HARIDWAR MAHA KUMBH MELA 2010

Haridwar, the holy city lies at the foot of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. Legend goes that when lord Shiva sent Ganga to quench the thirst of the people, she extricated herself from the matted locks of Lord Shiva and descended to the plains at Haridwar. Haridwar is known for the Kumbh fairs that are held marking the 12 years solar cycle. Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world. Millions of devotees and visitors, take a dip in the holiest of Hindu rivers at this time, to attain salvation. Mythology has it that a few drops of the nectar churned from the oceans fell at four places (Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain & Nasik) where the Kumbh is held. It is said that you can attain salvation by praying to Lord Vishnu (Hari) or Lord Shiva and hence this sacred spot is known both as Haridwar and Hardwar.

The origin of the Kumbh is very old and dates back to the time when Amrita Kalasha (pot of nectar of immortality) was recovered from Samudramanthan (during the churning of the primordial sea), for which a tense war between Devtas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) ensued. To prevent the Amrita Kalasha being forcibly taken into possession by Asuras, who were more powerful than Devtas, its safety was entrusted to the Devtas Brahaspati, Surya, Chandra and Shani.

The four Devtas ran away with the Amrita Kalasha to hide it from the Asuras. Learning the conspiracy of Devtas, Asuras turned ferocious and chased the 4 Devtas running with Amrita Kalasha. The chase, lasted 12 days and nights during which the Devtas and Asuras went round the earth and during this chase, Devtas put Amrita Kalasha at Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. To commemorate this holy event of the Amrita Kalasha being put at 4 places, Kumbh is celebrated every 12 years. According to other Pauranic legends, actual fight took place between Devtas and Asuras resulting in the Amrita Kalash being knocked, out of which Amrita (Nectar) fell down at the above 4 places.

The Kumbh Mela is held at Haridwar in Phalgun and Chaitra (February/March/April). The Last Kumbh at Haridwar was in the year 1998.