today.
This mythological tale explains the Kumbh Mela.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is indeed a mega festival. Thus, it attracts millions of devotees and sadhus (sages) from across India and the world. It’s a celebration of spiritual renewal, self-reflection, and communal harmony.
UNESCO has recognized Kumbh Mela as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest human gathering in the world.
Millions of people gather to take a holy dip in the rivers. Sadhus and saints come to share their knowledge and blessings. People pray, meditate, and seek spiritual growth.
It’s a time for spiritual renewal and self-reflection. People come to wash away their sins and start anew. It’s a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Lauren Powell Jobs, a successful businesswoman and philanthropist, attended the Maha Kumbh Mela in India. She was drawn to the festival’s spiritual significance and cultural richness. Lauren, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, immersed herself in the festivities, taking a holy dip in the Ganges River and interacting with sadhus and pilgrims.
Her visit showcased the global appeal of India’s spiritual heritage and the Maha Kumbh Mela’s power to unite people from diverse backgrounds.
She conveys regard for Sanatan Dharma, which is a universal religion. Sanatan dharma is open to humanity and invites all, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Thus, it bridges cultural and spiritual worlds.
Steve Jobs’ spiritual journey began with a trip to India in the 1970s, where he sought enlightenment. He embraced Zen Buddhism, finding inspiration in its emphasis on simplicity, mindfulness, and intuition, which deeply influenced his design philosophy and leadership style.
It was Steve Jobs’s wish to attend the Kumbh Mela once in a lifetime. Hence, his widow wife, Powell is fulfilling his last wish.
The festival is a major economic boost for the host city.
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