The Tripura Kumbh Mela has begun, filling the sacred banks of the Howrah River at Kumbhnagar, Ranirbazar, with devotion and festivity on Sunday.
Starting on December 25, the grand spiritual gathering will continue until January 1, 2025. The site came alive as lakhs of devotees, pilgrims, saints, and Naga Sadhus from all over India converged to immerse themselves in prayers and rituals, turning the area into a spiritual heaven. Ranjitand Maharaj, Saint & Head of the Tripureswari Kumbh Mela Committee, said, "The Tripura Kumbh Mela of 2024-25 will take place from December 25 to January 1. This grand fair, held every three years, has been a tradition for ages. This is the second time the Kumbh Mela is being held in Tripura." "The significance of the Kumbh Mela lies in its deep connection to the mythological event of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) during the Satya Yuga. In this event, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean using Mount Meru as the churning rod, Vasuki Nag as the rope, and a tortoise (Kurma avatar of Lord Vishnu) as the base. Several divine treasures emerged during this churning, including Goddess Lakshmi, Dhanvantari, the Parijata tree, and the Amrit (nectar of immortality) in a pot," Ranjitand Maharaj said. Ranjitand Maharaj further added, "A dispute arose between the Devas and Asuras over the Amrit, leading to a battle. During the scuffle, four drops of Amrit fell at four places: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. It is believed that one drop also fell in Tripura, although this came to light much later through spiritual insights." Just as science has recently reached the moon, our sages and spiritual leaders, with their profound knowledge of both science and the cosmos, had already identified celestial phenomena such as the stars and planets ages ago. "For example, ancient sages calculated that there are nine lakh stars in the sky. Similarly, various sacred sites and traditions emerged from divine revelations during these spiritual churning events--like the 51 Shakti Peethas, the 12 Jyotirlingas, and sacred pilgrimage sites such as Kashi," Ranjitand Maharaj told ANI. Ranjitand Maharaj added," In Tripura, the Kumbh Mela is held at Kumbhnagar in Ranirbazar along the banks of the Howrah River. The site includes Dashami Ghat, which is considered sacred like the Ganga. A temple dedicated to Maa Kumbh Kali is also located here. Pilgrims can bathe, offer prayers, and participate in the fair to earn spiritual merit equivalent to visiting all sacred pilgrimage sites." "Bathing here is said to grant the same benefits as bathing in the Sapta Sarovars (seven holy lakes)," Ranjitand Maharaj told ANI. The Tripura Kumbh Mela, with the support of the government, residents, and revered priests from across the state, brings together thousands of devotees from all over India. Thousands of Naga Sadhus, saints, and monks, along with countless spiritual leaders, participate in the fair. The event is filled with divine energy and grandeur, featuring daily rituals, offerings, and prayers for global peace. Ranjitand Maharaj said, "Every day, around 15,000 to 20,000 pilgrims partake in the prasad, and 2,000 to 2,500 saints are fed at the community kitchen. Various spiritual camps host special prayers, and the atmosphere is charged with devotion and cultural richness." He stated," I appeal to the people of Tripura, India, and the world to visit this divine event. Witness the presence of Naga Sadhus, monks, and saints, and experience the traditions of Sanatan Dharma." Ranjitand Maharaj stated, "This Kumbh Mela offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in spirituality, humanity, and divinity. I pray to Maa Kumbh Kali to bless everyone and fulfil their desires. May this Kumbh Mela bring joy, peace, and blessings to all." (ANI)
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