#298: Kumbha & India | Cultural story
Learn a story of Indian cultural heritage for UPSC!
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2025: Poorna Kumbh aka Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj
Once in 12 years, what's Kumbh? Why does it happen in 4 cities by turn?🤔
ONLY post you need to read to learn all👇🏻
1. Mythological Origins
Source: Sanskrit, Kumbh = Pitcher
Story: Dhanvantri emerged with amrita from samudra manthan (gods & demons churning the ocean)
To ensure demons don't get it, Jayant (Indra's son) ran off with the pot
Along with him were Sun, his son Shani, Brihaspati (Jupiter) & Moon
In this run, Jayant spilled amrita at 4 places:
Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain & Prayagraj
This run continued for 12 days & thus Kumbh is celebrated at these locations every 12 years
(1 god day = 1 human year)
The decision of city is decided based on relative positions of Sun, Moon, and Jupiter.
Interestingly, all 4 places are on banks of rivers:
• Ujjain: Kshipra
• Haridwar: Ganga
• Nashik: Godavari
• Prayagraj: Sangam (Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati)
Why is Kumbh Snan pious?
Snan in certain alignment of heavenly bodies washes away sins; in these rivers!
2. How is place decided?
Position of Jupiter is the key here, as per Kumbh website.
Haridwar
• Jupiter: in Aquarius or Kumbh rashi
• Moon: in Sagittarius
• Sun: in Aries
Prayag
• Jupiter: in Taurus
• Moon: in Capricorn
• Sun: in Makar (thus Makar Sakranti)
Nashik
• Jupiter & Sun: in Leo/Sinha
• Moon: in Cancer
Ujjain
• Jupiter: in Leo/Sinha
• Sun & Moon: both in Aries
3. How did it all start?
The story of Kumbh is said to be mentioned in Skanda Purana
However, this has been a subject to debate as summarized below!
4. How is it relevant for UPSC?
Take a rational outlook here using PESTLE approach
I am adding some pointers below
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