The Ujjain Kumbh Mela, also known as Simhastha Kumbh, is one of the four major Kumbh Mela gatherings held in India. This Hindu festival is held in the city of Ujjain, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, and takes place every 12 years. The Kumbh Mela rotates among four locations: Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain, with each location hosting the event once every 12 years.
Ujjain is an ancient city of Malwa region in central India, on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River, and is today a part of the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is regarded as one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of the Hindus and is one of the four sites along with Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, and Nasik that host the Kumbh Mela and attracts millions of Hindu pilgrims from around the country. It is also the place where Lord Krishna, along with Balarama and Sudama, received his education from Maharshi Sandipani.
There is also an interesting tale behind the sanctity of the city. Its origin is ascribed to the mythological legend of Sagar Manthan. The story goes that after the nectar was discovered; there was a chase between the gods and the demons to have the nectar first so as to attain immortality. During this chase a drop of nectar spilled and fell on Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik, and this again manifested in the Kumbh Mela being celebrated in Ujjain in every 12 years, thus making the city a sacred place.
Apart from the mythological legends, the city has a long and distinguished history that it has witnessed legendary rulers including the renowned king Chandragupta II, great scholars such as Brahmagupta and Bhaskaracharya, and literary gems like Kalidasa.
On the occasion of Kumbh Mela the divinity and spiritual aroma of Ujjain meets its extreme peak when the millions of devotees take dips and worship sacred River Shipra. Sages and devotees from every nook and corner attend the religious ceremony of Kumbh Mela to attain salvation and libration from the vicious cycle of birth-death-rebirth.
The commemoration of Mela at Ujjain is known as ‘Simhastha Kumbh Mela’, and the major attraction of this festival is ‘Shahi Snan’ (royal bath) which takes place on predetermined dates varying every year. It is believed that those who get a royal bath in holy Shipra River on the occasion of Kumbh Mela can wash their sins of all previous births. The devotees consider it as an opportunity to get them revived from the never ending birth cycle.
‘Simhastha Kumbh Mela’ in Ujjain is the unique combination of divinity and purity, which is experienced when the crowd of ash-dubbed sages, priests, devotees gets fused together with the roaring of elephants and camels. People who witness the spiritual fest feel good fortune by their side and sense positive aroma purifying their souls and thoughts.
Ujjain is an ancient city of Malwa region in central India, on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River, and is today a part of the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is regarded as one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of the Hindus and is one of the four sites along with Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, and Nasik that host the Kumbh Mela and attracts millions of Hindu pilgrims from around the country. It is also the place where Lord Krishna, along with Balarama and Sudama, received his education from Maharshi Sandipani.
Significance of Ujjain Kumbh Mela
- Mythological Importance: The Kumbh Mela is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to legend, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods and demons, drops of the nectar of immortality fell at four locations, including Ujjain. These locations became sacred, and the Kumbh Mela is celebrated to commemorate this event.
- Astrological Aspect: The Ujjain Kumbh Mela is specifically associated with the planet Jupiter (Brihaspati) entering the zodiac sign of Leo (Simha), hence the name "Simhastha.
Rituals and Practices
- Holy Bath (Snan): The most important ritual during the Kumbh Mela is taking a dip in the holy river. In Ujjain, this occurs at the Kshipra River. It is believed that bathing in the sacred waters during this time washes away sins and grants moksha (liberation).
- Sadhus and Saints: The Kumbh Mela attracts a large number of sadhus (holy men) from different sects, including Nagas (naked ascetics), who perform various religious rituals and ceremonies.
- Spiritual Discourses: Many religious discourses, satsangs (spiritual gatherings), and bhajans (devotional songs) are organized throughout the event, where spiritual leaders share their teachings.
There is also an interesting tale behind the sanctity of the city. Its origin is ascribed to the mythological legend of Sagar Manthan. The story goes that after the nectar was discovered; there was a chase between the gods and the demons to have the nectar first so as to attain immortality. During this chase a drop of nectar spilled and fell on Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik, and this again manifested in the Kumbh Mela being celebrated in Ujjain in every 12 years, thus making the city a sacred place.Apart from the mythological legends, the city has a long and distinguished history that it has witnessed legendary rulers including the renowned king Chandragupta II, great scholars such as Brahmagupta and Bhaskaracharya, and literary gems like Kalidasa.
On the occasion of Kumbh Mela the divinity and spiritual aroma of Ujjain meets its extreme peak when the millions of devotees take dips and worship sacred River Shipra. Sages and devotees from every nook and corner attend the religious ceremony of Kumbh Mela to attain salvation and libration from the vicious cycle of birth-death-rebirth.
The commemoration of Mela at Ujjain is known as ‘Simhastha Kumbh Mela’, and the major attraction of this festival is ‘Shahi Snan’ (royal bath) which takes place on predetermined dates varying every year. It is believed that those who get a royal bath in holy Shipra River on the occasion of Kumbh Mela can wash their sins of all previous births. The devotees consider it as an opportunity to get them revived from the never ending birth cycle.
‘Simhastha Kumbh Mela’ in Ujjain is the unique combination of divinity and purity, which is experienced when the crowd of ash-dubbed sages, priests, devotees gets fused together with the roaring of elephants and camels. People who witness the spiritual fest feel good fortune by their side and sense positive aroma purifying their souls and thoughts.
Recent Ujjain Kumbh Mela
The last Ujjain Kumbh Mela was held in 2016, and the next one is expected to take place in 2028. Each event is a massive undertaking, involving significant infrastructure development, security arrangements, and sanitation facilities to accommodate the millions of visitors.
This gathering is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, reflecting the rich religious traditions and deep spiritual roots of Indian culture.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Ujjain is home to many ancient temples, the most famous being the Mahakaleshwar Temple, which houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The city is also an important center for the study of astrology and astronomy, with the Vedh Shala (Jantar Mantar) being one of the oldest observatories in India.
The history of Ujjain is a testament to its enduring cultural and spiritual importance in Indian history. The city continues to be a living example of India's ancient traditions and vibrant cultural heritage
How to reach Ujjain
The sacred city Ujjain is well connected by all the available modes of transport and is well connected with all the major cities in India
By Rail/Train
Ujjain has its railway station, named Ujjain Junction Railway Station, and is an important railway station in the Western railway zone. There are direct train services available from Bhopal, Indore, Pune, Malwa, Delhi (Nizamuddin Exp), Mumbai (Avantika Exp), Kolkata (Shipra Express), Chennai (Jp Madras Exp) and many other cities.
By Air
The nearest airport to Ujjain is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, which is in Indore and is situated 55 km away. Good taxi services are available from Indore Airport to Ujjain.
By Road
Ujjain is well connected by state road transport and public bus services. Regular bus services are available from Indore, Gwalior, Ahmedabad and Bhopal to Ujjain. Super fast and Deluxe A/C buses are also available on these routes.
उज्जैन कुंभ मेला के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें
By Rail/Train
Ujjain has its railway station, named Ujjain Junction Railway Station, and is an important railway station in the Western railway zone. There are direct train services available from Bhopal, Indore, Pune, Malwa, Delhi (Nizamuddin Exp), Mumbai (Avantika Exp), Kolkata (Shipra Express), Chennai (Jp Madras Exp) and many other cities.
By Air
The nearest airport to Ujjain is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, which is in Indore and is situated 55 km away. Good taxi services are available from Indore Airport to Ujjain.
By Road
Ujjain is well connected by state road transport and public bus services. Regular bus services are available from Indore, Gwalior, Ahmedabad and Bhopal to Ujjain. Super fast and Deluxe A/C buses are also available on these routes.
उज्जैन कुंभ मेला के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें