The Kumbh Mela's significance is rooted in the story of Samudra Manthan (ocean churning), performed by gods and demons to obtain ratnas (jewels) and amrita (nectar of immortality).
Mount Mandrachala acted as the churning stick, and Nagraja Vasuki served as the rope. Lord Vishnu took the form of Kurma (tortoise) to support the mountain and prevent it from sinking.
This myth symbolizes the churning of our minds, encouraging self-exploration that leads to liberation and immortality.
The first substance to emerge was a venomous poison, which Lord Shiva consumed, earning him the name Nilkantha (blue-throated one).
As the churning continued, treasures like Kamdhenu (wish-fulfilling cow) and Uccaishrava (divine horse) emerged. Jayanta, son of Lord Indra, snatched the amrita kalasa (nectar pot) from God Dhanvantari.
Noticing the theft, Lord Shukracharya alerted the demons, who chased Jayanta. He ran for 12 days to protect the amrita kalasha from falling into their hands.
Jayanta set down the amrita kalasha at four locations: Haridwar, Prayag (Allahabad), Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, and Ujjain, where a unique astrological alignment occurred.
The nectar was saved by God Brihaspati, with help from the Sun, Lord Shani, and the Moon.
The normal Kumbh Mela occurs every 3 years, the Ardh (Half) Kumbh Mela every 6 years at Haridwar and Prayag, and the Purna(Complete) Kumbh Mela every 12 years at the four sacred locations.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated at Prayag after 144 years, which is equivalent to 12 Purna Kumbh Melas.
