KUMBH MELA

             The largest religious gathering in the world.

   Mythological legends say that at the beginning of creation, all the Gods were under a curse that made them weak and cowardly. Brahma, the creator God, advised them to retrieve the Kumbh (pot) containing the nectar of immortality (amrit). The gods sought help from the demons, and together they churned the primordial ocean to bring up the nectar.
   As Dhanvantari, the divine healer, appeared with the "Kumbh" containing nectar in his palms, a great fight ensued between the Gods and demons to wrest the pitcher. During the fierce battle in the sky, a few drops of nectar fell in four different places: Allahabad (Prayag), Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain.



   Haridwar is an ancient holy city of India, one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. The river Ganges enters the North Indian plains at Haridwar. The name of the city is "Dwar of Hari" or "Gateway to God." It is also known as Mayapuri, Kapila and Gangadwar. Hindu pilgrims and devotees gather at Haridwar to offer prayers on auspicious occasions. The water of River Ganga is considered so sacred at Haridwar that pilgrims carry the water back home.
   
   Haridwar is one of the four venues of the Kumbh Mela (occurring after a rotation of every 12 years) and Ardh Kumbh (after every 6 years). According to Hindu mythology, this city is one of four sites where drops of the elixir of immortality (amrita) accidentally spilled from the pitcher carried by the celestial bird Garuda. The other spots include Ujjain, Nasik, and Allahabad. These places are the hosts of Kumbha Mela, celebrated every 3 years in one of these 4 places. The Maha Kumbha Mela is celebrated on the 12th year at Prayag in Allahabad. In Haridwar, the spot where the drop fell is known as Brahmakund at Har-ki-Pauri which means the "Footsteps of the Lord." A dip in the Brahmakund at Kumbh Mela is considered very auspicious.