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My Father’s Journey to the Once-in-144-Years Mahakumbh Mela

The Purna Mahakumbh Mela 2025 holds extraordinary significance as it is a rare occurrence that happens once every 144 years, aligning with unique planetary positions. This grand spiritual gathering is taking place at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, India. It is estimated that 400 million devotees will experience the Mahakumbh Mela this year between January 13 and Febrauary 26. Mahakumbh is celebrated to commemorate the moment when the gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the divine nectar, Amrit, which grants immortality. This event is considered a symbol of cosmic balance and divine grace in Hindu mythology.


Millions of devotees, saints, and spiritual leaders from around the globe are congregating to partake in holy rituals, including the sacred dip believed to purify the soul and bestow liberation. This year’s Mahakumbh stands as a historic celebration of faith, culture, and unity, marking a once-in-a-lifetime event for pilgrims.

My father seeking blessings from sadhu at Mahakumbh
My father seeking blessings from sadhu at Mahakumbh

It was a rare spiritual gathering and was a deeply enriching experience for my father. He began his sacred journey by boarding the Shramik Express from Valsad to Prayagraj, embarking on a pilgrimage to one of the holiest events in Hindu culture. Upon reaching Prayagraj, he witnessed the tradition where the sadhus and saints are given the honor of taking the first holy baths. Only after this, during the auspicious Brahmamuhurat around 5 a.m., were devotees allowed to enter the waters.


My father joined countless devotees in taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. This act is believed to purify the soul, wash away sins, and bring one closer to moksha. As part of the rituals, he worshipped the sacred rivers by offering diyas, incense sticks, and flowers, a gesture of devotion and gratitude. The serene morning atmosphere enhanced the spiritual energy of the moment.


Later in the day, he explored the nearby temples and historical sites that added depth to his pilgrimage. Among them were:


- Bade Hanuman Darshan: This temple is renowned for its unique reclining idol of Lord Hanuman, which holds immense significance among devotees seeking blessings for strength and protection.

Bade Hanuman
Bade Hanuman

- Akshay Vat: Known as the "immortal banyan tree," this ancient tree is revered in Hindu scriptures. It is said to be indestructible and a symbol of eternal life.

- Adi Shankar Vimanam Mandapam: A stunning temple dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya, the philosopher who revitalized Hinduism. The architecture of this mandapam is awe-inspiring and reflects the spiritual heritage of India.

 Adi Shankar Vimanam Mandapam:
Adi Shankar Vimanam Mandapam:

- Someshwar Mahadev: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahadev, where devotees seek blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

- Digital Museum: This modern attraction offers an immersive experience into the history, culture, and mythology surrounding Prayagraj and the Mahakumbh. It is an excellent way to connect with the past using technology.


For his meals, he relied on the bhandaras, free community kitchens where prasadam was generously served to all attendees, irrespective of their background. These meals were simple yet fulfilling, symbolizing the essence of selfless service and community spirit that defines the Mela.

Maha kumbh Bhandara
Maha kumbh Bhandara

One of the highlights of his journey was visiting the akhadas, the makeshift tents and camps where sadhus and ascetics reside during the event. These akhadas are not merely dwellings but spiritual hubs where meditation, prayers, and discourses are held. Among the holy men he encountered was Rudraksh Baba, a revered saint known for his deep devotion and wisdom. Seeking blessings from Rudraksh Baba was a profound moment for my father, filling him with a sense of peace and spiritual upliftment.

Rudraksh Baba
Rudraksh Baba

Transportation restrictions within the Mela grounds emphasized the importance of walking, with pilgrims covering distances of 5-6 kilometers on foot to move between various sacred sites and activities. The act of walking alongside thousands of other devotees added to the collective energy and sense of unity.


My father also observed a parade of aghoris and sadhus, a spectacular and deeply spiritual sight. These ascetics, dressed in ash and minimal attire, are known for their intense devotion to Lord Shiva and their renunciation of worldly ties. The parade was filled with the chant of 'Har Har Mahadev', a powerful invocation of Lord Shiva's name that resonated through the air, creating an atmosphere charged with divinity. The fervor and devotion displayed by the sadhus and the gathered crowd reinforced the spiritual significance of the Mela. The where bridges build from barrels for devotees to walk over the rivers.

The next Mahakumbh Mela will be happening in the year 2169. Through this journey of devotion, rituals, and communal spirit, my father experienced the Mahakumbh not just as a festival but as a transformative spiritual odyssey.

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Parmar Rajendra
Parmar Rajendra
Jan 20

Congratulations 🎉 👏

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