Simhastha

Simhastha

It finds mention in the Hindu mythological tale of churning of the cosmic ocean by the gods and the demons, with Vasuki, the serpent as the rope. It is believed that the ocean bed first yielded fourteen gems, then Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and finally the coveted vessel of Nectar.

In the wild scramble for immortality, with the demons chasing the Gods across the skies, a few drops of the Nectar spilt from the vessel and fell at Haridwar, Nasik, Prayag, and Ujjaini or the present Ujjain. Therefore, the Kumbha Parva is celebrated at the interval of every twelve years at these places.

The specific features of Kumbha alias Simhastha in Ujjain is its association with Leo, thus being famous as the Simhastha Parva. On this occasion the following ten coincidences assemble together

• The month of Baisakha
• The bright fortnight
• The full Moon day (Purnima)
• The Sun in the arise (Mesha Rasi)
• The Brihaspati (Jupiter) in Leo
• The Moon in the Libra (Tula rasi)
• The vyatipata yoga
• The pious Monday
• The holy Ksetra Avantika

On the occasion of this pious Parva lakhs of pilgrims from India and abroad take bath here and exhibit their religious faith. The most peculiar feature is the procession of the seers and sages moving towards the Sipra for the holy dip. These religious leaders stay in Ujjain during the whole Simhastha period and take bath on specific bath-days with freat faith and enthusiasm with their sectorial banners (Nisanas).

During the Simhastha Parva every pilgrim after taking the bath visits the temple and humbly bows down before the Lord. The sight of the temple is very enchanting and rarely seen on that occasion. The law and order situations are well-planned and very alert then. The whole atmosphere echoes with the Jaya Jayakara (Victory to the Lord) Mahakalesvara.