What is the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar?
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is the Kumbh Mela held at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar on the Godavari river about every 12 years, when Jupiter (Guru) is in Leo (Simha). Millions of pilgrims and the akharas of sadhus bathe at Ramkund and Kushavarta Kund, believing the dip washes away sins.
Why is it called Simhastha?
The Kumbh Mela is held at four places in India - Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik-Trimbakeshwar - in turn. The Nashik Mela is held when Jupiter (Guru) enters the sign of Leo (Simha), so it is called the Simhastha. It comes about once every 12 years and lasts many months.
Why are Nashik and Trimbakeshwar sacred?
- The Godavari, often called the Dakshin Ganga (Ganga of the south), rises at Brahmagiri near Trimbakeshwar.
- Tradition holds that drops of amrit (nectar) fell here during the churning of the ocean.
- Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
- Panchavati in Nashik is linked with Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in the Ramayana; Ramkund is its main ghat.
Who are the akharas?
Akharas are orders of sadhus and saints. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad represents the main akharas. In Nashik, the Vaishnav akharas camp and bathe at Ramkund, and the Shaiva akharas, including the Naga sadhus, at Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar. Their grand processions to the river on Shahi Snan days are the high points of the Mela.
What is a Shahi Snan?
A Shahi Snan (royal bath, also called Amrit Snan) is a main bathing day when the akharas bathe first, in a set order, followed by pilgrims. The dates are fixed by the calendar and announced in advance; see all snan dates.
How should I plan my visit?
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
How often is the Nashik Kumbh Mela held?
About once every 12 years, when Jupiter is in Leo (Simha), which is why it is called the Simhastha.
Which river is the Nashik Kumbh Mela held on?
The Godavari, which rises near Trimbakeshwar and flows through Nashik.
Where do the Naga sadhus bathe in Nashik Kumbh?
The Shaiva akharas, including the Naga sadhus, bathe at Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar.
What are the four Kumbh Mela places?
Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik-Trimbakeshwar.
