Kumbh Mela: A Sacred Gathering of Faith, History, and Tradition
The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest and most revered religious gatherings in the world, drawing millions of pilgrims from India and around the globe. This ancient event holds profound significance in Hinduism and is a celebration of faith, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Let's delve into the rich history and traditions of the Kumbh Mela.
Origins and Legends:
The origins of the Kumbh Mela History date back to ancient Hindu mythology and scriptures. According to Hindu beliefs, the universe was created through a celestial churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by gods and demons. During this cosmic event, a few drops of the nectar of immortality (Amrit) spilled from the Kumbha (pot) into four sacred rivers: the Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna, Godavari, and Saraswati. These rivers are considered holy, and their waters are believed to be imbued with divine powers.
Significance of the Kumbh Mela:
Spiritual Cleansing and Redemption:
Pilgrims gather at the Kumbh Mela to bathe in the sacred rivers, believing that the waters cleanse them of sins and bring spiritual merit.
It is believed that bathing during the Kumbh Mela can liberate individuals from the cycle of birth and death (Moksha).
Astronomical Alignment:
The timing and location of the Kumbh Mela are determined by astrological and astronomical calculations.
It is held at four main locations, each corresponding to the zodiac signs: Prayagraj (Allahabad) for the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, Haridwar for the Ganga river, Nashik for the Godavari river, and Ujjain for the Shipra river.
Gathering of Saints and Sadhus:
The Kumbh Mela attracts a diverse array of sadhus (ascetics), saints, and spiritual leaders from various sects and orders.
It serves as a platform for spiritual discourse, exchange of ideas, and the propagation of religious teachings.
Cultural Festivities:
Beyond its religious significance, the Kumbh Mela is a vibrant cultural festival showcasing India's diverse traditions, music, dance, and art.
Visitors can witness processions, rituals, and ceremonies that highlight the country's rich cultural heritage.
History and Evolution:
Ancient Origins: The Kumbh Mela has ancient roots, with references found in texts like the Puranas and Ramayana.
Historical Accounts: Historical records mention the Kumbh Mela being held as far back as the 8th century CE during the reign of the Harshavardhana dynasty.
Muslim and British Rule: Despite challenges during periods of Muslim and British rule, the Kumbh Mela persisted and continued to be celebrated.
Modern-Day Kumbh Melas: The Kumbh Mela has evolved into a massive event attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists.
Record-Breaking Attendance: Recent Kumbh Melas have set records for the largest gathering of humanity in one place, with millions converging for the sacred baths.
Rituals and Practices:
Shahi Snan (Royal Bath):
The Shahi Snan is the main ritual of the Kumbh Mela, where designated groups of sadhus and devotees take a ceremonial bath in the holy river.
The timing of the Shahi Snan is determined by astrological calculations and is considered the most auspicious moment.
Aarti and Bhajans:
Daily aarti (ritual worship with lamps) and bhajan sessions (devotional songs) are performed along the riverbanks.
These ceremonies create a spiritual ambiance and provide an opportunity for devotees to participate in collective worship.
Satsangs and Discourses:
Spiritual discourses, known as satsangs, are conducted by revered saints and scholars.
These sessions offer insights into spiritual teachings, scriptures, and the path to enlightenment.
Akharas and Naga Sadhus:
Akharas are sects or orders of sadhus, each with its own traditions and practices.
Naga Sadhus, known for their renunciation of clothing and ascetic lifestyle, play a significant role during the Kumbh Mela.
Famous Kumbh Melas:
Prayagraj (Allahabad):
The Prayagraj Kumbh Mela is considered the most significant and largest of all the Kumbh Melas.
It is held at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers and attracts millions of pilgrims.
Haridwar:
Haridwar, located on the banks of the Ganga river, hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years.
For more info. visit us:
Bhasma Aarti Online Registration
Ujjain Pooja Booking
Bhasma Aarti Online Booking
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One day (03)
Synopsis- Peter's life is turned upside down when he meets a criminal who stole the world's most prestigious jewel, but all is not as it seems
Warnings- violence, blood, guns, use of sedatives, that's it(?), lmk if I missed something
Word Count- 3.1k
"Is this french?" The girl asked the waiter who was pouring their wine.
"Indian ma'am, from Nashik." He corrected smugly.
"Ahhh, go on, pour it." She said sheepishly, looking back at Peter.
"So you travel a lot?" Peter asked in excitement to the girl in front of him whose eyes followed the waiter suspiciously as she replied nonchalantly.
"I have to, I need to save the world after all." She said, not paying much attention.
"Huh?" Peter asked.
Looking back at the boy she became aware of what she said as she thought of a cover-up, "From mosquitos."
"Mosquitos?"
"Yup, I work in advertising for a mosquito repellent company." She inwardly thanked her spontaneity as Peter nodded in understanding.
"And you? Do you travel?" She asked him, Peter shook his head and smiled sadly, making the girl cock her head to the side in question.
"I was 10 when my aunt May brought me here along with my uncle. Both my parents died when I was quite young. I lost uncle Ben as well, when I was 15." He paused for a second, 'Liz's' smile dropped and a somber expression took over her face. Peter took a deep breath and put on a brave smile as he continued.
"I've been here since then. I don't travel or leave this city." His brave smile remained, making the girl smile softly yet fondly at him and his courage.
"But one day," His face took on a dreamy expression, "I want to quit my job and travel the world."
"One day." He finished smiling.
"One day."
She thought for a minute and asked the boy in front of him, "But how will you know that your day is here?"
Peter smiled and shook his head as he threw his hands in surrender. "Queens is a small city, I cannot always do what I want to. I live with my Aunt and she is my responsibility too."
"One day." She agreed as Peter nodded.
"So you like dancing?" She asked, changing the topic.
"Yeah," Peter replied enthusiastically.
"Well then," She outstretched her hand and jerked her head to the dance floor in the corner where some couples were already dancing.
"Here?!"
"Yeah."
"No way." He replied quickly. "I just dance sometimes when I'm alone."
'Liz' smiled and shook her head, "God, Peter." She took a deep breath, brought her chair forward and placed her elbows on the table, leaning towards the boy.
"Come close."
"Huh" Peter raised his eyebrows, questioning if he had heard the girl right. But she just nodded her head.
Peter copied her actions and leaned as close as he was comfortable for.
"A little more." She insisted, Peter bought himself closer.
"Don't you think your 'one day' means never?" She started. "Today you're taking care of your aunt, tomorrow it will be your wife, then your kids." She shook her head in disagreement
"I think you should do what you want to, right now. I treat every day of mine as my last. So all I have is one day." Peter smiled and her lips stretched into one as well.
"The day you tick off the first thing off your bucket list, is your one day." She said beaming as he nodded.
"So, can I have the pleasure of a dance?" She stood up, doing a little bow.
Peter took a deep breath, looked at her hand and made a decision. He took her hand and stood up as she led him to the dance floor.
The tune was peaceful, he recognized the song immediately,
This side of Paradise
She positioned herself in front of him, her hair covering her face, tempting him to tuck them behind her ear and as if in a trance, he did.
Ask me why, my heart's inside my throat?
I've never been in love, I've been alone.
Feel like I've been living life asleep,
Love so strong, it makes me feel so weak.
To his surprise he saw the girl's lips part a little, as she stood there, flustered. But slowly recovered, snaking her arms around his neck. Peter plucked the courage and put his hands on her waist.
Are you lonely?
Our fingers dancing when they meet.
You seem so lonely.
Are you lonely?
I'll be the only dream you seek.
She started moving, small and steady steps giving Peter an encouraging smile which he returned, following his partner as they moved on the floor.
So if you're lonely,
No need to show me
If you're lonely,
Come be lonely with me.
Peter felt confidence flood into him as he tightened his grip on her waist and pulled her close. Now, he started moving a little fast along the beat as 'Liz' followed him, a gentle smile on her face as she saw the boy taking the lead.
Are you lonely?
Passion is crashing as we speak.
You seem so lonely,
Are you lonely?
You're the ground my feet won't reach.
She put her head on his chest making Peter's breath hitch. A warm and fuzzy feeling washed over him as if her body warmth was entangling with his own. They swayed side to side to the music, feeling euphoric in each other's presence.
So if you're lonely,
Darling, you're glowing.
If you're lonely,
Come be lonely with me.
'Liz's' eyes were closed as her breath steadied when she heard Peter's serene and rhythmic heartbeat. It had been very long since someone had made her feel this special, this safe.
She kept her eyes closed, thinking this was all a dream and might end if she opened them but her instincts and reflexes stated otherwise. She slightly opened them and she saw what she was afraid of.
The men who were chasing her were back, now double in number. She did not want to be seen with Peter at any cost. She quickly pulled away him and twirled him, dipping him down, their faces now inches apart.
The boy was in his own predicament at their proximity as his partner's breath fanned over him making multiple swarms of butterflies go mad in his stomach.
But the girl's attention was to solely escape and make Peter escape safely too.
She spotted a waiter carrying some wine and the bathroom door at a distance making her mind form a quick escape route for Peter
She nudged the waiter discreetly, making the wine fall over Peter's tux. He yelped as the waiter apologized. 'Liz' handed him a napkin, "The bathroom's to the left. I'll be waiting." She smiled at him and wanted him to leave as fast as she could make him.
"Alright" Peter said breathlessly and left the place but to the girl's disappointment and happiness at the same time the men spotted her but only her.
She quickly slipped her cube, which had the Tesseract into Peter's man purse he carried with him as she then pulled a table cloth and rolled it messily, making a make-shift whip when she saw the men enter the restaurant with clenched fists, ready to fight.
Back in the bathroom Peter closed the door hastily, catching his breath "God, she is perfect!" He exclaimed. "I cannot wait to see the reactions of the guys back in the bank." He sniggered to himself, cleaning his tux.
Outside, the men had started firing at 'Liz' who was behind a table trying to shield herself from the same. She peeked out from one side and grabbed a piece of broken glass. She jumped out from behind the table and charged the nearest man, stabbing his arm wth the shard.
He dropped his gun groaning in pain which she immediately took and started firing at the other ones.
Back in the bathroom Peter was mimicking the girl's words in the mirror "Don't you think your 'one day' means never?" He laughed happily as he looked away, pretty proud of his impression.
Outside, she was now grabbing a chair which she slammed onto two men's faces and took their guns as well.
Back in the bathroom, Peter could not stop praising his date. "Liz..." He sighed dreamily. "She's so calm."
Cut to 'Liz' smashing two men's heads into each other and kicking them, making the two fall through the glass window of the restaurant.
"So simple."
Next a guy attacked her with a punch, which she blocked at the last minute, grabbed a broken table leg from nearby and smashed it in the head, as he fell back.
She turned away, not aware he was about to attack. But before he could even take a stance she kicked him in the crotch without even looking back and dusted off pieces of glass from her shoulder.
"Yes Peter Parker." He continued to talk to himself in the bathroom. "She is the one, and this moment will never come again."
'Liz' however, was now completely outnumbered, as she was being cornered by the men who seemed to be increasing in number.
They fired at her mercilessly and it was not until she collided with a car behind her that she realized she was shot as she saw a pool of blood dripping from her abdomen to her feet. She climbed onto the car's bonnet and slipped away by sliding off into the narrow parking area.
The men advanced towards the car and checked everywhere but were not able to find her. It was as if she had vanished into thin air.
"Thank you MatchMaker.com!" Peter squealed, as he walked out of the bathroom.
"What the-"
He said, as he saw the state of the whole restaurant, or what was left of it. It was in shambles.
The waiters and employes cleaned the broken glass and cleared out the wooden tables which were reduced to some logs.
"What's all this?" He asked the manager who came beside him, handing him his purse.
"Your MatchMaker.com, sir." He replied, sourly.
"MatchMaker.com?"
A new voice came from the door where a girl stood in a crisp white dress, and a bouquet of flowers.
"Peter? I'm Liz." She said.
Peter's mouth hung agape at the girl as she continued. "I'm so sorry, my car's battery ran out and my phone had a flat tire."
"What happened to the other girl?" He asked the manager, still in shock.
He said nothing and held out an extremely long bill, "She left a bill"
"This big?" He asked in shock.
"Someone has to pay for all of this furniture. Her or you."
The youngest Vice president of BOQ!
His boss's image flashed in his mind as he searched his purse for his card, "Tell you what."
"Here you go," He handed the card to the manager. "This is my friend's card, he'll pay you. Sorry" With that he left the place. Angrily stepping into his car, Peter took off his coat and threw on a hoodie instead as he started the car back towards his home.
"MatchMaker." He spat angrily, "If she ever shows up again, I'll run her over with this car, I swear!" He said, muttering a string of curses with it.
And as if on cue, a body dropped on his windshield, making Peter slam on the breaks.
"Shit!" He cursed, hastily getting out of his car.
I- I'm so sorry, are you okay?" He asked, kneeling beside the girl who was laying on her stomach, she let out a groan and turned around.
"I'm okay, I'm good, I'm good." Her face was finally visible, making Peter's eyes widen in shock.
"You?!" He spoke in outrage.
"Hi! Y/n." She smiled up at him and outstretched her hand for him to shake as if they had met for the first time.
"What?!
"My name." She stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Yeah, sure. As if I will believe you after all the lies." Peter scoffed at her in disbelief.
"Look, I did lie about my name, but I swear everything else was true." Y/n reasoned desperately as she moved a little but took a sharp breath making Peter go closer to inspect her wound.
He winced, "You need a doctor." He said, looking at it closely.
'I don't need a doctor." She said firmly. "Maybe..." She trailed off looking at the brunet expectantly.
"Maybe what?" He asked in confusion.
"You can kiss it better?" She asked, smiling up at him cockily.
"Kiss it better?" He repeated in a monotone voice, with a little tinge of disbelief in it. When she simply kept smiling he shook his head and got up,
"You're crazy. I'm leaving, but I seriously think you need a doctor." He was about to get into his car when Y/n spoke in a serious voice, turning towards him,
"They saw you at the restaurant with me," She bluffed.
"Who?" Peter asked sceptically.
"They think you know something." She continued.
"What do I know?" Peter asked, now panicking.
"-Nothing, but they don't know that." She answered calmly.
"So they don't know that I know something?" He confirmed, still panicking.
"No, they think you know something but they don't know that you know nothing." Y/n explained again, still calm.
"So what do I know then?" Peter's voice became more urgent.
"Nothing," she replied loudly, exasperated by his repetitive questions.
"Do they know tha-"
"Stop!" Y/n interrupted him, her eyes wide in disbelief as she winced in pain once again.
"Ow," she laid down on her back completely, looking at the boy incredulously, "The bullet won't kill me but your questions will."
Back in the restaurant she had caused the ruckus in, inspector Natasha had arrived along with a team of officers from the AIQ.
"Peter Parker." She paused,
"So you're telling me this boy was with this girl?" She questioned the manager, taking out Y/n's photo.
"Yes ma'am," He replied, "And this is his friend's card." He fished out the card given by Peter and handed it to her
"Flash Thompson." The officer read aloud, making her mind up to pay Bank of Queens a visit.
Y/n leaned against a tree with Peter's help, she took a deep breath and spoke to him, "Listen to me, very carefully,"
"Uh huh" Peter urged her to continue.
"I've stolen something." She confessed, Peter's eyes widened and he asked, "What?"
Y/n immediately raised a safety kit making Peter sight in relief.
She opened it up as she spoke, "I've already taken out the bullet, you just have to stitch it up."
"Stitch? I've never even held a sewing needle in my life, how will I do this?" He asked worriedly looking at the wound and her face.
"Don't worry, you just hold this, right here, I'll do the work." She instructed, handing Peter a torch and fixing it in a position by taking his hand into hers
Peter cringed at the wound and averted his gaze from it as Y/n patched it up.
"Steady, steady." She encouraged looking back and forth between the brunet and the wound.
"I've never seen a person hold a torch so perfectly before this. Keep it up." She praised him and completed the patching up.
"Thanks." Peter said, his eyes still closed. "You're done?" He asked.
"Yeah almost, steady." She lied, taking the cube from his purse and stuffing it into her own duffel bag.
"Yup, done." She said and Peter opened his eyes and handed her the torch.
"Here," She handed him a water bottle. "You might be thirsty." She said as Peter hesitantly took it.
Y/n took her duffel bag and went behind the tree, to get changed from her dress.
Peter took a swig from the water. It was tasty. He wanted to drink more, and so he did. He drank and drank until the bottle finished.
When he capped the bottle, his head spun. As if someone had turned the world upside down and then put it back the way it was. He shook his head, once or twice but to no avail. His movements became sluggish and lips parted at the sight of the girl who stepped out in front of him.
Y/n now wore black leggings and a black tank top with a zipped open brown leather jacket and combat boots of the same color. There was one holster on each side of her waist and she was stuffing a pocket knife into her jacket.
Peter's head did not stop spinning as he grew suspicious of the girl and the water she gave him. "What was this?" His words came out ragged and his voice a little deeper than usual.
When she did not answer and continued to rummage her bag he asked again, "Who are you?"
"Y/n Rogers, international criminal." She replied promptly, still not looking up at him, "Pathologically psychopathic and schizophrenic. I need psychiatric help." She continued nonchalantly as Peter's expression turned into one of horror.
"What?!"
"I don't, but that is what they will say." She crouched to his level and said with a gentle smile.
"What was in the water?!" He asked in panic, now it was difficult for him to even keep his eyes open.
"Sedatives."
"Why?!"
"Listen to me very carefully," She said, ignoring the question, "Two kinds of people will approach you. One, who are Government agents and two, who are not government agents. They will ask you about me, and when you say you know nothing, they will offer to transport you to a "safe" place." Y/n explained, making air quotes with the word 'safe'.
"Why are you emphasising on 'safe' like that?" Peter asked sleepily, copying her actions.
"Pay attention, there will be a gun hidden in the car, they will take you in," Y/n said.
"Gun?" He questioned, flabbergasted.
"Yes, if it's a BMW, then under the left side of the seat and if it's a Ford, then under the right side of the seat. Got it?" She explained.
"Okay."
"You take that out, scare them and use it to escape." She continued, speaking slowly as if talking to a baby. Peter's eyes became droopy as he nodded.
"And if they ask anything about me...." She trailed off, indicating to him to complete her sentence.
"I don't know you." He said.
"Good boy." She praised, making him smile a little.
"I don't know you at all." He said again
"Very good." She said, but Peter's eyes were rolling to the back of his head as his body went limp and he collapsed onto Y/n's shoulder.
"Very good, Very good." She repeated, running a hand through his soft locks and for a moment there, she genuinely wanted the time to stop.
taglist (one day)- @idli-dosa
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