Books

Kumbha Mela: Origins and Significance

वर्धन धारकर

“Three times I have been blessed by the sight of the deathless guru. Our first meeting was in Allahabad at a Kumbha Mela. The religious fairs held in India since time immemorial are known as Kumbha Melas; they have kept spiritual goals in constant sight of the multitude.”
                                                                             -Paramhansa Yogananda

Maha Kumbha Mela is beginning from today at Prayagraj. Maha Kumbha happens once in a one hundred and forty four years. It is expected that in first two days itself more than four crore devotees will take part in it and over a period of forty-five days more than forty crore devotees are expected to participate in it .It is amazing to see millions of devotees congregating at one location Without doubt this is the largest peaceful confluence of humanity anywhere in the world. Let’s delve into the significance of this monumental event.

Maha Kumbha Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, holds profound spiritual, cultural, and social importance for millions of Hindus. The event is rooted in the ancient Hindu legend of Samudra Manthan, where Gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality, or Amrita. Four drops of this nectar fell at Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, making these places traditional Kumbh Mela sites.

Origins and Religious Significance

The origin of Kumbha Mela dates back to this mythological event, described in sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Vishnu Purana, and it has been celebrated for centuries. The festival involves significant rituals, including taking a holy dip in sacred rivers, believed to cleanse sins and purify the soul. The gathering of saints, sadhus, and yogis to share knowledge and perform rituals further enhances its religious atmosphere.

Astrological Basis for the Cycle

The event follows a 12-year cycle at each location, determined by specific astrological configurations. The timing hinges on the movement of Jupiter and the Sun into astrological signs that align with the mythology of the nectar drop. Jupiter’s positions in Taurus, Aquarius, Leo, and related movements of the Sun create auspicious periods for each site, signifying stability, renewal, spiritual growth, and ancestral blessings. Diverse configurations involving Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon dictate the most auspicious times for the festival, ensuring that they align perfectly with the sacred myths and traditions tied to each location. This approach preserves the spiritual significance and ensures the festival is held during the most spiritually potent times. In Prayagraj, the event happens when Jupiter is in Taurus and the Sun enters Capricorn, symbolizing material and spiritual balance. Haridwar’s festival occurs when Jupiter is in Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries, aligning with new beginnings and collective growth. Ujjain’s significance is marked by Jupiter in Leo and the Sun entering Aries, emphasizing leadership and spiritual vigor. Nashik celebrates Kumbha Mela when Jupiter and the Sun and Moon align in Leo and Magha nakshatra, signifying tradition and ancestral blessings.

Types and Frequencies of Kumbha Mela

Maha Kumbha Mela: Held every 144 years (12 × 12 years) and only at Prayagraj (Allahabad). This is one of the largest gatherings, with enormous religious fervour and participation from devotees worldwide.

Purna (Full) Kumbha Mela: Held once every 12 years at each of the four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. This means a major gathering happens every three years overall, but returns to each specific city every 12 years.

Ardh (Half) Kumbha Mela: Occurs every 6 years between the 12-year cycle, only at Prayagraj and Haridwar. It serves as a midpoint celebration, with significant participation but not on the same massive scale as the full Kumbha Mela.

Preparation and Personal Experiences

Preparing for Kumbha Mela is a significant endeavor for devotees. Many undertake fasting, meditative practices, and reading of sacred texts leading up to the event. Pilgrims often travel great distances, sometimes by foot, fostering a profound sense of anticipation and spiritual readiness. Personal accounts frequently highlight the transformative nature of the journey, with many finding renewed purpose and perspective.

Technology and Sustainable Practices

Modern technology has revolutionized Kumbha Mela, enhancing transportation, communication, health safety, accessibility, and organization. Drones, GPS tracking, mobile apps providing real-time updates, and extensive use of social media ensure smoother pilgrim experiences. Moreover, sustainable practices are increasingly integrated, with efforts to maintain cleanliness, manage waste, and promote eco-friendly initiatives. These advancements align the festival with contemporary values of environmental consciousness and responsible celebration.

Contemporary Relevance

Kumbha Mela continues to impact individuals by fostering personal growth, reflection, and a sense of cultural connection. It promotes physical health through extensive activities and mental well-being through communal and spiritual experiences as also introspection. The event provides an educational platform for learning about diverse traditions,. It is the biggest unifier in the world. Overall, it enriches personal fulfillment by linking ancient traditions with modern experiences, emphasizing gratitude, humility, and broader existential perspectives.

In today’s context, the spiritual essence of Kumbha Mela can be symbolically linked to four modern drops of Amrit, Equality, Education, Environment, and Health. These values represent the pillars of a harmonious and enlightened society, reflecting how ancient traditions can evolve to address the needs and aspirations of contemporary life.

Let’s join in this celebration of Life “The Maha Kumbha Mela”

Book Review: The Empress of Indraprastha Entering Kuruvansh by Sonali Raje

Draupadi is one of the few characters from our epics who is loved and maligned at the same time. It is difficult to understand the reasons for her silent acceptance of the unknowingly spoken words of her mother-in-law, Kunti, that made her the shared wife of five men. It is also not easy to understand the carelessly uttered words of an intelligent woman as she rejected Karna as low-born.

The book starts with ongoing preparations for Draupadi’s wedding. She recalls the words of her mother that she has the right to say no even if the suitor is successful in completing the task during her swayamvar. Her mother is a strong woman and has a deep influence on Draupadi. She is a feisty young woman and would love to be actively involved in the preparations. We are introduced to her origins along with those of her brother, Dhrishtadyumna, born out of the sacred fire. The young woman has been raised by her parents to be an independent thinker with respect for all. The older brother of the twins, Shikhandi, is the commander of the army. He is a transgender. This speaks volumes about gender equality of the times. Her refusal to let Karna string the bow is well-documented. Arjuna completes the task.

Draupadi faces a litmus test when Kunti inadvertently utters the words that would change the course of lives. The brothers are asked to share whatever they have brought. Draupadi is shocked but realises that all five brothers are attracted to her. She understands the rationale that the brothers would need to remain united to survive in a hostile world, and their unity would be adversely tested unless she is with all of them. As the story progresses, we are exposed to her far-sightedness. She is shown to be a strategist as she keeps insisting upon her husbands to seek partition. They are granted their wish. The Pandavas are given one half of the kingdom, but not the way that they had imagined. Khandavaprastha is an arid and barren land. They embark on a quest to build an empire, confident of their capabilities.

The Empress of Indraprastha by Sonali Raje is Book 1 of a five-part series. The story is chronicled in first person as the memoirs of Draupadi. This is a new genre of writing, the contemporary mythic-fiction. The book is short, only 138 pages. The language is easy to follow. The writing will appeal to all ages, including the younger generation.

Sonali Raje has a science background. Attempting a subject, about which much has been written by other writers, in a new style, is creditable. Sonali is an associate professor of Chemistry based in America.

The Show: Mandira Mazumder in conversation with Vardhan Dharkar and Sanjay Chandra

Mandira Mazumder is a teacher. She quit her teaching to pursue her muse, her passion – writing!

Mandira came from a conservative family. But she was interested in writing since her teens. Her earlier books were about strong women, who wished to pursue their own destinies.

Mandira had also been interested in gothic horror, inspired by both Indian and foreign writers. It is only natural that she decided to explore the gothic horror genre in her next book.

Watch these little-known aspects of Mandira’s life as she talks to Vardhan Dharkar and Sanjay Chandra.
https://youtu.be/ztebXNpQNGs

Sanjay Chandra is the author of Behind Closed Doors (2023) – a crime thriller, The Gymnast (2022) – contemporary fiction, and The Life and Times of a Common Man (2019) – memoirs.

Sanjay is also a motivational speaker, an avid reader, a traveller, blogger, and amateur photographer. He conducts workshops for colleges/universities. Sanjay also assists companies with strategy consulting and arbitration.

Vardhan is a blogger and an amateur photographer.

Watch earlier episodes at https://authorsanjaychandra.com/author-show/

We would also like to bring authors of Indian regional languages and from outside India, as also other artists, on The Show.

Interested artists may please connect with Sanjay Chandra at sanjaychandra59@gmail.com.

Book Review by Deepa Doshi Bachchavat: The Light at the Edges by Deepti Kolte

‘The Light at the Edges’ by Deepti Kolte is a collection poems, written from the depths of life , yet light and hearty. One of the poems, ‘Under the Gulmohar’ gently touches upon the phase of transition, embracing changes and letting go. While, the other takes you through the window, right to the our mysterious planet Jupiter. Those who love sky gazing, would understand.

Then there are poems for golgappas and ice cream – every little joy of life , often taken for granted. This is a contemporary piece, relatable to our daily life.

The Show: Dr Kalpana Bora, author of My India My Story, in conversation with Vardhan Dharkar and Sanjay Chandra

Kalpana Bora is unusual. She is a Scientist and Professor of Physics at Gauhati University, India, who also writes. Or is it the other way around!

Kalpana aspires to work more intensively with communities and youth in the field of education. She is a firm believer and follower of ancient Indian wisdom, values, traditions, cultural and knowledge heritage. She envisions and wishes to work to rebuild Bharat and bring back her glory.

Kalpana’s debut book – MY INDIA, MY STORY  is a motivational memoir of a passionate Indian, a love letter to her country and humanity, reminding us that love, adaptability, and an open heart can transcend across boundaries and build bridges.


Watch Kalpana’s writing journey as she talks to Vardhan Dharkar and Sanjay Chandra.

https://youtu.be/L4h2D3FVw-o?si=xn468wP-9enalNZ-

Sanjay Chandra is the author of Behind Closed Doors (2023) – a crime thriller, The Gymnast (2022) – contemporary fiction, and The Life and Times of a Common Man (2019) – memoirs.

Sanjay is also a motivational speaker, an avid reader, a traveller, blogger, and amateur photographer. He conducts workshops for colleges/universities. Sanjay also assists companies with strategy consulting and arbitration.

Vardhan is a blogger and an amateur photographer.

Watch earlier episodes at http://authorsanjaychandra.com/author-show/

We would also like to bring authors of Indian regional languages and from outside India, as also other artists, on The Show.

Interested artists may please connect with Sanjay Chandra at sanjaychandra59@gmail.com.

Musings of a Pioneer: Master of my Destiny! Master of my Life!

Summers had arrived with a vengeance. This is the time when increasingly hotter days are interspersed with sprinkling of relatively cooler ones through dust storms, and occasionally a few drops of rain. It was one such pleasant morning, when I noticed birds flying in the sky. There were also a few eagles circling the sky in ever increasing smaller circles.

A few memories surfaced.

I had attended many rail accidents during my professional life as a railway officer. Those were not the days of remote-control operation of the four hydraulic jacks used to lift a derailed coach or wagon. Staff would stand at the four corners of the vehicle and shout out in a sing-song voice ‘hadia’ or ‘hadd’, depending upon whether he wanted the jack in his corner to be lifted or lowered or stopped. The four staff and the hydraulic jack operator would be immersed in the activity, oblivious to the climate or the environment around.

Another memory is that of labourers straining not so developed muscles while performing a hard task like lifting a heavy object all the while singing ‘dum laga ke haisha’. This ditty would make them forget the pain of exertion, and they would complete the assigned task within no time, waiting for the master to pay them a paltry sum.

These were, and continue to be, people, who fight for their sustenance every day of their lives, uncomplainingly, not only believing, but with an implicit trust in a supreme power, that they would certainly overcome some day. I have yet to meet such a person come to me with a complaint against the Supreme being.

The same way that the birds were soaring in the sky, not for an exhilarating experience. They too need to work hard for their daily sustenance. They too need to forage for their food. But they never complain. They seem happy in doing what nature has intended them to do. They too are masters of their life.

I continued contemplating. Is my life going nowhere! Am I not free to do what I want! These were only a few of the emotions flitting through my mind, making me restless.

I met a family a few years back. They had fallen on tough times due to the pandemic. They wanted their son to continue studies but did not have the resources for the school fee. They had dreams for future, which seemed distant and elusive. I am happy that my wife and I could be of some use to them. The young boy is now in the tenth standard and wants to be an astronaut.

Each day of our lives, we find ourselves slaves of our life and destiny, thrown into the cesspool of petty biases of gender, caste, creed, religion.

Lord Krishna tells Arjun in Chapter 18, Verse 63, इति ते ज्ञानमाख्यातं गुह्याद्गुह्यतरं मया।
विमृश्यैतदशेषेण यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु॥ – I have imparted you the knowledge, deliberate over it and then wisely choose the action that you want to take. Each individual has the power to choose the course of action to make a better life.

We have the power. We should, and we will change the heading of our life to Master of my Destiny! Master of my life!

About the Writer

Sanjay started his professional journey as an electrical engineer with the Indian Railways Services. But he chose to drive the course of his life in later years, leaving a secure job to join the private sector and eventually pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.

Along the way, he realised that there was a storyteller within him – every communication in his life was a story in itself! Sanjay has published three books – Behind Closed Doors, murder mystery (2023), The Gymnast, contemporary fiction (2022), and The Life and Times of a Common Man, memoirs (2019).

Sanjay now sees stories all around him. Writing has become a passion, and he has finally become a storyteller. He is also a traveller, a book lover and an amateur photographer. Sanjay also assists companies with strategy consulting and arbitration, and conducts workshops on creative writing.

Musings of a Pioneer: Empathy!

It might have been around 1965. One afternoon, returning from the market in Aligarh in my father’s jeep, we stopped at a red signal. One car, driven at a very high speed, coming from right to left, jumped the signal. He hit a cyclist, and another man crossing the road on the left side, and possibly a few others as well. I can still remember those who had fallen. But the driver did not stop.

This left such an impression on my tender 6 year old mind, that I fear crossing even a traffic signal which is green for me, unless I have fully ascertained that no vehicle is moving in any other direction.

Over the years, as I have roamed the globe quite extensively, I have noticed an inherent disregard for traffic rules in the Indian subcontinent, where everyone on the road assumes that only they have the right of way. People in other parts of the world are not so callous.

One time we were travelling back from a project site to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, a drive of more than 500 kilometres. I must have dozed off and woke up with a start when I heard a loud thud. Our vehicle had hit an old man at some speed. As per the sequence narrated to me by colleagues travelling with me, the old man was at fault.

My Indian mind was scared, and as the road was deserted, I am ashamed to recall that I, and probably a few of those sitting in the rear, implored the driver to rush from the spot. Reluctantly he tried to move, when out of nowhere the nearby villagers rushed in. Local policemen took us to the village police station for our own safety. We requested to be permitted to leave as we had to catch a flight.

The local policemen eventually decided to let us go, but with the stipulation that one of them would accompany us to Addis; the driver would then have to return to the village the next morning with the policeman for the law to take its course.

The local driver was persistent that he should be arrested as he had committed an accident.

Another time, I travelled to Switzerland. One early morning we were picked up by our host around six. On a deserted junction, our host cum driver stopped at a red traffic signal even though no vehicles were visible in any direction. We stood there till the light turned green.

I have seen vehicles waiting patiently on the crowded Sukhomvit in Bangkok, and even in other cities elsewhere, if even a single pedestrian has stepped on to the zebra to cross the road. No driver would honk impatiently instigating the driver in the front to run over the hapless pedestrian.

To me these instances across the globe have been revealing, as I continue to see law being broken with impunity by even the very powerful on our roads. Bhagavad Gita says आत्मौपम्येन सर्वत्र समं पश्यति योऽर्जुन| सुखं वा यदि वा दु:खं स योगी परमो मत:|| – We should consider the well-being of others as our own.

A little empathy towards others would make the world a better place!

About the Writer

Sanjay started his professional journey as an electrical engineer with the Indian Railways Services. But he chose to drive the course of his life in later years, leaving a secure job to join the private sector and eventually pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.


Along the way, he realised that there was a storyteller within him – every communication in his life was a story in itself! Sanjay has published three books – Behind Closed Doors, murder mystery (2023), The Gymnast, contemporary fiction (2022), and The Life and Times of a Common Man, memoirs (2019).


Sanjay now sees stories all around him. Writing has become a passion, and he has finally become a storyteller. He is also a traveller, a book lover and an amateur photographer. Sanjay also assists companies with strategy consulting and arbitration, and conducts workshops on creative writing.

Musings of a Pioneer: Our Dreams!

I have always believed that we are products of our dreams, our pursuit of those dreams, and our experiences along the way. I may not have been truthful with myself. We probably identify more with our fear of the unknown, pre-conceived notions, and biases.

The last couple of years have been a revelation to me. I have faced a few major medical events. I was admitted in the covid ward year before last. Night had fallen. The attendant graciously permitted my wife to accompany me up to the lift. The lift clanged shut as I looked at her, was it the last time that I would be seeing her!

No visitors were permitted. I was almost paralysed by the fear of death. I longed for physical visits by my loved ones, who tried to cheer me up through multiple video calls every day. I also realised what it meant to be dependent on others, though dependence on others in daily life is a welcome, yet often unnoticed feature.

A year later, I underwent surgery – my first. The trauma came prior to surgery in the form of my irrational apprehensions. What if the doctor started sawing me up before the anaesthesia had taken effect, or if I did not come out of anaesthesia, or worse if I did not survive the surgery!

I kept procrastinating as I passed through a myriad of such morbid sentiments. I was afraid to take the next step for fear of the unknown, till the morning I was on my way to the hospital. The rest of the morning was a blur, and soon I was walking to the operation theatre accompanied by my wife – often an unacknowledged support.

These two events should have helped me overcome my apprehensions of the unknown. Though, to be fair to myself, I have never been afraid to face uncertainties in my professional and even personal life. Yet, when a year later, I was looking at a possible surgery, and another performed surgery, I still went through the same unfounded fears.

We take several things in our lives, and probably life itself, for granted, till we are reminded about our good fortune by such events. We do not take the next step fearing the unknown, afraid of failure. People get paralysed, lose their eyesight, sometimes even their limbs. Yet, there are many instances of people overcoming their handicap through sheer grit and courage.

These past two years have been a defining period for me – to pause and reflect. Are we not scared to pursue our dreams for fear of failure! Are we not fighting with each other over petty things – religion, politics, caste, community! They would mean nothing in the final reckoning as we eventually turn to ashes or dust. But till such time, should we be held back by our preconceived notions, biases, or even the fear of the unknown, or should we rather focus on our dreams!

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन | मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ||

A simple translation of the quote from Bhagavad Gita for me is, You should perform your duty without worrying about the fruits of your action.

When we are attached to the results, we are more likely to experience fear, anxiety, and disappointment – of the unknown, of failure.

This verse has always guided me to focus on performing, without worrying about the results.

The Author Show Season 2 (TASS2): Amol Kulkarni, author of The Diary The Crooks and The Albatross, in conversation with Vardhan Dharkar and Sanjay Chandra

Amol Kulkarni, an engineer by qualification, and an IT professional, has managed to pursue his hobby of writing stories while working.

Watch Amol‘s writing journey as he talks to Vardhan Dharkar and Sanjay Chandra.

https://youtu.be/L4h2D3FVw-o?si=xn468wP-9enalNZ-

Sanjay Chandra is the author of Behind Closed Doors (2023) – a crime thriller, The Gymnast (2022) – contemporary fiction, and The Life and Times of a Common Man (2019) – memoirs.

Watch other episodes of the show at http://authorsanjaychandra.com/author-show/

We would also like to bring authors of Indian regional languages and from outside India, as also other artists, on The Author Show. Interested artists may please connect with Sanjay Chandra at sanjaychandra59@gmail.com.

The Author Show Season 2 (TASS2): Ramita Sengupta, author of The Eclipsed Sun, in conversation with Vardhan Dharkar and Sanjay Chandra

Ramita Sengupta had always been influenced by our freedom fighters who fought for us since much before there was any glimmer of throwing out the oppressors.

It was only natural for her to write her debut fiction book in the backdrop of this period from our history.

Watch Ramita’s literary journey as she talks to Vardhan Dharkar and Sanjay Chandra.

Sanjay Chandra is the author of Behind Closed Doors (2023) – a crime thriller, The Gymnast (2022) – contemporary fiction, and The Life and Times of a Common Man (2019) – memoirs.

We would also like to bring authors of Indian regional languages and from outside India on The Author Show for our readers. Interested authors may please connect with Sanjay Chandra at sanjaychandra59@gmail.com.