Every 12 years, millions of devotees gather at the Kumbh Mela with faith and hope. They believe a holy dip in the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati at Triveni Sangam (Prayagraj) can wash away sins and bring moksha (liberation). The festival also takes place at Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, where pilgrims bathe in the sacred rivers Shipra and Godavari.
But there is a bigger and rarer event the Mahakumbh Mela, which happens once every 144 years at Prayagraj. This gathering is surrounded by mystery. Many believe strange things happen here. Some people disappear without a trace. Others speak of eerie rituals and unseen forces.
History Behind Mahakumbh Mela
A long time ago, the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) wanted to become immortal. They learned that a special drink called Amrit (nectar of immortality) was hidden deep inside the ocean of milk. But the nectar was hard to get, so they decided to churn the ocean together.
The Churning Begins
- They used Mount Mandara as the churning rod.
- They wrapped Vasuki, the serpent king, around the mountain as a rope.
- Lord Vishnu took the form of a giant turtle (Kurma Avatar) to support the mountain from sinking.
- Both Devas and Asuras pulled the serpent back and forth, churning the ocean.
What Came Out of the Ocean?
As they churned, many things appeared from the ocean:
- Poison (Halahala) – It was so deadly that it could destroy everything. Lord Shiva drank it to save the world, but it turned his throat blue.
- Goddess Lakshmi – The goddess of wealth and prosperity appeared and chose Lord Vishnu as her consort.
- Kamadhenu – A divine cow that grants wishes.
- Kalpavriksha – A wish fulfilling tree.
- Apsaras – Beautiful celestial dancers.
- Dhanvantari – The divine doctor, who finally appeared holding the pot (Kumbh) of Amrit.
The Fight for Amrit & the Story of Rahu and Ketu
As soon as the nectar of immortality appeared, the Asuras grabbed it and ran away. The Devas were worried, so Lord Vishnu transformed into a beautiful woman, Mohini. She tricked the Asuras by offering to distribute the Amrit equally. But instead, she gave it only to the Devas.
One of the Asuras, Rahu, disguised himself as a Deva and sat among them. Just as he drank the nectar, the Sun (Surya) and Moon (Chandra) recognized him and alerted Vishnu. Vishnu immediately cut off Rahu’s head with his Sudarshan Chakra. But since Rahu had already swallowed some nectar, he became immortal. His head became Rahu, and his body became Ketu. It is believed that Rahu and Ketu still seek revenge by swallowing the Sun and Moon, causing eclipses.
During the fight, four drops of Amrit fell on Earth at:
- Prayagraj (Allahabad) : Triveni Sangam (Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati)
- Haridwar : River Ganges
- Ujjain : River Shipra
- Nashik : River Godavari
These places became sacred, and it is believed that taking a dip in the rivers during the Kumbh Mela cleanses sins and grants spiritual liberation (moksha).
How Mahakumbh Mela Started
The tradition of Kumbh Mela is thousands of years old. Some believe that Adi Shankaracharya (8th century) started the organized form of this festival to unite Hindu saints and followers. The Mahakumbh Mela, which happens once every 144 years in Prayagraj, is the rarest and most powerful of them all.
The first recorded historical mention of the Kumbh Mela comes from the writings of Chinese traveler Xuanzang (7th century CE), who described a grand religious gathering at Prayagraj. Since then, the festival has grown into the largest spiritual gathering in the world.
The Connection to Planet Jupiter (Brihaspati)
The Mahakumbh Mela is celebrated every 144 years, while the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years at four holy locations Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. The reason behind this 12-year cycle is linked to astrology and mythology.
In Vedic astrology, the festival’s timing is based on the movement of Jupiter (Brihaspati), the Sun, and the Moon.
- Jupiter takes about 12 years to complete one full revolution around the zodiac.
- When Jupiter enters specific zodiac signs, along with certain positions of the Sun and Moon, it marks the time for the Kumbh Mela at different locations.
The Mythological Reason
According to the Samudra Manthan legend, after the Amrit (nectar of immortality) was taken by the Devas, a great chase lasted for 12 divine days (which equal 12 human years). During this time, four drops of Amrit fell at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. That’s why the Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these locations every 12 years.
Why Mahakumbh Happens After 144 Years
- Mahakumbh Mela is a once-in-a-lifetime event, celebrated only in Prayagraj (Allahabad).
- It happens when Jupiter completes 12 full cycles (12 × 12 = 144 years) and returns to the same rare planetary position it had during the original event.
Where do millions of Naga Sadhus and Aghoris vanish after Mahakumbh?
The Naga Sadhus and Aghoris are among the most mysterious and secretive groups that appear during the Mahakumbh Mela. They gather in millions, performing rituals and leading the grand Shahi Snan (Royal Bath). But once the festival ends, they disappear without a trace. Where do they go?
The Hidden World of Naga Sadhus
Naga Sadhus are warrior monks who follow the teachings of Lord Shiva. They live in extreme conditions, renouncing worldly life. After Mahakumbh, they retreat into deep forests, mountains, and secret caves in the Himalayas, Varanasi, and other hidden locations. Some believe they:
- Meditate in remote caves in Uttarakhand, Nepal, and Tibet.
- Live in underground ashrams, away from modern civilization.
- Travel to high-altitude monasteries where normal people cannot reach.
The Dark Secrets of Aghori Sadhus
Aghoris are even more mysterious. They are known for their fearless lifestyle, performing rituals in cremation grounds and following practices beyond normal understanding. After Mahakumbh, they:
- Return to burning ghats like Varanasi’s Manikarnika Ghat, where they continue their meditations.
- Travel to secret Tantric sites to practice intense spiritual sadhana.
- Some are said to vanish completely, entering a different realm through spiritual powers.
Why Do They Disappear?
- Their life is about secrecy and isolation. They believe detachment from society is necessary for enlightenment.
- They follow ancient traditions, passed down only to chosen disciples.
- Many believe they possess mystical powers, allowing them to stay hidden from the world.
The Biggest Mystery
Despite being seen in huge numbers during Mahakumbh, their disappearance remains unexplained. Some say they become invisible, some say they travel beyond human reach, and others believe they hold secrets lost to time.
Their presence at Mahakumbh is a reminder that India is home to mystical beings, ancient wisdom, and hidden truths that the modern world may never fully understand.
Unbelievable Tantric Rituals and Black Magic Practices During Mahakumbh Mela
While millions come for salvation, Tantriks, Aghoris, and Naga Sadhus perform secretive rituals that are rarely spoken about. Some of these practices are so shocking that they blur the line between spirituality and black magic.
1. The Rituals in Cremation Grounds
During Mahakumbh, some Aghoris and Tantriks perform their rituals in hidden cremation grounds (Shamshan Ghats). These rituals include:
- Sitting among burning pyres and meditating.
- Using ashes of the dead as a part of their practice.
- Chanting powerful mantras to communicate with spirits.
Many believe these rituals give them supernatural powers and control over unseen forces.
2. Human Skull Rituals & Occult Practices
Aghoris are often seen carrying human skulls (Kapalas). They believe that using a skull for drinking water or offering prayers helps them:
- Break free from the cycle of life and death.
- Gain knowledge of the mystical and unknown.
- Connect with energies that normal people fear.
Some say they even practice Necromancy a ritual to speak to the dead and gain wisdom from the afterlife.
3. The Secretive Black Magic Gatherings
During the Kumbh Mela, hidden from the public eye, black magic practitioners (Tantriks) gather to perform dark rituals. These include:
- Chanting spells to summon spirits.
- Creating protective charms to ward off evil.
- Performing ritual sacrifices of animals as an offering to powerful deities.
It is believed that some powerful Tantriks use Vashikaran (hypnotic spells) to control people’s minds.
4. The Midnight Rituals of the Aghoris
Aghoris follow extreme practices, some of which are terrifying:
- Meditating in complete darkness while surrounded by skulls and bones.
- Consuming substances considered forbidden to ordinary people.
- Entering deep trances to gain mystical visions and communicate with divine forces.
Locals believe that those who witness these rituals may experience paranormal activities or even be cursed if they disturb them.
5. Disappearance of Tantriks After the Event
One of the biggest mysteries is how these powerful Tantriks and Aghoris vanish once the festival ends. Some say they:
- Travel to hidden temples and caves deep in the Himalayas.
- Enter another spiritual realm through their mystical knowledge.
- Disappear from human sight, waiting for the next Kumbh Mela to return.
Final Words: A Festival of Faith or a Realm of Mysteries?
The Mahakumbh Mela is a spectacle like no other a place where divine energy and ancient traditions come alive. For some, it is a sacred journey towards moksha, while for others, it remains an unanswered mystery filled with secretive rituals and eerie disappearances.
As the holy chants fade and the millions return to their daily lives, the question lingers is Mahakumbh just a religious gathering, or does it hold secrets beyond human understanding? Maybe the truth is hidden beneath the sacred waters, waiting for those brave enough to seek it.
What do you believe? Is Mahakumbh only about faith, or is there something deeper beneath the surface?
