Beyond its spiritual essence, the festival’s timing is deeply rooted in celestial phenomena, particularly involving the planet Jupiter.
The Mahakumbh Mela, set to begin on January 13, is not only one of the largest religious gatherings in the world but also a fascinating confluence of spirituality, mythology, and science.
Held every four years at three sacred locations — Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik — and at Pryagraj every 12 years, the festival attracts millions of pilgrims who believe that bathing in the holy rivers during this period leads to liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Beyond its spiritual essence, the festival’s timing is deeply rooted in celestial phenomena, particularly involving the planet Jupiter and its orbit.
The Mahakumbh Mela finds its origins in the ancient Hindu legend of “Samudra Manthan,” or the churning of the cosmic ocean.
According to mythology, gods and demons worked together to churn the ocean to retrieve amrita, the nectar of immortality.
During the process, drops of the divine nectar were said to have fallen at four locations on Earth, which became the sites of the Kumbh Mela. The term “Kumbh,” meaning “pot,” symbolises the container holding this elixir, connecting the festival to celestial and spiritual nourishment.
WHAT DOES SCIENCE SAY?
From a scientific standpoint, the Kumbh Mela reflects an advanced understanding of astronomy and its effects on human biology.
Research indicates that planetary alignments can affect Earth’s electromagnetic fields, which in turn influence biological systems. Studies in bio-magnetism suggest that human bodies emit electromagnetic forces and respond to charged fields in their environment.
This phenomenon may explain why many participants report feelings of peace and wellness during their time at the festival.
The festival’s schedule is determined by specific planetary alignments, with Jupiter playing a central role. Jupiter’s 12-year orbit around the Sun aligns it periodically with particular zodiac signs that signify auspicious times.
The Mahakumbh Mela is held when Jupiter enters a specific alignment coinciding with the Sun and Moon’s positions. This alignment is believed to amplify Earth’s electromagnetic fields.
Jupiter reached opposition on December 7, 2024, with Earth positioned exactly between the planet and the Sun. This event made Jupiter shine brightly in the night sky. It will continue to do so particularly in January 2025, as it remains visible for most of the month, peaking around midnight.
Over the next couple of weeks, four planets—Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars—will be prominently visible shortly after sunset, creating a dazzling display for observers.
AN ANCIENT UNDERSTANDING
The selection of Kumbh Mela sites reveals ancient India’s profound understanding of geography and geomagnetic forces.
These locations, often at river confluences, are believed to exhibit strong geomagnetic energy fields. Ancient sages identified these regions as optimal for spiritual growth, leveraging their knowledge of Earth’s energy systems to determine the timing and locations of the festival.
As the world looks forward to the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela, the event is all about humanity’s enduring connection to the cosmos.
It is a unique blend of faith, mythology, and scientific principles, offering a deeper appreciation of the universe’s influence on human life.
Article source: indiatoday.in
