• By - Annuradha Verma

Kumbh Mela 2027 in Nashik: Mythological Significance, Astrological Alignment & the Story of Amrit

Around July 2027, the Kumbh Mela will once again be held in Nashik, when the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter will be positioned in the same zodiac sign.

There are four widely known legends associated with why the Kumbh festival is celebrated. The first is related to Lord Shiva and Goddess Ganga. The second narrates the story of Maharishi Durvasa. The third is the tale of Kadru and Vinata. However, the most popular and widely accepted legend is that of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean).

At the time of Samudra Manthan, Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of a tortoise (Kurma Avatar), as Mount Mandarachal was used as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki was used as the rope. To support the mountain on His back and prevent it from sinking, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a tortoise, enabling the churning of the ocean.

During the Samudra Manthan, fourteen divine treasures emerged. The very first was poison, which was consumed by Lord Shiva. The final and most precious outcome was the pot (Kumbh) filled with nectar (Amrit). As soon as the nectar appeared, the demons began fighting to seize it. Indra’s son, Jayant, fled swiftly with the Amrit Kumbh, while the demons chased him relentlessly.

During this chase, a few drops of nectar fell on the earth. The places where these drops fell became the sacred sites where the Kumbh Mela is held—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.

This divine pursuit for nectar lasted for a duration equivalent to twelve human years, which equals twelve days for the gods. When a demon deceitfully consumed the nectar, the Sun and Moon informed Lord Vishnu, leading to the emergence of Rahu and Ketu, who since then cause eclipses by shadowing the Sun and Moon.

Since the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter played a crucial role in protecting the nectar pot, the Kumbh Mela is organized whenever Jupiter enters the zodiac sign of the Sun. The festival officially begins when the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter align in the same zodiac sign.

The sacred baths taken during the Kumbh Mela, along with prayers, rituals, and mantra chanting performed on auspicious bathing days, yield immense spiritual benefits. This grand festival helps liberate individuals from the sins of their past karmas.