
Kumbh fair is very ancient and finds mention in Rigveda 10th mandala as well as Shukla Yajurveda. Kumbh comes from the root “ku” which means earth as well as Kundalini. Kumbh is a spiritual confluence and it is believed that in this Kumbh fair, all Hindu deities and Sages assemble to take holy bath. Hindu believe that in Kumbh dwell all Vedas, all devas and all rivers and oceans-
“Kalashasya Mukhe Vissnnuh Kanntthe Rudrah Samaashritah | Muule Tvasya Sthito Brahmaa Madhye Maatrgannaah Smrtaah”.
Kumbh originated during the churning of cosmic ocean by Devas and Danvas. It contained Nectar which would give immortality. A great war ensued between both and in it few droplets of nectar fell on earth. According to Vedas it fell at four holy places in India -Hridwar, Prayaga, Ujjain and Nasik. Atharvaveda 3-37 says “chaturah kumbhashchaturdha dadami”. A Maha Kumbha fair is organized in 12 years because the war lasted for 12 days of devas which is 12 years of humans. Kumbh is also 12 in number, 4 kumbh happens on earth and 8 in deva loka.
When it happens –
Prayaga -When Jupiter remains in Taurus and Sun transits in Capricorn, then Maha Kumbh is organized in Prayagraj. It falls during makar sankranti. In this Maha Kumbha first major bath called Shahi bath takes place in brahma muhurt on 14th Jan.
Haridwar -When the Sun transits in Aries and Jupiter is situated in Aquarius, the Maha Kumbh Mela is organized in Haridwar.
Nashik – When Sun and Jupiter are conjoined in Leo, Maha Kumbh Mela is organized in Nashik.
Ujjain – In Ujjain, Simhastha kumbh is organized when Jupiter is in Leo and Sun is in Aries.