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View Full Version : Get ready for KUMBHA MELA– The Moksha Mela (January 14, 2010 to April 28, 2010)



brahman
13 October 2009, 12:53 AM
Haridwar Ardha Kumbh Mela- 2010


Kumbha Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world.


The origin of the Kumbh is very old and dates back to the time when 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.




http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W9JrU0KeF3Q/StQRLFianAI/AAAAAAAAABo/QDhp9bfkYl0/s720/KUMBH%20MELA.jpg

To commemorate this holy event of the Amrita Kalasha 12 years.According to other Pauranic legends, actual fight in the Amrita Kalash being knocked, out of which Amrita being put at 4 places, Kumbh is celebrated every took place between Devtas and Asuras resulting (Nectar) fell down at the above 4 places.


The festival is religiously most important for the Hindus. At every Kumbh occassion, millions of Hindus take part in the celebrations. During 2004 Kumbh at Haridwar, more than 10 millions devoteed gathered at the site. Saints, priests, and yogis from all corners of India, gathered to participate in Kumbh. Haridwar is considered very holy, due to the fact that Ganga enter plains from mountains here itself.
The festival is visited by the most amazing saints from all across India. The Naga Sadhus are one such, who never wear any cloth and are smeared in ash. They have long matted hairs and are not at all affected by the extremes of heat and cold. Then there are the Urdhwavahurs, who believe in putting the body through severe austerities. There are the Parivajakas, who have taken a vow of silence and go about tinkling little bells to get people out of their way. The Shirshasins stand all 24 hours and meditate for hours standing on their heads. Spending the entire month of Kumbh on the banks of Ganga, meditating, performing rituals and bathing thrice a day, are the Kalpvasis.


http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W9JrU0KeF3Q/StQUCVTCzRI/AAAAAAAAAB8/2zI2pPLi3rw/s720/Homa.jpg


It is believed that bathing during Kumbh cures the bather of all sins and evils and grants the bather, salvation. It is also believed that at the time of Kumbh Yog, the water of Ganga is charged with positive healing effects and that water at the time of Kumbh is charged positively by enhanced electromagnetic radiations of the Sun, Moon and the Jupiter, the flux of which also varies in accordance to positions and the phases of the moon, and also by the + and - signs of the sun spots.



http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W9JrU0KeF3Q/StQRLei9GjI/AAAAAAAAABs/NeTYKZrldNM/KUMBH%20MELA%20001.jpg
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Here are the dates for the 2010 Kumbh Mela

14 January 2010 (thursday) - Makar Sankranti Snan - First Snan (bath)
15 January 2010 (friday) - Mauni Amavasya and Surya Grahan ( Sola Eclipse) - Second Snan
20 January 2010 (Wed) - Basant Panchmi Snan - Third snan
30 January 2010 (saturday) - Magh Purnima Snan - Fourth Snan
12 February 2010 (friday) - Maha Shivratri - Pratham Shahi Snan - First Royal Bath
15 March 2010 (monday)- Somvati Amavasya - Dvitya Shahi snan - Second Royal Bath.
24 March 2010 (Wednesday)- Ram Navmi - Fifth Snan
30 March 2010 (Tuesday) - Chaitra purnima snan
14 April 2010 (wednesday) - Baisakhi - Pramukh Shahi Sanan.
28 April 2010 (wednesday) - Shakh Purnima – snan


The main bathing dates are 14th January, 12 February, 13th February, 15th March and 14th April



http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W9JrU0KeF3Q/StQUCrfnLLI/AAAAAAAAACE/EaCf8sT8dOU/s720/Tents.jpg

See you in one of the tents :)






Also please share your knowledge, pictures and videos of this Holy Event.
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mukunda20
13 October 2009, 03:14 AM
Namaste Brahman,
Thanks a lot for opening this thread. You have given a lot of information about the Kumbh Mela. I also found this official link for more information which I thought would be helpful for devotees who are planning to visit the Mela
http://www.kumbh2010haridwar.gov.in/
also this link has good information
http://www.kumbhamela.net/
I havent been to the Ganga in this life, but am planning to do so if Ganga wishes to give me darshan during the Kumbh Mela.
hope to see you there by GODS Grace.
mukunda

brahman
15 October 2009, 04:07 AM
I appreciate for the support, mukunda,

Sanatana Dharma Worshippers must be aware of these kind of events.


According to my Guru Nathan:
"Son, Ganga boils during (Kumbh)Mela, not of sun, but of Praana "





Ganga Stotra( Shri. sha.nkarAchArya)

श्री गङ्गास्तोत्र

गंगास्तोत्र

देवि सुरेश्वरि भगवति गंगे त्रिभुवनतारिणि तरल तरंगे .
शंकर मौलिविहारिणि विमले मम मति रास्तां तव पद कमले .. १..

भागिरथि सुखदायिनि मातः तव जलमहिमा निगमे ख्यातः .
नाहं जाने तव महिमानं पाहि कृपामयि मामज्नानम् .. २..

हरि पद पाद्य तरंगिणि गंगे हिमविधुमुक्ताधवलतरंगे .
दूरीकुरु मम दुष्कृति भारं कुरु कृपया भव सागर पारम् .. ३..

तव जलममलं येन निपीतं परमपदं खलु तेन गृहीतम् .
मातर्गंगे त्वयि यो भक्तः किल तं द्रष्टुं न यमः शक्तः .. ४..

पतितोद्धारिणि जाह्नवि गंगे खण्डित गिरिवरमण्डित भंगे .
भीष्म जननि हे मुनिवरकन्ये पतितनिवारिणि त्रिभुवन धन्ये .. ५..

कल्पलतामिव फलदाम् लोके प्रणमति यस्त्वां न पतति शोके .
पारावारविहारिणि गंगे विमुखयुवति कृततरलापांगे .. ६..

तव चेन्मातः स्रोतः स्नातः पुनरपि जठरे सोपि न जातः .
नरकनिवारिणि जाह्नवि गंगे कलुषविनाशिनि महिमोत्तुंगे .. ७..

पुनरसदंगे पुण्यतरंगे जय जय जाह्नवि करुणापांगे .
इन्द्रमुकुटमणिराजितचरणे सुखदे शुभदे भृत्यशरण्ये .. ८..

रोगं शोकं तापं पापं हर मे भगवति कुमति कलापम् .
त्रिभुवनसारे वसुधाहारे त्वमसि गतिर्मम खलु संसारे .. ९..

अलकानंदे परमानंदे कुरु करुणामयि कातरवन्द्ये .
तव तट निकटे यस्य निवासः खलु वैकुण्ठे तस्य निवासः .. १०..

वरमिह मीरे कमठो मीनः किं वा तीरे शरटः क्षीणः .
अथवा श्वपचो मलिनो दीनः तव न हि दूरे नृपतिकुलीनः .. ११..

भो भुवनेश्वरि पुण्ये धन्ये देवि द्रवमयि मुनिवरकन्ये .
गंगास्तवमिमममलं नित्यं पठति नरो यः स जयति सत्यम् .. १२..

येषां हृदये गंगा भक्तिः तेषां भवति सदा सुखमुक्तिः .
मधुराकन्ता पञ्झटिकाभिः परमानन्दकलित ललिताभिः .. १३..

गंगास्तोत्रमिदं भवसारं वांछितफलदम् विमलं सारम् .
शंकरसेवक शंकर रचितं पठति सुखीः तव इति च समाप्तम् .. १४..

.. इति श्रीमच्छंकराचार्यविरचितं गंगास्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् .





Please find the translation of the stotra here
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brahman
04 January 2010, 04:17 AM
14th this month

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S0G-BALX0KI/AAAAAAAAAFg/q9ZWyHb8a_4/kumbha.jpg




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Ganeshprasad
14 January 2010, 03:31 PM
Pranam

Kumbh Mela today was the first snan, those lucky ones are there.
i want to attend one day, maa Ganga willing, been to Haridwar many times but not for Kumbh Mela, i do not know what to expect. the head is asking many question but the heart is saying take a plunge just go with the flow.
any one gone or planning to go?

Jai Shree Krishna

Jivattatva
14 January 2010, 04:02 PM
Pranam all

Interesting pictures.

I'll be in India for 3 weeks, leaving next week. Though I won't be in those 4 places mentioned I'll take a dip in the gangas of Bhagatrati in Navadwip, Yanuma in Vrindaban and Radha/Syhama kundas in Radha kunda.

I wonder if the train situation will be bad in Uttar Pradesh and W. Bengal? Hope not.

brahman
15 January 2010, 03:15 AM
http://beta.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00023/INDIA_HINDU_FESTIVAL_23253f.jpg


Thousands of Hindu pilgrims braved a winter chill Thursday to take a dip in the holy Ganges River in the northern town of Haridwar, beginning one of the world’s largest religious congregations.
The three-month Maha Kumbh Mela, or gathering, is held once every 12 years and rotates between four Indian pilgrimage spots located along rivers. The 2001 Maha Kumbh Mela in the northern city of Allahabad drew 60 million people over 45 days.
At sunrise, devotees, who had started queuing along the streets of Haridwar leading to the river, also known as the Ganga, began taking their ritual holy baths.
The first bathing day marked the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti, which is celebrated across India as the end of winter and the beginning of the harvesting season.
The devotees came to Haridwar from across the country and neighbouring Nepal. They ranged from villagers and to shopkeepers to business leaders, professionals and holy men.
There were not many sadhus, or holy men, taking the bath on the first day, but they were expected to come in large groups after January 26(The Hindu 14jan2010)



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brahman
02 February 2010, 12:35 AM
Pranam

Kumbh Mela today was the first snan, those lucky ones are there.
i want to attend one day, maa Ganga willing, been to Haridwar many times but not for Kumbh Mela, i do not know what to expect. the head is asking many question but the heart is saying take a plunge just go with the flow.
any one gone or planning to go?

Jai Shree Krishna

Dear Ganeshprasad,

Your replies are seen as a process of learning through experience and I thoroughly enjoy it.

So far, I have not set off on a pilgrimage to the Northern part of India. And the Himalayas have always been adorable to me.
I am sure you’ll be able to familiarize me(everyone) properly with a beautiful thread(himalaya) in 'temples'. love



.

brahman
02 February 2010, 02:04 AM
2010 Haridwar

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S2UQloJlNGI/AAAAAAAAALk/5mDr15RMsaQ/s640/4291251760_219a888726_o.jpg


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S2UQmKx0M0I/AAAAAAAAALw/H54qmhAtxnY/s640/4295138917_817894cd28_o.jpg


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S2UTmPogH2I/AAAAAAAAAMw/xPAlEJh7AoM/s640/4295886934_0ed1953bbb_o.jpg


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S2USusy2DKI/AAAAAAAAAMc/Whyn0Hu96cA/s640/4295885188_b1d6cf8ba6_o.jpg


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S2USusC_sfI/AAAAAAAAAMY/U598fMqKa_A/s640/4295883340_ddedff94bc_o.jpg

brahman
02 February 2010, 02:07 AM
2010 Haridwar

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S2UR8Ox7b3I/AAAAAAAAAMI/hv9yi75Xxe4/s640/4295882208_9f6f7665bf_o.jpg


http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S2USuQslRwI/AAAAAAAAAMU/uBntTMRsXDI/s640/4295882970_1e57ee4064_o.jpg


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S2UR7496lMI/AAAAAAAAAMA/AoDPdoF0THY/s640/4295144105_aa45a50053_o.jpg


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brahman
02 February 2010, 02:12 AM
2010 Haridwar

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S2UR78uXbVI/AAAAAAAAAL8/eQ_UGmgpWg8/s640/4295142031_7d4c570971_o.jpg


http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S2UQlw-PWcI/AAAAAAAAALs/s56kWYDIGoU/s640/4295138469_d76dee192d_o.jpg


http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S2UTmnycTcI/AAAAAAAAANA/jvyaVu7oQxo/s640/4295946084_2b6ebc9047_o.jpg


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S2UTmXm83ZI/AAAAAAAAAM0/QlsldCH-Hd4/s640/4295887192_1a55799fda_o.jpg


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S2USuzSNd_I/AAAAAAAAAMg/Wvu56NR2iys/s640/4295886442_2d699cc029_o.jpg



pictures found on the net

mukunda20
02 February 2010, 03:35 AM
Namaste Brahman,
these pictures are really refreshing to tired eyes. Thanks a lot for posting them here.
Best Regards,
mukunda

Eastern Mind
02 February 2010, 08:05 AM
Brahman: Thank you for the pictures. I am going to Haridwar next year so this helps visualise and focus on the destination, bringing it more into 'pilgrimage' area of mind. Thank you. It looks not too crowdwd which is what I prefer. Just me and the Ganga for a few minutes, not hordes of people.

Aum Namasivaya

Ganeshprasad
02 February 2010, 12:33 PM
Pranam Brahman
Thanks for the nice pictures


Dear Ganeshprasad,

Your replies are seen as a process of learning through experience and I thoroughly enjoy it.

So far, I have not set off on a pilgrimage to the Northern part of India. And the Himalayas have always been adorable to me.
I am sure you’ll be able to familiarize me(everyone) properly with a beautiful thread(himalaya) in 'temples'. love

.

There is a lot to gain from travelling and meeting with different people and cultures. I must say I have been very lucky in this department especially so because my travels were mostly been for yatra in mind.

As you wish it your dreams will certainly come true.

I try my best to recollect my experience of travel to Himalayas and perhaps one day make a post with pictures unfortunately I don’t have EM ji’s prolific skill in writing, and describe the yatra as beautiful as he did.

Before that I need to go to Haridwar for Kumbh if possible.

Jai Maa Ganga Jai Shree Krishna

Ravinanda
07 February 2010, 02:28 AM
Thanks a lot for this post and I pray to the Lord he can take me at a Khumb suddenly !Aum Namah Sivaya!

brahman
21 February 2010, 03:00 AM
Sadhus: 2010 Haridwar KumbhMela(January 14, 2010 to April 28, 2010)


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-o2bsLf7TfE/S4DQusqLd7I/AAAAAAAAAV4/c7bE_4IWPUY/s512/00055.JPG



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brahman
21 February 2010, 03:02 AM
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brahman
21 February 2010, 03:04 AM
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brahman
21 February 2010, 03:06 AM
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brahman
21 February 2010, 03:08 AM
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brahman
21 February 2010, 03:10 AM
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brahman
21 February 2010, 03:12 AM
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brahman
21 February 2010, 03:15 AM
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brahman
21 February 2010, 03:17 AM
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brahman
21 February 2010, 03:18 AM
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brahman
21 February 2010, 03:20 AM
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brahman
21 February 2010, 03:22 AM
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60 new pictures this time, just for you go to 1/60 now (http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=4641&page=4) link for logged users, guests can visit from post #16 onwards



and blessings.......


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Jivattatva
21 February 2010, 03:56 PM
http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad172/Jivattatva/DSC00060.jpg


Parikram participants against the hazy backdrop of Radha Gokul Mandir in Kesi Ghata at the Yamuna River in Vrindaban, Mathura , in the foggy morning of Khumba Mela, Jan 2010

(Picture not too bad, considering it was taken by a combination camcorder- still camera , Sony 60x optical zoom. Maybe reducing the size when posting would have produced a sharper result. Anyway, it would still say a thousand words.)

Jivattatva
21 February 2010, 04:10 PM
The view from my lens, 1 km from my side, across the Yamuna river. Pilgrims just arriving. Pics are in succession as they appeared in the horizon, (although steadied by a tripod the scenes started to be blurry because of the distance from the camera and I think when magnified when posted in the forum. I wanted to reduce the size but do not know how. If someone knows how I can reduce them while stored in photobucket, please let me know so I can improved the quality of the pics.)


http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad172/Jivattatva/DSC00071.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad172/Jivattatva/DSC00070.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad172/Jivattatva/DSC00069.jpg

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http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad172/Jivattatva/DSC00067.jpg

Jivattatva
21 February 2010, 04:27 PM
Offering prayers, Taking the dip

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad172/Jivattatva/DSC00059.jpg


Pilgrims

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad172/Jivattatva/DSC00052.jpg


Yes, they do have tent even in a mini Khumba Mela such as the one in Vrindaban. This scene is very far from where I was and the morning fog did not help. But I really love this picture, very subtle.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad172/Jivattatva/DSC00041.jpg

Jivattatva
21 February 2010, 04:37 PM
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu! On the Parikram Marga Road.


http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad172/Jivattatva/DSC00033-1.jpg


Pilgrims arriving on boats, at Kesi Ghata. (Notice the foundations for the controversial ( at least to the residents) bridge project that will turn this side of the dham into a very busy traffic junction).


http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad172/Jivattatva/DSC00079.jpg


The historic (protected by the government National trust) Madan-Mohan temple. It's 3 minute-walk away from the ashram where I stayed.


http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad172/Jivattatva/DSC00026.jpg

ranjeetmore
02 March 2010, 03:51 PM
most of them are in it for the perks - prestige,free food and chillum.


A sadhu killed his guru for his 'gaddi' and then told the reporter that itwas fine since everything is just Maya.

How festive :)

Ganeshprasad
06 March 2010, 09:44 AM
Pranam

It is great pity, a sweeping generalization is used as a pretax to malign an age old tradition going on Kumbhmela, a dip in the holy Ganga would be enough to please a yatri. what to speak of a chance to make some true satsang.

Jai Shree Krishna

Ganeshprasad
13 April 2010, 04:39 AM
Pranam all from this holi place of Haridwar

Looking forward to tomorow, dont know what to expect but if today is any guide it will one big trial, going with the flow push around from one barrier to another, rikshawala making hay but they work hard.
What to speak of the weather from 10 degrees of London to 45 degree centigrate.
sleeping at night is the difficult bit.
i been to Haridwar many times the spritual vibration one can fill but Kumbh is entirely different, inspite of all the difficulties some how i feel uplifted.
everyone here or atleast most come here for a dip, nothing else matters to them, sleeping on the floor compared to them i am in luxary.
there is a great feeling here a lot of good will free food and water for those who need it.

Kirtan and Katha Pandals everywhere

Jai Shree Krishna

kd gupta
13 April 2010, 05:25 AM
Pranam all from this holi place of Haridwar

Looking forward to tomorow, dont know what to expect but if today is any guide it will one big trial, going with the flow push around from one barrier to another, rikshawala making hay but they work hard.
What to speak of the weather from 10 degrees of London to 45 degree centigrate.
sleeping at night is the difficult bit.
i been to Haridwar many times the spritual vibration one can fill but Kumbh is entirely different, inspite of all the difficulties some how i feel uplifted.
everyone here or atleast most come here for a dip, nothing else matters to them, sleeping on the floor compared to them i am in luxary.
there is a great feeling here a lot of good will free food and water for those who need it.

Kirtan and Katha Pandals everywhere

Jai Shree Krishna

Congrats Gprasadji
take and enjoy the Shahi snan on 14th , but pl be careful and take care .

satay
13 April 2010, 09:42 AM
namaskar,


Pranam all from this holi place of Haridwar
Kirtan and Katha Pandals everywhere

Jai Shree Krishna

Wow!
Take a dip for all of us HDF members who couldn't be there!

Ganeshprasad
16 April 2010, 10:49 AM
Pranam Satay Guptaji and all

wow is not how i would describe it, may be when i get back i try and recollect my experience, Thanks for the concern Guptaji, it was tough going and the Pranukh Shahi snan was a bonus more about it later
at the moment i have retreated to Rihikesh hoping to get some respite no such luck, everyone has descended here, it is very hot here but the dip in the Holi Ganga is well worth it.

yes Satay i did have a dip for all at HDF puri and i am bringing some Jal to London so if you are ever in London you are welcome to it.

Jai Shree Krishna

Eastern Mind
16 April 2010, 01:07 PM
Namaste Ganeshprasad:

Wow! Admirable indeed. Crowds and heat. Both make me dizzy and ill. I'll do it vicariously through you as well, please.

Aum Namasivaya

Shanti
16 April 2010, 08:24 PM
Pranam Satay Guptaji and all

wow is not how i would describe it, may be when i get back i try and recollect my experience, Thanks for the concern Guptaji, it was tough going and the Pranukh Shahi snan was a bonus more about it later
at the moment i have retreated to Rihikesh hoping to get some respite no such luck, everyone has descended here, it is very hot here but the dip in the Holi Ganga is well worth it.

yes Satay i did have a dip for all at HDF puri and i am bringing some Jal to London so if you are ever in London you are welcome to it.

Jai Shree Krishna

How wonderful! I know that feeling of the sights, the sounds, and most of all the feeling whirling through your head. I was blessed in that I was able to attend the 2001 Maha Kumbh Mela.

May you continue to have a safe and memorable journey,
S

Ganeshprasad
04 May 2010, 12:26 PM
Pranam Friends

By the grace off Maa Ganga, i had a wonderful time in her lap but then there were another 16 millions or so there, to seek her lap on the 14th of April, some how she has room for all that seek her, such intense desire, such faith, to bath in her holy waters, why? i can not tell, only thing that matters to all was to have a dip.I can say i did it, this desire manifested in 1976 Kumbh, and has come true after such a long time and that without planning, i was lucky to have done it on the main day of the Kumbh.

it was kind of sad to take her leave and be back home.

Jai Shree Krishna

Eastern Mind
04 May 2010, 12:46 PM
Vannakkam Ganeshprasad:

Wow! There is something amazing that is beyond words, no? Now you have fulfilled a great duty for this life. I'm sure the vibration of that day will stick with yopu for quite some time.

Aum Namasivaya

Ganeshprasad
04 May 2010, 03:18 PM
Pranam Eastern mind

Too right words can not do justice, one has to be there to feel the vibration, I am glad I have fulfilled my desire to attend the Kumbh, that vibration will stay with me for ever I hope.

I think we are on the same wavelengths when it comes to pilgrimage, now what is next? Kailash Mansarovar here I come, Jai Bholenath.

Jai Shree Krishna

Eastern Mind
04 May 2010, 03:43 PM
Vannakkam: Yes, we are. Regarding this kind of pilgrimage, onehas to experience it to believe it.

For myself and spouse, it is the sacred arupadaveedu pilgrimage, and Haridwar on the way home. At one time we had Varanasi, and Muktinath in Nepal in there as well, but after better consideration regarding possible illness, and altitude, we cut back. There will always be other lifetimes.

So you are safe back in UK now?

Nothing to do with spirituality, but did you get ill?

Aum namasivaya

Ganeshprasad
04 May 2010, 04:38 PM
Pranam EM
Yes I am back in UK safe and sound if not bit tired though.

Thankfully I did not fall ill, that is because I try to avoid eating outside even if it looks appetizing those vendors on the streets I specially avoid. And then only drink mineral water. I think I should invest in one of that aqua travel bottle, this lady had on her I think it is a must, it would save me a lot of hassle.

Although I did not fall ill I did suffer dehydration like never before on the 14th, the combination of the extreme heat walking about 20 kilometre or more, even though I had a lot of liquids, a meal after my dip, even a sachet of re-hydrate I thought I had taken care of my self pretty much, I had no idea what was to hit me once I reached my room, I shudder to think what might have happened to me during the day time, maa Ganga was kind to me. In the safety of my room I began to cramp up, it was a good thing I knew about cramps having played many sport, but the worst thing that had ever affected me was my calf muscles but this was different every movement of my legs or hands would result in a severe cramp, this lasted for about three hours, funny enough this was the only night on my trip I slept well. Yes the heat was too much for me to drop off easy every night.

It’s a pity you not going to Varnasi this time around hopefully you will have a chance in couple years time to see Vishvanath in Kashi and not wait for another life time.

Jai Shree Krishna

Eastern Mind
04 May 2010, 04:59 PM
Vannakkam:

I'm glad you're okay. I can't imagine walking that far in that heat. This is partly why we are going in January. It is snowing here where I live today. Because of what we are used to, anything above 30 is tough for me. Last April in TN my daughter and I had a hard time at 37. Good thing the car had AC.

My wife went with Guru back in 1982, and was sick almost the whole way, so she is quite afraid. Some days I'm not sure how I convinced her for this time. Besides water, we will go to a 'dry food' store and stock up on things like biscuits and cashew nuts. Decent hotel restaurants I trust as well. Same with uncut fruit especially bananas. Not cut fruit though. I believe the Indian tummy has a special God in it that has made the locals immune to all kinds of gastrointestinal nasties. On the road we will do fresh coconut too.

If all goes well this time, I'm sure we'll go back, health and Lakshmi permitting. Varanasi will most likely be on the agenda, although I would really like to pick just one spot like Tiruvannamalai and stay there the entire 3 weeks.

My side effects of dehydration are wooziness and loss of balance followed by headache. It is never good.

Some people wouldn't realise the arduous nature of your trip, but that is partly what makes it so special.

For us here in Canada, the flight there is arduous, because it takes about 25 or more hours, and if you can't sleep on planes (like me) then its hard. I wished I lived in Britain for that reason.

Aum Namasivaya

atanu
05 May 2010, 02:11 AM
Yaa. I also took a few dips, including one for HDF. Being stationed in New Delhi, the travel to Haridwar and the task was not ardous for me.

The calm meditations that follow are to be experienced to be believed. I obtain similar benefit from every visit to Shri Ramanasrama as well. But as Shri Ramana used to teach that the battery called the Mind needs re-charging often.

Om Namah Shivaya

devotee
05 May 2010, 04:31 AM
Welcome back after your pilgrimage, GP ! It is nice to hear that you and Atanu took a dip for all of us who were not so fortunate to be there. I can feel the cool breeze flowing on the river side while you tool a dip. :)

OM

Ganeshprasad
05 May 2010, 05:54 AM
Pranam all

Thanks Devotee ji, it is nice to be back although sad to leave that cool breeze and the shelter of Maa Ganga.

Yes Atanu ji and my self may feel fortunate among -st millions that made that trip, i am reassured, seeing so many people with faith come to have a dip,the Dharma the Hindu dharam can never be destroyed so long as Maa Ganga shower her blessings and the faithful will keep coming, it is in our genes, how else forgoing all the comforts millions sleeping on the floor, every inch of ashram space get utilized, you have to be there to appreciate it, my little effort is insignificant when you compare the hardship millions go through, for what? a cool dip in Ganga

i asked a guru what should one take from Kumbh, he said instead of taking lets have this mentality as to what we can give. how nice

Jai Shree Krishna

smaranam
05 May 2010, 07:25 AM
Ganeshprasadji,

I have been following this, and reading all your description of the trip, was actually a visit to Ganga Maiya for me, really. Thanks for the tour. It was indeed saubhAgya.

Thanks to you and Atanuji for taking a dip for us. Many praNAms to both of you.

(Do the purANas say that in Kali Yug people will also travel and meet virtually ?)

Ganeshprasad
05 May 2010, 11:55 AM
Pranam smaranamji

if i was of any help i would consider that as my saubhAgya.

as to meeting virtually, i don't know if there is any stories in Puranas=history, all i know is that history has a habit of repeating it self, so don't be surprised if there is a reference.

Jai Shree Krishna

satay
05 May 2010, 03:47 PM
Namaskar!

Welcome back Ganesh! By reading this thread, I feel like I was there in person. I can just imagine... :)

Eastern Mind
05 May 2010, 04:04 PM
Vannakkam Ganeshprasad again..

So I have booked Hotel Apana (Shall I say will book). Is this place close enough to the ghats etc. to go for a dip. Are any ghats better or considered more auspicious that others? How long do you stay in? Do the better hotels have heat in January? It's total immersion like the sea at Rameswaram, no?
Can we buy a simple aarti on site. Is there a particular temple (Saiva) that you would recommend. If so, should I switch hotels?

Maybe I should be putting this on Indiamike, but I'd rather discuss it with a fellow Hindu than some tourist. You can PM me eith hints for travelling. We are hiring car from Delhi, just for the one day.

Aum Namasivaya

Ganeshprasad
05 May 2010, 04:55 PM
Pranam Satay thanks for the welcome
Pranam EM

the hotel you mention is not known to me or its location.

Hotel Gyan is right on the Ghat, the main Ghat which is 'Har Ki pouri' brahma kund, it is here the nectar was spilled from the kumbh thus everyone come to bath here

here there is an Arti every evening, yes you can buy small Arti, light a Diva and then offer it to Maa Ganga and place it in her waters to float, you can buy this from 5 Rs to 50 rupees depending on size.

you will find the dip in her waters very soothing, you may find it cold at first but once you are in it you do not want to come out, it is not like the sea at Rameswaram because Ganga maa is swift here you have to hold on to chain to have your dip, but then locals boys have no fear you will find them scavenging for money people might have thrown in.

the best known Shiva temple is Neelkanth Mahadev but it is not in Haridwar but a few kilometer away. there is also mansa Devi temple which you can reach by cable car, this is near the main Ghat.

Rishikesh is only about 21km away.

near the time if you need to know anything else please do not hesitate to speak to me.

Jai Shree Krishna

satay
05 May 2010, 05:01 PM
So True. It is truly like sitting in mother's lap. You don't want to get out.


you will find the dip in her waters very soothing, you may find it cold at first but once you are in it you do not want to come out,
Jai Shree Krishna

atanu
06 May 2010, 01:02 AM
So True. It is truly like sitting in mother's lap. You don't want to get out.

Namaste All

That is true but to me there is more to it. While under water I sense acutely how it would feel at the moment of death when life breath forcibly escapes -- and I fear. This experience may not be same for many others who have learned to swim (in water of Ganga and in water of life-death). For the accomplished swimmers, mother's lap will never be lost.

Om Namah Shivaya

satay
06 May 2010, 08:26 AM
namaste!
Like you, I am not a swimmer, I just hold on to the chains. :)

Hey Atanu, I really regret that I couldn't connect with you in delhi last year. That would have been awesome...next time.


For the accomplished swimmers, mother's lap will never be lost.

Om Namah Shivaya

atanu
06 May 2010, 11:58 PM
namaste!
Like you, I am not a swimmer, I just hold on to the chains. :)

Hey Atanu, I really regret that I couldn't connect with you in delhi last year. That would have been awesome...next time.

Namaste Satay

You are always welcome. Additionally, anyone of HDF on pilgrimage to areas in Northern India can make use of my place.

But an old friend who speaks when in India, did not speak this time, though he was possibly very near. He must be pouting. And now I am pouting and sulking. My dear GP Ji?

Om Namah Shivaya

Ganeshprasad
07 May 2010, 12:19 PM
Pranam Atanu ji


Namaste Satay

But an old friend who speaks when in India, did not speak this time, though he was possibly very near. He must be pouting. And now I am pouting and sulking. My dear GP Ji?

Om Namah Shivaya

now why would i be pouting? there really is no reason at all, yes i was near by but then i was not stopping in Delhi.

i thought several times to phone you,and its the thought that count, unfortunately this time i did not have access to local chip on me and the std in Rishikesh, one time i went there, was not working and that is the honest true.

hope to speak to you soon, so stop sulking.
out of interest on what date did you have your dip?

Jai Shree Krishna

brahman
21 July 2010, 04:33 AM
All dear ones who have participated, you have prayed and submerged yourselves in the sacred waters. It is wonderful to have experienced the profound faith of Kumbha Mela through you. And so, I bow down, touch your feet and seek blessings.

You have made due preparation for crowds of men like me, waiting for an experience.

Let this spiritual effect fasten the spirit of oneness in us, make India blessed and let this largest religious pilgrimage lead the entire world in devout faith and shanti , till the auspicious moment reach us after 4 years. lots of love

Jai Hind

yajvan
30 July 2010, 01:58 PM
hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

namasté

kumbha is rooted (√) in kumbh meaning covering ; kumbha is a water-pot , small water-jar i.e. some call an urn.
'mela' is really 'mil' - come together , assemble , concur ; we could say milāpaka - one one who obtains the gathering ( mil-āpaka).

So this kumbha mil is that gathering that occurs during kumbha. Kumbha being the rāśi (sign) of Aquarius.
Since this Aquarius is the natural 11th house , it is a house of gain. It's kāraka¹is guru ( Jupiter). Since this 11th house is the house of gains it too is a upacaya¹ - that is it grows over time.


Now if we look at a more subtler view of this kumbha mil there is another consideration that is not readily apparent at first glance. Kumbha we know as an urn, but this is also a yogic practice of filling or emptying one's self of air. It brings calmness and tones the overall system. And this mil is a beautiful word not often heard, but the Supreme on occasion is called mil-mil. What can that mean? It suggests joined and assembled totally, fully, without any seems.

So, on attending the kumbha mil one comes and joins others, yet in affect also comes to be filled fully with the Supreme.

praṇām

words

kāraka - making , doing , acting , who or what does or produces or creates
upachaya - increase , growth , prosperity
Note the 'i' in saṃskṛt (इ) sounds like fill or lily. The long ī (ई) sounds like a double e (ee) like in feel or police;
Hence mil and mel are close in sounding. Yet 'e' in saṃskṛt sounds like the 'e' in prey. So mela becomes may-la.

brahman
09 October 2010, 03:44 AM
hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

namasté

kumbha is rooted (√) in kumbh meaning covering ; kumbha is a water-pot , small water-jar i.e. some call an urn.
'mela' is really 'mil' - come together , assemble , concur ; we could say milāpaka - one one who obtains the gathering ( mil-āpaka).

So this kumbha mil is that gathering that occurs during kumbha. Kumbha being the rāśi (sign) of Aquarius.
Since this Aquarius is the natural 11th house , it is a house of gain. It's kāraka¹is guru ( Jupiter). Since this 11th house is the house of gains it too is a upacaya¹ - that is it grows over time.


Now if we look at a more subtler view of this kumbha mil there is another consideration that is not readily apparent at first glance. Kumbha we know as an urn, but this is also a yogic practice of filling or emptying one's self of air. It brings calmness and tones the overall system. And this mil is a beautiful word not often heard, but the Supreme on occasion is called mil-mil. What can that mean? It suggests joined and assembled totally, fully, without any seems.

So, on attending the kumbha mil one comes and joins others, yet in affect also comes to be filled fully with the Supreme.

praṇām

words

kāraka - making , doing , acting , who or what does or produces or creates
upachaya - increase , growth , prosperity
Note the 'i' in saṃskṛt (इ) sounds like fill or lily. The long ī (ई) sounds like a double e (ee) like in feel or police;
Hence mil and mel are close in sounding. Yet 'e' in saṃskṛt sounds like the 'e' in prey. So mela becomes may-la.






Dear Yajvan,

That was really beautiful.

kumbh-kumbha- kumbhaka

Great. Love :)