We have all heard a great deal about Kumbh Mela in TV, books, etc. you might be wondering what is all this hoop la about. Well, it is sacred Hindu pilgrimage that takes place in 4 locations of India namely Prayag in Allahabad at the confluence of three rivers Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and Saraswati. Haridwar, where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas, Ujjain which is on the banks of Shipra River, lastly Nasik which is on the river Godavari.
This Kumbh mela occurs 4 times once in each of these 4 locations every 12 years. Each 12-year cycle includes the Maha Kumbha Mela that happens at Haridwar and Prayag, attended by millions pilgrims making it the largest confluence in the world.
The holy city of Haridwar lies at the foot of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. Legend has it that when lord Shiva sent Ganga to quench the thirst of the people, she extricated herself from the matted locks of Lord Shiva and descended to the plains at Haridwar. From here, the holy Ganga proceeds eastwards and southwards through Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna and Calcutta towards Ganga Sagar where it finally joins the sea. Besides, Haridwar is home to some of the most sacred Hindu rituals. Thousand of devotees from all over the world converge here to offer their prayers and perform rituals.
It is also famously believed be millions of Hindus that you can attain salvation by praying to Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva. And hence this sacred spot is known both as Haridwar and Haridwar. One can see the enchanting "Aarti" at "Har Ki Pauri" --hundreds of burning wick lamps floating down the Ganga River.
Further, Haridwar is also known for its Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Melas that are held to mark the 12 years solar cycle. On this day, millions of devotees from across the country take a dip in the holy Ganges to attain salvation. It is believed during this time Kumbh Yog, the Ganga water contains positive healing effects and is by enhanced electromagnetic radiations of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter.
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