What is the difference between Kumbh and Mahakumbh?

thedivineindia.com | Updated UTC time: 2025-01-24 22:13:42

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Kumbh Mela and Mahakumbh Mela hold a special place in the spiritual and cultural heritage of India. Both these religious events are among the most important festivals of Hinduism, but there are some major differences between them. Let us know what is the difference between Kumbh and Mahakumbh.

1. Definition and Duration

Kumbh Mela:
Kumbh Mela is held once every 12 years at four holy places - Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These places are considered holy because drops of nectar fell here during the churning of the ocean.

Mahakumbh Mela:
Mahakumbh Mela is held only in Prayagraj every 144 years. It is considered the largest and grandest form of 'Purna Kumbh'.

2. Venues of Kumbh Mela:

The Kumbh Mela is held in four places:

Prayagraj (at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) - Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is the most important site of the Kumbh Mela. The confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical river Saraswati takes place here. This place is considered very holy from a spiritual point of view.
Haridwar (on the banks of the Ganga River) - The Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is located on the banks of the Ganga River. Har Ki Pauri is the main attraction of this fair, where devotees bathe in the holy Ganga and atone for their sins.
Ujjain (on the banks of the Shipra River) - The Kumbh Mela of Ujjain is held on the banks of the Shipra River. Ram Ghat is the main attraction during the Kumbh Mela. Here devotees bathe in the Shipra River and purify their lives spiritually.
Nashik (on the banks of the Godavari River) - The Nashik Kumbh Mela is also known as the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Mela. Devotees attend this fair held on the banks of the Godavari River in large numbers and take a holy bath.

Mahakumbh Mela:
The Maha Kumbh Mela is held only in Prayagraj, where the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati takes place. It is called Triveni Sangam. "Prayag" means "place of sacrifices". It is also called Teerthraj (King of pilgrimages). Here Lord Brahma performed the first sacrifice after the creation of the universe, so it is considered very sacred religiously.

3. Significance of the event

Kumbh Mela:
The Kumbh Mela is spiritually and religiously significant. Every 12 years, millions of devotees take a dip in the holy rivers to atone for their sins and open the path to salvation.

Mahakumbh Mela:
The Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest and grandest version of the Kumbh. It is considered special because it comes once in 144 years. Participation in it means spiritual purification and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

4. Public participation and grandeur of the event

Kumbh Mela:
Crores of devotees and saints participate in the Kumbh Mela. However, in comparison, the Maha Kumbh Mela is more huge and grand.

Mahakumbh Mela:
Mahakumbh Mela is the world's largest peaceful gathering. More than 40 crore people are expected to attend the 2025 event.

5. Astrological significance

Kumbh Mela:
Kumbh Mela is based on astronomical events. It is held when Jupiter, Sun and Moon enter particular zodiac signs.

Mahakumbh Mela:
Mahakumbh is organized according to the count of Kumbh Mela. When the cycle of 12 Kumbh Melas is completed, then the 12th Kumbh is called Maha Kumbh.

6. Relation to mythology

Kumbh Mela:
Kumbh Mela is based on the mythological story related to Samudra Manthan. Drops of nectar associated with the Amrit Kalash fell at four holy places where Kumbh Mela is organized.

Maha Kumbh Mela:
Mahakumbh Mela is an extension of the same story. It symbolizes the search for Amrit, spiritual energy, and blessings of the gods.

In conclusion

Both Kumbh Mela and Maha Kumbh Mela symbolize the spiritual tradition and cultural glory of Hinduism. Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years at four places, while Maha Kumbh Mela is held only in Prayagraj once in 144 years. The purpose of both events is spiritual purification, atonement of sins, and attainment of salvation.

Mahakumbh Mela is special because of its grandeur, historical significance, and religious energy, which a person probably gets the opportunity to see and experience only once in life.