Opinion | Maha Kumbh: A Confluence Of Belief, Tradition And Science
Maha Kumbh is a living testament to the wisdom and compassion of our sages, who integrated celestial, geographical, chemical, and spiritual sciences to create this tradition for human well-being and enlightenment
All roads lead to Prayagraj. This statement is literally true now. Be it social media, news channels, morning walker’s gatherings, people in offices, streets, everywhere, the excitement for the ongoing Maha Kumbh is palpable. Millions of devotees are reaching Prayagraj every day.
Maha Kumbh is one of the greatest spiritual celebrations of Sanatan Dharma and largest gathering of humanity on earth. With so much happening, it becomes essential to understand the true purpose of the kumbh mela and how we can make most of it. Is Maha Kumbh merely a religious festival, or is there a deeper spiritual and scientific perspective behind it? How can we benefit from the kumbh? What should be our inner bhaav (mental and emotional state) to receive the blessings this unparalleled spiritual possibility presents?
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Over the past few days, I’ve received numerous questions and engaged in discussions with spiritual aspirants and others on these aspects of Maha Kumbh. This article aims to delve into these facets and the profound spiritual science behind this mega event.
A CONFLUENCE OF SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES
Thousands of years ago, our sages unearthed the deep mysteries of celestial science. They realised that every particle in the universe is interconnected. Building on this foundation, they developed an understanding that every planet in the solar system is intricately connected to the others.
To simplify, think of a family with five members. Each person appears distinct, with their own body, mind, and life. Yet, if one family member’s health deteriorates, it affects everyone’s mental state. Similarly, when one member is joyful, their happiness resonates throughout the family. Their inner vibrations impact others.
In the same way, the planets in our solar system are interconnected. The state, condition, gravitational pull and vibrations of one planet deeply influence the other planets and all living beings residing on them.
THREE KEY PLANETS: SUN, MOON AND JUPITER
The kumbh takes this celestial understanding to a new level. Our sages deeply recognised the interconnected influence of all planets, but they also identified specific astronomical alignments that have the most profound impact on humanity, particularly in the spiritual domain.
To comprehend this, we must first understand the influence of three major planets on human life:
The Sun (Surya): The Sun is not just the foundation of life on Earth; spiritually, it is the provider of discipline, time-awareness, and inner strength. Those who align their routines with the Sun, especially rising before sunrise (Brahma-muhurta) for spiritual practices, experience greater harmony and serenity. Such individuals are less prone to mental depression or anxiety. The Sun naturally enhances their inner stability and vitality. The new science puts this across as ‘circadian rhythm’.
The Moon (Chandra): The Moon governs our emotions and inspirations. On full moon days, the gravitational pull of the Moon causes tides in Earth’s oceans and large water bodies. Similarly, since our bodies are 70 per cent water, the Moon profoundly affects our emotions and mental state. Many people experience amplified emotional sensitivity around full moon days, full moon time makes us more receptive to subtle experiences.
Jupiter (Brihaspati): Jupiter, known as the guru of planets, plays a key role in expanding our spiritual awareness. It helps us rise above worldly entanglements and guides us on the path of truth, as expressed in the Sanskrit phrase ‘Asato Ma Sadgamaya’ (Lead me from untruth to truth). Jupiter’s influence deepens and directs our spiritual journeys.
A UNIQUE TIME
Having understood the spiritually supportive influences of these three planets, the sages sought to discover if there was a specific time when their combined impact would be at its peak. Through deep exploration, they found that Jupiter completes one full orbit around the Sun every 12 years, and at that time, the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter align in a specific celestial configuration. This alignment offers a rare opportunity for spiritual elevation and the awakening of human consciousness. The effects of this astronomical state last for approximately 40 days, during which the kumbh mela is held.
WHY PRAYAGRAJ?
The sages didn’t just stop at identifying this celestial alignment. They also investigated the best location on Earth where the effects of this alignment could be maximised. They asked:
- Which place on Earth absorbs this celestial energy most deeply?
- Where can one achieve the greatest spiritual progress during these 40 days of alignment?
Their findings led them to Prayagraj, where three sacred rivers — Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati — converge. This confluence is the most potent reservoir of the celestial alignment’s spiritual energy, making it the ideal location for the Maha Kumbh Mela.
WHY TRIVENI SANGAM?
A natural question arises: Why is the ‘Triveni Sangam’ in Prayagraj so special? To answer this, we must understand a unique property of water. Modern science has proven that water molecules have the ability to absorb and retain energy vibrations, water also stores memory.
Our sages applied this principle to our rivers on a grand scale. Temples were established at their origins, and along the river paths came many pilgrimage points. The rivers themselves became repositories of spiritual energy through the practices of countless sages and saints on their ghats.
THREE RIVERS, THREE SPIRITUAL STREAMS
Each river carries its own distinct spiritual essence:
- Ganga symbolises purity and devotion, embodying the energy of Lord Shiva.
- Yamuna gives strength and nourishment; it carries the energy of Lord Krishna.
- Sarasvati (hidden underground) represents wisdom and discernment.
At the ‘Triveni Sangam’, the energies or qualities (guna) of these three rivers merge, creating an unparalleled confluence of divine vibrations.
IMPORTANCE OF 40 DAYS OF MAHA KUMBH
Many spiritual traditions in Sanatan Dharma emphasise the significance of continuous 40-day practices. This duration is key for reconditioning our physical cells, neural systems, and psychological patterns.
Modern science also confirms that it takes about 40 days to form new habits or bring about significant physiological and psychological changes. The sages understood this and embedded this practice in our traditions.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HOLY DIP
The act of taking a dip in the sacred Sangam during the Maha Kumbh is not just a symbolic ritual. Water, being the most receptive element, absorbs and transmits the spiritual energy of the environment.
So, during the Maha Kumbh, ‘Triveni Sangam’ becomes like a cosmic womb, and the combined water flowing here of the three sacred rivers gains the potential to cleanse, renew, and transform both the body and consciousness. Taking a dip here is like entering into the water filled womb and emerging from the waters as a fresh, new born life.
WHY IS THE 2025 MAHA KUMBH SPECIAL?
Celestial cycles repeat themselves, but certain moments in these cycles reach their zenith. The 2025 Maha Kumbh marks such a peak — a rare celestial alignment that happens once in 144 years. The spiritual energy available during this time is unparalleled.
A SPRITUAL OPPORTUNITY BEYOND COMPARE
The Maha Kumbh is not just a religious festival, but also a profound opportunity for spiritual growth and liberation. It is a living testament to the wisdom and compassion of our sages, who integrated celestial, geographical, chemical, and spiritual sciences to create this tradition for human well-being and enlightenment. This is one of the great gifts of Bharat to the world, a living manifestation of the age of cosmic wisdom.
Let us approach this Maha Kumbh with reverence, awareness and gratitude, making the most of this extraordinary event to elevate our consciousness and connect with the divine.
(The author is a visionary, spiritual master, humanitarian, leadership mentor, and public speaker. He works in the areas of creating awakened leaders, bringing consciousness to education and running regular spiritual talks and retreats. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views)
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