Has the Kumbh Mela of this year truly occurred after a span of 144 years?

By Deepak Parvatiyar

Has this year’s Kumbh truly occurred after a span of 144 years? If one were to rely on government press releases and advertisements, the answer would be affirmative. However, it is possible that this Maha Kumbh is not the event being promoted as occurring after 144 years, which has led to millions of devotees converging on Prayagraj. Tragically, many pilgrims have recently lost their lives in a stampede at the site.

Historically, the Maha Kumbh of 2001 was also reported by newspapers at that time as an event that would not take place again for another 144 years. Senior journalist Deepak Kumar Sen, who hails from Prayagraj and had extensively covered the 2001 Kumbh, has also cited this in his recently published book The Divine Kumbh (Niyogi Prakashan) and has written: “Based on the movement of planets the ‘Purna’ (complete) Kumbh Mela is organised on the banks of a river once every twelve years, at four places – Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik in India. The ‘Ardh’ (half) Kumbh Mela is held every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad (Prayagraj).

Maha Kumbh is held after 12 ‘Purna Kumbh’ Melas, which is once every 144 years at the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythological Saraswati. The Maha Kumbh Mela was organised at Prayag after 144 years in 2001.

Read the Hindi version of this report: क्या वास्तव में इस वर्ष का कुम्भ 144 वर्षों के पश्चात आया है?

Kumbh, dubbed as the world’s biggest fair, is held at these places based on the specific zodiacal position of the Sun, the Moon, and the planet Jupiter. The venue for the next Kumbh Mela is chosen at the holiest time occurring at the exact moment when these zodiacal conditions are fulfilled.”

Interestingly, an inquiry on the Artificial Intelligence App Chat GPT suggests that the answer lies in 2013. This raises the question of who will determine which Kumbh—whether it be in 2001, 2013, or the current one—can be classified as occurring after 144 years and will do so again in the future.

This matter appears to be quite complex, and Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swamishri Avimukeshwarananda Saraswati, the head of the Uttaramnaya Jyotishpeetha, addressed this issue in Prayagraj today, emphasizing the necessity for a universal standardization of Hindu festivals and dates.

Additionally, he has today proclaimed a Dharmadesh (Religious decree), which has been endorsed by the Paramdharmsansad 1008, to establish a ‘Hindu Vrat Parv Nirnay Samiti’. This committee is tasked with promoting uniformity in the observance of Hindu festivals and their corresponding dates.

The committee will engage with subject matter experts from across the nation, facilitate discussions with all stakeholders, gather diverse opinions, and subsequently communicate the scriptural resolutions to the Hindu populace. This initiative will be sustained through the ‘Dharma Tribunal’.

Shankaracharyas are esteemed as the defenders of Sanatan Dharma. Swamishri Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati stated, “Hindu society is diverse, consisting of various sects that sometimes differ in their date calculations. This can lead to different interpretations of the Panchang (calendar), which may result in multiple dates being assigned to the same festival as indicated in the calendar. In circumstances where ordinary Hindus experience confusion stemming from a lack of understanding of their own sect’s teachings and the validity of the calculation methods employed within it, it becomes essential to provide them with guidance.”

Swamishri emphasizes the significance of Time, viewing it as a manifestation of the Divine. He categorizes time into two forms: Nitya and Janya. Nitya represents God Himself, while Janya refers to the temporal aspects that facilitate various activities, such as the year and month, as outlined in Śrauta-smārt. Janya is further subdivided into six categories: vatsar, ayan, ritu, maas, paksha, and divas.

“Certain intervals are recognized as particularly advantageous. This is the reason our forebears and wise individuals have sought out these specific times, often referred to as ‘Muhurat,’ to undertake auspicious activities. In the context of Daiva and Pitrakarma, the selection of an appropriate time is deemed essential for conducting rituals. Our Panchang serves as a valuable resource in this matter,” he stated.

In a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent stampede during the Kumbh, the Paramdharma Sansad 1008 recited the Shanti Mantra three times today.

Also read: Several killed at Maha Kumbh; devotees resume holy dip

The necessity for consistent festival dates has become apparent, given their direct association with the faith of countless Hindus. Implementing this uniformity would also contribute to preventing a recurrence of the tragic incidents that occurred at the Kumbh this time and in the past.