Siddhivinayak Temple

Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir  is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shri Ganesh. It is located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai,Maharashtra.Siddhivinayak is well known as “Navasacha Ganapati” or “Navasala Pavanara Ganapati”.

This ancient temple was constructed in 1801 and is dedicated to the elephant-head deity of Hinduism, 'Lord Ganesh'. This venerated temple in Mumbai was constructed by Deubai Patil and Laxman Vithu. The shrine was reconstructed for accommodating more devotees after considering the opinions of many religious experts. Every day, over 25,000 devotees flock the temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh.

Bhishma Ashtami

The eighth day (ashtami)of the waxing moon (shukl paksh) of Magh is celebrated as Bhishma Ashtami.Bhishma Ashtami or Bhishmashtami is observed on Shukla paksha Ashtami in Magh month (January - February). This is in reverence to Bhishma the most revered of characters of the Mahabharat who is respected for his honesty, sincerity and determination.Bhishma is known as the Kuru Vamsa Pitamaha (grandfather of Kaurava) and is described as the Lords of the Lord by Sri Krishna. As per the Mahabharata, Bhishma laid himself on the bed of arrows on Magh Shukla Ashtami day.

SriKalahasti temple

SriKalahasti temple is located 36 km away from Tirupathi in Chittoor district of  Andhra Pradesh,India.It is one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India, and is said to be the site where Kannappa, was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva linga before the Lord Siva stopped him and granted him mukti.

Sri Kalahasti is named after the staunch devotees of Lord Shiva. They were the Spider (Sri), the Serpent (Kala) and the Elephant (Hasti). Appeased with their unflinching devotion, Lord Shiva gave them a boon that their names be merged with the Vayulinga and called as Sri Kalahasteeswara.

KAMAKHYA TEMPLE - Guwahati

The Kamakhya Temple is an ancient Shakti Peeth temple situated on the Nilachal Hill in western part of Guwahati city in Assam, India. which is situated at the top of the Nilachal Hill at about 800 feet above the sea level. The entire temple complex not only comprises of many other temples but also a whole set of people connected with them. Apart from the main devi temple, it also comprises of some other major temples of devi Kali, Tara, Bagala, Chinnamasta, Bhuvanesvari, Bhairavi and Dhumavati.

Significance of Mauni Amavasya Snan

The Amavasya of Magh Masa is called the Mauni Amavasya. Sun and Moon enter and the Capricorn sign, because of the transit, on this day. This day is celebrated as the birthday of Manu Rishi. It is believed, Lord Brahma gave origination to Maharaja Manu and queen Shatrupa.

Paush Purnima

Paush Purnima is also one of significant day for Hindus that falls on the ‘purnima’ (full moon day) in the month of Paush in the Hindu calendar. On this day thousands of devotees perform the ceremonious bath in the sacred Ganga and Yamuna rivers. In the Gregorian calendar, Paush Purnima is observed in the months of December-January. On the occasion of Paush Purnima, at the Prayag Sangam (the confluence of Rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) Hindu devotees from far and wide come to take a holy dip. It is believed that such an act will relieve all the sins, even those from previous births and even grant ‘moksha’ or salvation. Besides Prayag, the other prime pilgrimage places are Nasik, Allahabad and Ujjain.

Paush Purnima is celebrated with great zeal all across India and on this day special rituals are held in Hindu temples in different parts of the country. In some places, Paush Purnima is also celebrated as ‘Shakambari Jayanti’ and on this day Goddess Shakambari (an avatar of Goddess Durga) is worshipped with utmost devotion. The 9-day long Shakambari Navratri festival also ends with Paush Purnima. The people in Chhattisgarh celebrate the ‘Charta’ festival on this day. It is an important harvest festival observed by tribal communities with great fervour and zeal.

KUMBH MELA BATHING SIGNIFICANCE

Significance of Bathing in Ganga Water on Makar Sankranti

Ganga is considered as the river of heaven. This river came to earth by the religious austerity of Bhagirath and river had conjunction with ocean for the reclamation of ocean. The day Ganga dissolved in ocean was the day of Makar Sankranti.
Hence, the virtue of bathing in Ganga today is much more than any other day. In Kolkata, lakhs of devotees come to take bath in Ganga sagar. In Allahabad as well, great masses come for bathing and doing charity on the banks of Sangam. One month of Kalpvas(kumbh mela) is also started in Allahabad from the day of Makar Sankranti, which is been followed since the era of Ramayana.

Significance of Bathing in Ganga Water on Paush Purnima

On the day of Paush Purnima, devotees take baths in various sacred rivers like Ganga and Yamuna. People take baths at various places including Haridwar and relieve themselves of all their sins and problems. Taking baths, donations, charities etc are considered very sacred on this day. The baths of Magh month start with Paush Purnima and hence, this day is considered very important. It is believed that all wishes come true on this day.

Significance of Bathing in Ganga Water on Mauni Amavasya

The Amavasya of Magh Masa is called the Mauni Amavasya. Sun and Moon enter and the Capricorn sign, because of the transit, on this day. This day is celebrated as the birthday of Manu Rishi. It is believed, Lord Brahma gave origination to Maharaja Manu and queen Shatrupa. Hence, this day is considered as the beginning of the universe creation. Capricorn sign has the Yoga of Sun and Moon which increases the significance of this Amavasya. Bathing in Sangam of Allahabad, gives virtues to an individual, on this day. According to some scholar, Maun Vrat should be observed. Maun (silent) Vrat means to control all our senses. It depends on a person for how long he wants to observe silence. People take the resolution of Maun Vrat for a day, or a month, or for one year.

Significance of Bathing in Ganga Water on Maghi Purnima

Magh Purnima or Magha Pournami, also known as Maha Maghi, is one of the auspicious Pournami days for Hindu devotees. Purnima is considered as significant in terms of spiritual practice and performing religious rituals.Samudra Snan or Punya Nadi Snanan (holy dip in holy waters) on Maha Maghi is highly meritorious deed. It is auspicious for Snana, Daana, Japa, and Parayana.

Kumari Amman Temple - Kanyakumari

Kumari Amman Temple is 3000 years old temple dedicated to Goddess Kumari Amman located at Kanyakumari. Kumari Amman is one of the form of Devi, popularly known as “Kumari Bhagavathy Amman”. Kumari Bhagavathy Amman temple is the first Durga temple created by Lord Parasurama and one of the 108 Shakthi Peetas.

This temple is situated at the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. Kumari temple has been mentioned in Ramayana, Mahabaradha and Purananooru.

Srivari Padalu - Tirumala

A way ahead of Sila Thoranam at Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara a human incarnation of Lord Vishnu is a location that has been famous to be the first foot step of the lord which he set on this piece of earth. The foot marks are visible and the direction of the feet is pointing towards the today’s new sanctum sanctorum of the Lord, the main temple of Balaji (Lord Venkateshwara).

If you are visiting this place 

Make sure you take a snap of this place. Photography is allowed and free. 

Lakhamandal temple

Lakhamandal is an ancient Hindu temple, situated in Dehradun district, is dedicated to lord Shiva.This temple is popular amongst the people who belong to the Shakti Cult. They believe that a visit to this temple shrine will bring an end to all their misfortunes and ill destiny. They accept the trouble to come over to this place from far and wide, solely in search of peace and eternal bliss.


Attraction of this temple shrine is the graphite Lingam which shines when water is poured on it and one can see his/her reflection in it.

LEGENDS & BELIEFS :

According to the local people, this temple and the adjoining area is believed to be the place where Duryodhana of Mahabharata episode conspired to burn alive the Pandava in the Lakshyagriha house, constructed with shellac.

Twin statues of Danav and Manav are found beside the temple's main shrine. They are believed to be the dwarpals (doormen) of the temple. They also resemble Jai and Vijay, the doormen of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that in the ancient times when someone was dying or had just died, when brought in front of these statues came alive or lived for some moments before going to their peaceful death. Local people believe that it was the power of Manav who kept the person alive and Danav was the one who ultimately took the person's soul to Lord Vishnu's abode.

There is also a cave near this place which is called Dhundhi Odaari in the local Jaunsari language. Dhundi or Dhund means "misty" or "foggy" and odaar or odaari means "cave" or "a hidden place". The local people of this area believe that the Pandava took refuge in this cave to save themselves from Duryodhana.

Best time to Visit : March and June

HOW TO REACH :

Lakhmandal is situated in Uttaranchal on the bank of Yamuna at a distance of 35 kms. from  Chakrata  and 128 kms. Past Kempty Falls, 75 kms on the Mussoorie-Yamnotri road lies Lakhamandal, having a historical as well as mythological significance.

Swamimalai Murugan Temple

Swamimalai Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple located in the township of Swamimalai, 5 km from Kumbakonam on the banks of a tributary of river Cauvery, 250 km from Chennai and is near to Thanjavur in India.

According to Hindu belief, Swamimalai is where Muruga preached what as called as "Pranava mantra" to his own father, Shiva, at a tender age, after arresting 'Brahma' for not answering his question about Pranava Mantra.

108 names of Lord Rama

Shri Ram is recognized as the seventh incarnation (Avatar) of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Universe.  Lord Ram is known for his virtues. Ram is the great lord of Hanuman, the ultimate disciple.Lord Rama is the one of the commonly worshipped gods of the Hindu religion.

Name	Meaning
Om Shri Ramaya Namaha	The Giver of happiness
Om Ramabhadraya Namaha	The Auspicious One
Om Ramachandraya Namaha	Moon like Gentle
Om Shashvataya Namaha	The ever-lasting one
Om Rajivalochanaya Namaha	The Lotus-eyed
Om Shrimate Namaha	The Abode of Lakshmi
Om Rajendraya Namaha	The King of the Kings
Om Raghupungavaya Namaha	The Scion of the Raghu dynasty
Om Janaki Vallabhaya Namaha	The Consort of Janaki
Om Jaitraya Namaha	The Triumphant
Om Jitamitraya Namaha	The Conqueror of His Foes
Om Janardhanaya Namaha	The Refuge of the people
Om Vishvamitra Priyaya Namaha	The Beloved of Sage Vishvamitra
Om Dantaya Namaha	The Unperturbed
Om Sharanatrana Tatparaya Namaha	The One who is Determined To Protect His Devotees
Om Bali Pramathanaya Namaha	The Slayer of Bali
Om Vagmine Namaha	The Spokesman
Om Satyavache Namaha	The Speaker Of Truth
Om Satyavikramaya Namaha	The One who is Truthfully Powerful
Om Satyavrataya Namaha	The One of truthful vows
Om Vratadharaya Namaha	The One who is Practising Penance
Om Sada Hanumadashritaya Namaha	The One who is always served by Hanuman
Om Kausaleyaya Namaha	The Son of Kausalya
Om Kharadhvamsine Namaha	The Slayer of the demon Khara
Om Viradha Vanapanditaya Namah	The Slayer of the demon Viradha
Om Vibhishana Paritratre Namaha	The Protector of Vibhishana
Om Kodanda Khandanaya Namaha	The One who broke the mighty bow
Om Saptatala Prabhedre Namaha	The One who Broke the Seven Tale Trees
Om Dashagriva Shiroharaya Namaha	The Slayer Of Ten-Headed Ravana
Om Jamadagnya Mahadarpaya Namaha	The destroyer of Jamadagni's Son's Arrogance
Om Tatakantakaya Namaha	The Slayer of Tataka
Om Vedanta Saraya Namaha	The Essence of Vedanta
Om Vedatmane Namaha	The Spirit of the Vedas
Om Bhavarogasya Bheshajaya Namaha	The Reliever Of Earthly Ailments
Om Dushanatri Shirohantre Namaha	The Slayer Of Dooshanatrishira
Om Trigunatmakaya Namaha	The Source of the three gunas
Om Trivikramaya Namaha	The Conqueor Of The Three Worlds
Om Trilokatmane Namaha	The Lord Of The Three Worlds
Om Punyacharitra Kirtanaya Namah	The One whose story is a source of merit to those who sing it
Om Triloka Rakshakaya Namaha	The Protector of the three worlds
Om Dhanvine Namaha	The wielder of the bow
Om Dandakaranya Kartanaya Namaha	The Dweller in the Dandaka forest
Om Ahalya Shapashamanaya Namaha	The Reliever of Ahalya's curse
Om Pitru Bhaktaya Namaha	The Worshipper of father Dasaratha
Om Vara Pradaya Namaha	The giver of boons
Om Jitendriyaya Namaha	The Conqueror of the senses
Om Jitakrodhaya Namaha	The Conqueror of anger
Om Jitamitraya Namaha	The One who wins over friends
Om Jagad Gurave Namaha	The Guru of the world
Om Riksha Vanara Sanghatine Namaha	The Saviour Of Boars And Monkeys
Om Chitrakuta Samashrayaya Namaha	The Lord who took refuge at Chitrakuta Hill
Om Jayanta Trana Varadaya Namaha	The Lord who blessed Jayanta
Om Sumitra Putra Sevitaya Namaha	The Lord who is served by Sumitra's son (Lakshmana)
Om Sarva Devadhi Devaya Namaha	The Lord of all the gods
Om Mritavanara Jivanaya Namaha	The reviver of dead monkeys
Om Mayamaricha Hantre Namaha	The Destroyer of the demon Maricha
Om Mahadevaya Namaha	The Great Lord
Om Mahabhujaya Namaha	The Lord of mighty arms
Om Sarvadeva Stutaya Namaha	The Lord who is praised by all the gods
Om Saumyaya Namaha	The Calm One
Om Brahmanyaya Namaha	The Absolute Reality
Om Muni Samstutaya Namaha	The Lord who is praised by sages
Om Mahayogine Namaha	The Great Yogi
Om Mahadaraya Namaha	The Noble One
Om Sugrivepsita Rajyadaye Namaha	The Lord who returned the kingdom to Sugriva
Om Sarva Punyadhi Kaphalaya Namaha	The Giver of fruits of pious work, good karmas
Om Smrita Sarvagha Nashanaya Namaha	The Remover of all afflictions
Om Adipurushaya Namaha	The Primal Being
Om Paramapurushaya Namaha	The Supreme Being
Om Mahapurushaya Namaha	The Great Being
Om Punyodayaya Namaha	The Source of all blessings
Om Dayasaraya Namaha	The Embodiment of compassion
Om Purana Purushottamaya Namaha	The Most Ancient Person
Om Smita Vaktraya Namaha	The One who smiling speaks
Om Mita Bhashine Namaha	The One of moderate speech
Om Purva Bhashine Namaha	The One who rarely speaks
Om Raghavaya Namaha	The scion of the Raghu dynasty
Om Ananta Gunagambhiraya Namaha	The Lord of infinite majestic qualities
Om Dhirodatta Gunottamaya Namaha	The Lord of Valorous qualities
Om Maya Manusha Charitraya Namaha	The Lord who incarnated as a man through His maya
Om Mahadevadi Pujitaya Namaha	The Lord who is worshiped by Lord Shiva
Om Setukrite Namaha	The builder of the bridge
Om Sarva Tirthamayaya Namaha	The Lord who is the sum of all holy places
Om Haraye Namaha	The Destroyer
Om Shyamangaya Namaha	The Dark-complexioned One
Om Sundaraya Namaha	The Beautiful One
Om Shooraya Namaha	The Valiant
Om Pitavasase Namaha	The Lord clad in yellow raiment
Om Dhanurdharaya Namaha	The Bearer of the bow
Om Sarva Yajnadhipaya Namaha	The Lord of sacrifice
Om Yajvine Namaha	The Sacrificer
Om Jaramarana Varjitaya Namaha	The Conqueror of birth and death
Om Vibhishana Pratishthatre Namaha	The Lord who crowned Vibhishana on the throne
Om Sarvabharana Varjitaya Namaha	The Lord who relinquished all adornment
Om Paramatmane Namaha	The Supreme Self
Om Parabrahmane Namaha	The Supreme Godhead
Om Sachidananda Vigrahaya Namaha	The Form of Eternal Bliss
Om Parasmai Jyotishe Namaha	The Supreme Light
Om Parasmai Dhamne Namaha	The Supreme Abode
Om Parakashaya Namaha	The Supreme Space
Om Paratparaya Namaha	The Supreme beyond the highest
Om Pareshaya Namaha	The Supreme Lord
Om Parakaya Namaha	The Uplifter Of The Poor
Om Paraya Namaha	The Supreme Being
Om Sarva Devatmakaya Namaha	The Lord who is the Source of all gods
Om Parasmai Namaha	The Supreme Lord

Varaha Narasimha Temple - Simhachalam

This  is a Hindu temple located near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, South India. It is dedicated to the incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu known as Narasimha . The word Simhachalam means the hill of the lion. It is the hill of the great Nara-Simha, the forth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu descended on Simhachalam Mountain to save Prahladaha devotee, who was about to be dropped in the sea from the mountain top.

Ashtavinayaka Temples - Ballaleshwar Pali

Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganeshas is located in Maharashtra state of India, The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage covers the eight holy temples of Ganesha .All the Eight  Ashtavinayak Templs are Swayambhu (self-originated) and Jagrut.There are various names of Lord Ganesh for various places. The various names of Lord Ganesh are Moreshwar, Mahaganpati, Chintamani, Girijatmak, Vighneshwar, Siddhivinayak, Ballaleshwar and Varad Vinayak . These Temples are situated at Morgaon, Ranjangaon, Theur, Lenyadri, Ojhar, Siddhatek, Pali and Mahad. These places are at Pune, Ahamadnagar and Raigad district. Of the 8 vinayakas, 6 are in Pune district area and 2 in Raigad district but still comparatively nearer to the Pune areas.

Ballaleshwar Pali :

Among the Ashtavinayakas, Ballaleshvara at Pali is the only Ganesha who is famous by the name of his devotee and who is dressed up as a brahmin.

Village Pali is situated between fort Sarasgad & river Amba flowing on the other side. On being pleased by devotion of Ballal, Shri Ganesh remained in the stone worshipped by Ballal & hence is called as Ballaleshwar of Pali.

Village Pali is situated in the Sudhagad taluka in the district of Raigad. This place is nestled between the fort Sarasgad and River Amba. The nearest railway station is Karjat, which is 30Kms away.

Legend of Balleleshwar :

In the Konkan Pallir village now known as Pali there lived a young boy Ballal who was a very sincere devotee of Lord Ganesh. Son of a rich businessman, his pre-occupation with worship at a young age displeased his father. Ballal spent a large part of his time in worship and influenced his friends to do so too. His friends' parents felt that Ballal was misleading their children by showing them the Bhaktimarg [the path of devotion] at such young age. They asked Ballal's father to restrain him. His father went to look for Ballal and found him in the forest engrossed in his worship of Lord Ganesh. He disrupted the puja, threw away the idol of Ganesh and beat his son. Not content with this he also tied him to a tree. He then left Ballal in the forest asserting that let Lord Ganesh himself come and rescue him. Ballal was in great pain but he kept calling upon Lord Ganesh who took the form of a Brahmin and appeared before him. He set Ballal free and then asked him to make a wish. Ballal entreated Lord Ganesh to reside in this region. The God acquiesced and, resided in a stone which is now believed to be the idol of Ballaleshwar Vinayak, that people worship at Pali. The idol that Ballal's father had desecrated too was placed in the temple. The idol of Dhundivinayak nearby is believed to be that idol.

Temple And Deity

The original temple was made of wood, which was renovated in 1760 and made of stone by Mr.Phadnavis . There are two ponds near the temple.

The temple faces East and is shaped like the letter Shree in the Devnagiri script. There are two lakes in the vicinity of the Temple.

Water from the lake on the right side is used for Lord Ganesha's worship and other auspicious ocassions. During southern declination of the sun, the rays of the Sun falls on the idol of Lord Ballaleshwar.

The temple has two sanctums. In the outer sanctum Mooshak the mouse faces the deity holding a modak in his paws.

In the inner sanctum is the idol of Ballaleshwar. It is 3feet high and it faces east and its trunk turns towards the left. The navel and eyes of the idol are studded with precious stones. Lord Ganesh in this aspect appeared as a Brahmin and so this is one of those rare statues where Ganesh is shown wearing clothes as Brahmins do. On both sides of the idol are statues of Riddhi and Siddhi.

The Dhundi Vinayak Temple is situated behind the main temple. The idol in this temple is believed to be swayambhu. The idol of Dhundivinayak faces west. Devotees first visit this temple before going to the main temple.

Puja Schedule

The inner sanctum is open to devotees in the morning from 5 am to 11:30am.

The outer sanctum is open to devotees till 10:30pm.

Festivals Celebrated

Two major festivals are celebrated in this temple.

In the month of Bhadrapad in the waxing period from the Pratipada to Panchami [first to fifth day]

And in Magh of the waxing period from Pratipada to Panchami [first to fifth day]

On these days festivities go on for five days. Kirtan, religious discourses and other cultural activities are organised.

On Chaturthi[fourth day] of Bhadrapad a Maha Bhog is offered to the deity. According to a poupular belief one can see the impression of God's fingers on the offerings. Thousands of devotees throng the temple on this day to witness this miracle.

On Panchami [fifth day] Dahikala and Anna samtarpan are carried out.

On the third day of Magh, a procession carries the Palkhi of the deity around the city.

HOW TO REACH :

1. It is 124 Kms away from Mumbai. One can reach Pali from Mumbai Via Panvel, Khopoli.

2. From Pune, Pali is 10 kms Via Lonavala & Khopoli

3. There are some direct buses from Pune & Mumbai to Pali.

4. One can go by train till Krajat and from Karjat buses are available from pali.

5. Buses are available from Khopoli & Panvel

6. From Mumbai one can go Dharatar by boat and from there buses are available till Pali.

Hanuman Temple - Kondagattu

Anjaneya Swamy Temple is located at Kondagattu, about 35 km from Karimnagar, in Telangana . The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, popularly known here as Anjaneya Swamy.

Auspicious Bathing Dates for 2013 Kumbh Mela

The highlight for most pilgrims during a Kumbhmela festival is the observance of a holy bath at the sangam. A holy bath in either of a sacred river has purifying effects, but where the three rivers meet, the purification is said to increase one hundred times.

It is further believed that when one takes a sacred bathe at the sangam during the Kumbhmela the potency of the holy water increased one thousand times. For this reason Indians believes that the Kumbhmela is the most auspicious place in the universe to take a holy bath. Armed with this faith pilgrims attend the Kumbhmela and bathe in the Ganges in a mood of solemn reverence.

Auspicious bathing dates for 2013 Kumbhmela, Allahabad
27th Jan  2013	Paush Purnima
06th Feb 2013	Ekadashi Snan
10th Feb 2013	Mauni Amavasya Snan
15th Feb 2013	Basant Panchami Snan
17th Feb 2013	Rath Saptami Snan
18th Feb 2013	Bhisma Ekadashi Snan
25th Feb 2013	Maghi Purnima Snan

How to Reach Allahabad 

By Air:
Allahabad is served by the Allahabad Airport (Bamrauli Air Force Base) and is linked to Delhi and Kolkata by JetLite and Air India Regional. Other larger airports in the vicinity are at Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport 125 km) and Lucknow (Amausi International Airport 238 km).

By Rail:
Allahabad is the headquarters of the North Central Railway Zone, and is well connected by trains with all major cities in India.

By Road:
NH2 runs through the middle of the city. NH96 connects to NH28 at Faizabad. Another is NH27 which starts from Allahabad and ends at Mangawan in Madhya Pradesh connecting to NH7. There are other state highways that link Allahabad to all other parts of the country.

Kumbh Mela

Kumbh Mela is a massive event among Hindus, when large number of Pilgrims assemble in a river bank and take holy bath in the river, with the faith that when one takes bath in these holy water fronts one wards off all the sins in life, which event occurs once every 12 years, with a reference as Purna Kumbh mela,meaning the ‘full kumbh mela’, while there is also similar event observed once every 6 years , which is called Ardh Kumbh Mela, meaning ‘ half kumbh mela’, the grand festival of Maha Kumbh Mela happening once in 144 years period, marking 12 observations of 12 Purna Kumbh Mela, which is organized at Allahabad where three holi rivers join together.

Kumbh Mela is not just another Hindu festival, like Diwali or Holi, but a ritual with lot of reverence, as the holi dip is in the merging point of sacred rivers, and Vedic texts have clarified that one who takes a dip in these points,

will have total liberation from the worldly sins, attaining Moksha or the release , while still they are living, a large number of common people besides sadhus and sacred persons in the form of saints assemble here with total faith and dedication, to take their holy bath in the uniting spot of sacred rivers, such as Prayag or Sangam where the Holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati merge, in these the river Saraswati has gone underground many centuries before.

Holy rivers that are included in this sacred ritual are Ganga at Haridwar, Godhavari at Nashik, Kshipra at Ujjain and Sangam of three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati at Prayag spot of  Alahabad , Nashik having registered the maximum number of devotees , about 75 million, so far, and during these rituals, many sadhus come in saffron colored cloths with ashes smeared on the whole of body, some naga tribe saints walking around stark naked dabbing only ashes on their body in the severe winter.

HISTORY :

It is not exactly known since when did people begin to hold Kumbh Mela; it is widely known how this spectacle of faith has attracted the curiosity of foreigners across the world. The famous Chinese traveler Hiuen-Tsang was probably the first person to mention Kumbh Mela in his diary.

In the 8th century, the great Indian saint Shankara popularized the Kumbh Mela among the common people. With each passing year the fair began to be attended by more and more people.

Timeline of KumbhMela (Modern Times)

YEAR	PLACE
1980	Nasik
1980	Ujjain
1986	Haridwar
1989	Allahabad
1992	Nasik
1992	Ujjain
1998	Haridwar
2001	Allahabad
2003	Nasik
2004	Ujjain
2010	Haridwar