Welcome to Satyadhara Yogalife Ashram (SYA) - an immaculate abode amidst nature, surrounded by the natural beauty of hills and enthralling sound of river, ideal for self- development through Yoga, Ayurveda and Naturopathy
An opportunity to learn authentic Classical Indian Yoga with scientific approach in a modern way with International Yoga Guru Pundit Radheshyam Mishra – 200 and 500 hour Yoga Teacher Certification Program
An opportunity to learn authentic Classical Indian Yoga with scientific approach in a modern way with International Yoga Guru Pundit Radheshyam Mishra – 200 hour Yoga Teacher Certification Program: «Immersion Course 2016″ Date: 5-17th January, 2016
For detail visit the link:
http://www.imersaoemyoga.blogspot.com.br
or Contact
Satyadhara - +55 54 8119-9638
UYLS- +91 9406624555
Overview:
We, at Ujjain Yoga Life Society are organizing the biggest event in the history of Yoga at Simhastha Kumbha Mela, Ujjain - 2016. The Yoga Kumbh Camp site situated within the Kumbh Mela zone in Ujjain is providing the most hygienic, comfortable and affordable accommodation for all the guests. All the tents at the campsite are eco-friendly, water-proof and weather-proof. All the basic facilities are made available to all our guests and the organizing team is motivated to make Kumbh Mela experience a memorable one for all its guests. Tents range from the most economical Dormitories (with non-attached bathrooms and toilets) to the luxurious superior Darbaar tents providing facilities similar to that of some of the posh hotels.
Location:
The tents are located at the most ideal location within the Kumbh Mela Kshetra / Zone and are very close to the holy bathing site. We will be providing all the assistance required for the holy ritual of “Shahi Snan” and our guests will be able to enjoy the beautiful view of the Kshipra River while staying with us at the Yoga Kumbh camp. Our camp is located in the Datta Akhara sector within the Kumbh Mela festival area.
Security:
We have taken special care for security of our guests and our campus has been completely covered under CCTV cameras which will be monitored 24 x 7 by a special surveillance team. We also have special drone cameras which will further add write myresearch paper on to cover the less accessible portions of the camp. Security personnel will be appointed at all the major ENTRANCE and EXIT points to ensure that no one, except our guest and staff, can enter the Yoga Kumbh site. Records of all our guests residing at the camp and attending various seminars have been taken at the time of booking for security purposes.
Also Read: The Kumbh Mela Is The Safest Place With Abundance Of Positivity
Well built, Fully Equipped and Comfortable Tents:
The tents at the Yoga Kumbh Camp site are some of the finest, safest, spacious, comfortable and economical accommodations in entire Kumbh Mela, Ujjain. As per your budget, you can choose from a range of tents from budget friendly DORMITORIES to ultra luxurious superior DARBAAR TENTS.
Our all the tents have been designed beautifully and will give you the comfort and feel same as that of staying at home. Our temporary tents have a strong foundation and are weather-proof and eco-friendly. They are very well equipped with all the basic necessities from elegant furniture and comfortable bedding to user friendly bathrooms and toiletries. Only our most economic accommodation of dormitories have non-attached bathrooms & toilets whereas all the others have attached bathrooms & toilets. Similarly only every dormitory has SIX BEDS whereas rest of the tents has TWO BEDS that can be attached and separated as per convenience. EXTRA BEDS (on request) can also be provided to Superior Darbaar, Swiss, Deluxe and Family tents to accommodate more than two persons in the tent.
Hospitality Services:
These service hutments would be fully equipped with basic amenities like air-coolers / air-conditioners, beds & sofas, attached toilets and wash rooms, toiletries, 24×7 fresh clean running water & electricity, modern sewerage and sanitation system. 24 hours Medical representative will be made available at the dispensary for any kind of emergency. Also, Safe lockers will be made available for every guest to store their valuables. The lockers will be located near the Yoga Kumbh Camp Office. Strict monitoring system and staff to maintain cleanliness at the campsite will be appointed to ensure a hygienic and tidy environment.
All the essential services will be provided round the clock with the duty attendant at the reception.
Food:
Accommodation charges already include food charges for three times. Food provided will be completely Satvik (freshly cooked, easily digestible light vegan meal) food.
Our menu will include 4 Chapatis (Roasted Indian breads) or 6 Pooris (Fried Indian bread), 1 vegetable curry (subzi), Sheera (Sooji Halwa, an Indian dessert) and pickle (Achaar) served in a quarter plate.
The food will be served as a part of the takeaway system so that our team could feed more people. Although, people will be allowed to eat at the campsite or any other place they want to. Through the means of “Annakshetra”, a person can gain up to 800 calories/meal.
Guests eating at the site will be strictly requested to not to litter around or waste any of the food product given to them.
Note: No alcohol/ cigarettes or any other abusive food item will be allowed inside the Yoga Kumbh Campus. If found, strict actions like penalty fee can be charged by the organizers.
Modern Amenities:
Our site will provide Internet access to its guests through Wi-fi and will enable them to enjoy Internet services while they are experiencing Kumbh Mela. A huge auditorium with high quality audio and visual system with a capacity to allow 5000 people to perform yoga at once with air cooling facility will be arranged. All the seminars, lectures and conventions will be held at this auditorium. Laundry, daily newspaper desk, grocery and souvenir shop will be available in the Yoga Kumbh Campus.
Facilities for Disabled:
Provision of wheelchairs and special assistance is made available for disabled guests. Our campus has been specially designed to ensure access for physically disabled persons via wheelchairs.
Kids Friendly Campsite:
Although the campsite is completely kid friendly and secure, we always recommend to hold your kid’s hand if they are below ten years of age for safety purpose. Our campus is very well covered by CCTV cameras and security personnel to ensure complete safety. The Yoga Kumbh help desk will assist guests in all the type of queries and issues.
Parking:
Free parking and valet services will be provided by the Ujjain Yoga Life Society Team for its guests. To ensure complete security of the vehicles a separate ‘Vehicle Maintenance Team’ will be appointed.
Transportation Assistance:
Airport and Railway Station transfers, tour to nearby famous tourist sites and assistance in travelling to other places will be provided at the Yoga Kumbh travel desk at nominal extra charges. Cabs and guide persons (on request and extra charges) are also available.
Note: It is advised for people to take care of their valuables and kids, as Yoga Kumbh organizers or Ujjain Yoga Life Society will not be responsible for any of their loss or damage.
For Registration Visit this link - Accommodation at Ujjain Kumbh Mela
Kumbh is a massive gathering of hindu pilgrims from the world over to experience this one of kind grand event.
As mythology has it, the inception of this festivity began with the epic instance of “Samudra Manthan”, where there was a legendary battle for ‘Amrit’ (drink of Immortality) between the devas (angels) and the ausras (demons). During which amrit happened to spill at four places on earth namely Haridwar, Allahbad, Nasik and Ujjain. With a periodic rotation Kumbh is held at these four places. At any particular place amongst these, kumbh is held in once every 12 years. And while it is the largest congregation of humanity on earth, there are still various myths associated with the same! About time, we burst the bubble. Let us explore the fascinating facts of Kumbh!!
Myth 1. : Kumbh is sheer chaos and crowd
Fact : An extremely well managed fare
While a lot of us are eager to attend the grandiose of faith, there are still a few filled with the inhibitions of being a part of the gathering. For they have only known that millions of people will assemble for the holy bath and it would be nothing less than chaotic and claustrophobic. But in reality it is well managed to the extent that authorities and NGO’s have been doing their part to make it a fuss free and extremely memorable an event for all the pilgrims.
Myth 2 : Ancient age old traditions only
Fact : Sets up an exemplary illustration for Management Studies
While it is believed that Kumbh is an affair only limited to age old traditions and religious cultural aspects, it is fascinating to find out how “Kumbh” has been recognized as an epic example of how an enormous gathering like this is managed with efficiency. On a global level, educational institutions have conducted interesting management studies on Kumbh. It would be right to say that Kumbh has a huge global appeal too!
Myth 3 : City will be crammed with traffic.
Fact : Proper Traffic Control and Facilities
Four lanes, By lanes, bridges have been constructed and the roads have been widened to ensure proper traffic flow. Various roadmaps have been charted to mark the no-vehicle zones so that pilgrims can walk freely without the fear of heavy traffic. Eco friendly autos have been introduced for the convenience of commuting around, at a very nominal fare. Parking areas for two-wheelers and four-wheelers have been separately allotted and the natives will be issued passes for their daily commute in the city.
Myth 4 : Only meant for Saints, religious & spiritual gurus and the elderly.
Fact : Kumbh has a universal appeal, maybe only more.
People have certain prejudices and presumptions that make them believe Kumbh is only meant to serve the religious purpose of saints, gurus and the old who seem to be on the path of devotion and who are religiously fervent. But the truth is Kumbh mela will bring to you an experience of bliss and might as well turn out to be the turning point of your life. You don’t have to be a downright religious follower to attend it or an atheist to not attend it. Just come and lose yourself to the trance of such magnificence. Yoga Kumbh will have you the opportunity to let lose your apprehensions and adapt to the changes you have been seeking.
Myth 5 : Unclean and unhygienic surroundings
Fact : Beautiful tent Camps
You get to stay in portable tents under the camps set up by various sadhus and organizations. They’re beautiful and surroundings are well maintained. Satvik food shall be availed, with proper care taken to maintain hygiene and cleaniliness.
It is definitely not as same as staying at home but then sure a fun way to live for some time.
Myth 6 : You lose a twin/sibling in a Kumbh Mela
Fact : You find yourself instead!!
It is funny like they say you lose your sibling in a kumbh mela maybe because the magnum opus might make you feel like a tiny body and that it’d be easy to lose anything here. But the fact lies in finding your own self, in discovering parts of you, you knew nothing about.
Exactly what the Yoga Kumbh is going to do for you. When spiritual masters and scholars shall come together to share their lives and the journey of transformation that will leave you nothing less than inspired and fueled with a fire within to know thyself. You will learn to connect with your own, to live in the moment and will realize the greater trith of life. What do I say, divine bliss?
You sure don’t want to miss something like this!!
It is a carnival of ages you can’t afford to miss and you’ll thank yourself later for all the spiritual ecstasy and self consciousness that goes with you!
So come. Live. Relive for the rest of your life.
For More Information about Ujjain Kumbh, Visit - www.yogalife.co.in/Seminar
If I tell any modern age person to believe in the fact that by bathing in sacred river during specific dates can wash away all their sins, this information may not intrigue them.
But, the way the kumbha mela is still celebrated by Hindus and still remains the largest congregation of humanity on earth will indeed make the current generation curious to know more about the grand event. Nobody knows when was the exact time this festival was initiated. What remains unchanged over these years is that these massive gathering has taken place since ages and nothing till date has come in the way of this glorious festival of faith and joy.
It is indeed ironic to know that such a festival has also survived the modern age of logic and skepticism and people still attend the Kumbh Mela in large numbers. Let’s dive into the sea of Kumbh Mela to know that apart from the Hindu rituals what else takes place at the massive gathering.
1. The Meeting and Exchange of Thoughts Between The Hindu Spiritual Leaders
Kumbha Mela is the only place where all the hindu holy men, spiritual leaders and devotees converge to celebrate faith. It is a gathering where meet and exchange their divine thoughts. They discuss various ideas to restore faith of modernized human beings in spirituality. From Shankaracharyas to Naga Sadhus, all the holy men congregate to celebrate faith. Kumbh Mela gives an amazing opportunity for devotees to know more about their culture and to gather some knowledge from the holy legends. It is the best time for people to begin their spiritual journeys and awaken themselves.
2. Educating The Masses About The Ideal Way To Live Life While Living In A Modern World
The current life in the modern era is undoubtedly stressful and the generation has certainly forgotten the ideal lifestyle to follow. Gatherings like Kumbha Mela, exposes the general crowd to great masters who follow the Sanatana Dharma. This way the common man has an opportunity to learn about the principles of Dharma and wake up his soul to walk on the path to salvation or nirvana.
Also, various social issues can be discussed on a larger scale and views of the great spiritual leaders can be taken which could further help in nation building and finding the solution of bigger problems in a more simplified way within boundaries of our rich culture.
3.The Yoga Affair
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that is directed towards the union of mind, body and soul. One may find thousands of people performing Yoga inside the Kumbha Mela Kshetra/zone. Kumbha Mela gives a chance to the world to learn this ancient and the most divine form of practice that leads to spiritual awakening. Yoga practices are based on various schools of thoughts and Kumbha Mela witnesses a congregation of people performing the several variations of Yoga. From Hatha Yoga to Raja Yoga, the great yogis from throughout the world assemble at the Kumbh Mela in India.
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela at Ujjain in 2016 gives the world a golden opportunity that should not be missed. Yoga Kumbha 2016 will be held during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela where the great Yoga Masters, spiritual leaders and philosophers from across the globe will gather to share their wisdom with the world. With hundreds of seminars, workshops and conferences to be held during the Yoga Kumbha 2016, people will get a chance to explore the less known world of Yoga, the science related to it, its different forms, techniques, new modifications, and research work done in the field.
For registrations, please visit: www.yogalife.co.in/seminar
4. Technology Meets Spirituality
There are plethora of challenges which are faced by the organisation authorities during Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Handling the crowd, food, security, housing, and transportation for one of the largest gatherings in the world is a huge task in itself. It is indeed an opportunity for people to learn and witness about how the authorities manage each and everything so well at the Kumbh Mela.
In recent times, some of the best technologies have been used to manage the basic needs at the Kumbha Mela that include thousands of CCTV Cameras, drone cameras, geo fencing, ozone cleaning of rivers and many more.
Recently, an application was developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the devotees and authorities at Kumbh Mela to access the facilities in a much faster and organised way. This indeed helped the people and authorities to live through one of the most crowded festivals in a comfortable way. This application was used at the Nashik Kumbha Mela in 2015.
5. Soul Purification
Kumbha Mela is one of the best place for people who are on their path to self-discovery. Living in an ephemeral town for a month-long celebration of faith and spirituality can lead to opening of the gates of higher consciousness for an individual. The air, water and the environment as a whole is filled with positivity that has a divine effect on an individual’s soul, washing away all their sins and filling their lives with positive vibes.
The Yoga Kumbha Camp during Simhastha Kumbh Mela is also making arrangements for safe holy bathing for its guests in the Kshipra River at Ujjain.
“ The most obvious misconception about Hinduism is that we tend to see it as just another religion…” -Anonymous
Sanatan Dharma or Hinduism (as we know it today) is a way of life or Dharma. You do not convert, you just accept the Hindu way of life. Considering Hinduism as a religion is one of the most common misconception people have in today’s world. You will be surprised to know that the word “Hindu” or “Hinduism” has no existence in ancient scriptures or texts. In fact, it was a term coined by foreign invaders. To be more specific, it was used by the early inhabitants of Persia. They pronounced the name “Hindu” as it was the civilization that lived beyond the river Sindhu. The word Hindu and Hinduism thus have no origin from the land they truly belong to.
Try asking around ten Hindus about the god they worship. You might get ten different answers to the same question and all of them will be surprisingly correct. It is said that Hinduism has more number of Gods than any other religion in the world and that number is surprisingly more than the total number of Hindus. Another fascinating truth is that prior to arrival of Muslims and later on Christians, Hindus had no particular name by which they were called. Common people often called it just Dharma. Sanatana Dharma or merely Dharma was the term that was used in ancient scriptures. If we look into the entomology of the Sanatana Dharma, “Sanatana” means eternal and “Dharma” means Religion.
If we look into other religions of the world, we can definitely track its origin or founder. But, this is not true in the case of Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana Dharma is eternal and universal in nature. It is often referred to as the most ancient way of life or religion that is guiding millions of human beings till date.
In Bhagavad-gita, As It Is, Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has beautifully simplified the meaning of Sanatana Dharma:
“The Sanatana-dharma is the eternal function of the eternal living entities in relationship with the eternal Supreme Lord. Sanatana-dharma refers to the eternal occupation of the living entity. The word ‘Sanatana’ is explained as “that which has neither beginning nor end”. So when we speak of Sanatana-dharma it should be understood to have neither beginning nor end. The English word religion is a little different from Sanatana-dharma. Religion conveys the idea of faith, and faith may change. One may have faith in a particular process, and he may change this faith and adopt another, but Sanatana-dharma refers to that activity which cannot be changed. For instance, liquidity cannot be taken from water, nor can heat be taken from fire. Similarly, the eternal function of the eternal living entity cannot be taken from the living entity. Sanatana-dharma is eternally integrated with the living entity. That which has neither end nor beginning must not be sectarian, for it cannot be limited by any boundaries. Those belonging to some sectarian faith will wrongly consider that Sanatana-dharma is also sectarian, but if we go deeply into the matter and consider it in the light of modern science, it is possible for us to see that Sanatana-dharma is the business of all the people of the world – nay, of all the living entities of the universe.”
Today, there are millions of foreigners following the holy path of Sanatana Dharma. It is believed that the foreigners have covered all the four major sects of Hinduism; Saiva, Shakti, Vaishnava and Smarta. Making the headlines, there are thousands of foreign celebrities who adapted the Hindu way of life. The list includes Julia Roberts, Claudia Ciesla, David Frawley, Timothy Leary and many more. If we look at the modern world today, it has indeed reduced to a global village. The ease of travel and the power of Internet have connected the world so well, that the cultural and the economic transfusion that has occurred over the last fifty years is simply remarkable. The world has evolved into being more compactly connected. The technology has helped in transmission of culture overseas. The figures say that more than 20 Million American practice Yoga today or are involved in some form of Hindu spiritual practice. There are thousands of Yoga Gurus, Rishis and Hindu Spiritual Leaders who are invited in different parts of the world to spread their wisdom about Sanatana Dharma.
The Kumbha Mela is the world’s largest Hindu festival. Foreign Hindu Monks and devotees from across the world gather in India during the Kumbha Mela time to celebrate their never ending faith, perform the Shahi Snan or Holy dip in the pious river, experience the positive vibrations, dedicate their time to find their true self and move forward on the path to salvation. For the world, Simhastha Kumbha Mela is like a hub where one can expect to find spirituality, mysticism and practice of yoga. It is the legends of India, the rich culture and the simplicity of life that has attracted so many people from across the globe to a land where air is filled with positivity, the water is considered holy and every being is on a quest to find their true self.
This Simhastha Kumbha Mela 2016, is simply an opportunity not to be missed. One of the major events that will be held from 22nd April to 21st May 2016 is the Yoga Kumbha where the great yoga masters and spiritual leaders will congregate to share the divine knowledge of Sanatana Dharma or the ideal way of life.
For bookings and more details, please visit: www.yogalife.co.in/seminar.
Pain points:
Every time Simhastha Kumbha Mela witnesses one of the largest gatherings of humanity on the face of earth. Millions of people, including the holy saints, mahants, mahamandaleshwars and devotees gather there for the holy bath and for other hindu rituals. Many people consider the millions of people gathering at a single place during a specific time as a threat and hence avoid going to one of the most divine celebrations of faith; the holy Kumbha Mela. Their main concerns include the possible occurrence of stampede, fear of getting lost in the gathering and most of all, the likelihood of a terror attack during such a gigantic human assembly.
Many doubt the authorities with respect to the crowd management during the festival. A large capital and a dedicated team is required to handle such a massive crowd and it seriously can be an issue if not handled properly by the concerned authorities. Creating an ephemeral town on the ghats of the holy river and maintaining it for the period of one month during which millions of people will take a dip in the holy river is undoubtedly a huge task. Basic needs including water, food and tents for living need to be arranged which is a major task in itself.
Due to immense crowd converging at a single place, some people also believe that this could lead to transfer of communicable diseases as people come from various backgrounds, environment, and climatic conditions. Also, the place of Kumbha Mela is new for many, due to which many devotees get bothered regarding the environment related health issues.
Kumbha Mela sees millions of people living together for a month long period in a temporary town. Creating and settling in this transient town with limitation of space and moreover taking bath in the sacred river, often leads to arousal of hygiene related issues among the visitors of Kumbha Mela. Some even consider the risk of catching water borne or air borne diseases due to the unhygienic environment.
They certainly are one of the most feared and respected group of naked holy men in Simhastha Kumbha Mela. Many people across the globe are terrified by the extreme practices of Aghoris or the Naga Sadhus. They are believed to be feeding on putrefied human corpses, animal faeces, rotten food and drink animal urine. It is also said that they can see the future and are the most mysterious group of sadhus.
In accordance with the usual belief, living in Kumbha Mela Kshetra is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. It requires sacrifices to be made with regards to leaving the comforts of your house and staying along the banks of the holy river in temporary tents with compromised basic facilities like water,sanitation, food and a proper place to sleep.
People from all background and social status attend the holy festival of Kumbha Mela. They doubt the security and often tend to feel unsafe. Many of the devotees hold this opinion that there might be robbers and pickpockets coming at the Kumbha Mela. They set this fear in their minds and further avoid visiting the largest religious festival.
8.The suspicion of a terror attack
This is a general belief that people often avoid crowded areas, as there might be a possibility of a fatal terrorist attack. Some pilgrims decide on not attending the Kumbha Mela due to this particular assumption.
Claim points:
(What the Yoga Kumbha Camp at Kumbha Mela can provide)
The need for revival of the Kumbha Mela kshetra for a more organised, hygienic and safe surroundings has lead to creation of a flamboyant ephemeral town along the banks of the holy river. The Yoga Kumbha 2016 camp during the Simhastha Kumbha Mela aims to provide a very hygienic and eco-friendly facilities to its participants. The accommodation being provided at the camp is environment friendly, clean and fulfills all the basic requirements of a modern devotee. From sterile bedsheets to sanitary toilets, specific attention has been given to make the surroundings germ-free for guests coming from across the world.
The camp is within the Kshetra of the Kumbha Mela but still isolated and secured enough from rest of the Kumbha Mela crowd. Guarded area for the holy bath, hundreds of security guards to shield the camp area, security and drone cameras will take care of the safety concerns of the guests.
Eco-friendly and modern measures have been kept in mind to create some of the most comfortable tents at the Yoga Kumbha camp by Ujjain Yoga Life Society. 24- hours water, geyser, environment friendly air cooler and Wifi zone are some of the facilities that will be provided.
Yoga Kum1bha has invited some of the greatest masters of Yoga, legendary spiritual leaders and speakers from across the globe, giving its participants a once in a lifetime opportunity to listen to all the esteemed guests at one place. Series of lectures, seminars and workshops will be conducted by the masters to enlighten the guests and help them reform their spiritual paths. Such a congregation of all divine personalities at a single place is undoubtedly the rarest of the rare occasions to imbibe knowledge, grow and prosper on the path of spirituality for the devotees.
The Yoga Kumbha camp will provide its guests with the mostly deliciously cooked, organic and vegan food. The nutritious meal provided will be satvik in all forms, thereby being freshly cooked and easy to digest. Hygiene will always be the prime concern in the satvik kitchen and some of the well-experienced and renowned cooks will be taking care of all the meals.
The Yoga Kumbha camp will provide all its guests a golden opportunity to experience and live the month long celebration of faith in the most unique way possible. It will provide the guests an environment to learn, grow and prosper in their spiritual journeys and the quest to finding their true self. A chance to live the journey called life in the most beautiful way possible, away from all the worries of life and worldly pleasures, our guests will get the opportunity to experience the yogic lifestyle. They will connect with some of the most divine people on earth and feel the eruption of volcano of positive vibes in their surroundings which is bound to leave them in a state of bliss.
It is a gathering that the world will remember and coming generations will wait for it to happen again.
Gain points:
Every Kumbh witnesses the congregation comprising of various saints, priests, ash-covered naga sadhus, mahants, mahamandaleshwars, shankaracharyas, spiritual leaders and devotees from all over the world. With such a mass-attending the divine event of faith, the energy levels of that place increase to its peak, filling the whole environment with the positive aroma. Such a magnanimous cluster of positivity is powerful enough to destroy any negativity and protect the gathering. No negative power in the world can affect such a sacred festival in any manner. This can also be proved by the fact that except for stampede, no other major mishap has occurred during all of the Kumbh Melas that have been celebrated till date.
The dates of the Maha Kumbha are determined in accordance with scientific methods which majorly include the planetary positions. Ujjain is one of the most ancient and holy places on earth and the Kumbh Mela occurs here on the banks of river Kshipra when the Sun is in the zodiac sign Aries and Jupiter is in the Leo. “Leo” means Simha or the Lion in Sanskrit, the Ujjain Kumbh Mela is often called as Simhastha Kumbh. This time is astrologically the most auspicious time and perfect to explore the spiritual side of life.
The position of different planet that have effect on the water and air of our planet earth. At certain planetary positions, the positive energy levels of that particular place during a particular time, increases to its peak, thereby providing a perfect atmosphere for the spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Different sectors of saints, vairaghis, and yogis are organised and belong to different akharas. “Akhara” basically means a wrestling area. It is believed that Akharas came its existence in 8th century AD. They were established by Adi Shankaracharya and back then were seven in number: Mahanirvani, Niranjani, Juna, Atal, Avahan, Agni and Anand Akhara. They were formed to strengthen the Hindu religion and unify devotees who practice various hindu rituals, customs and beliefs.
Presently, there are three major Akharas; Sanyasi, Bairagi and Nirmal and three minor: Atal, anand and Avahan. Akharas are further divided into different camps in accordance with the god they worship. Followers of Lord Vishnu come under Vairagi or Vaishnava Akhara, those who worship Lord ShIva come under Shaiva Akhara and the ones who follow Lord Brahma come under Kapalwasis.
According to some text, Akharas are further divided into eight davas and 52 marhis. Every marhi is lead by a Mahant and performs all the spiritual activities under him. Shree Panch (representing Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Shaktiand and Ganesha) forms the central administrative body of any Akhara. Every Kumbha Mela witnesses the election of this five member governing body. They are elected for a period of four years. The Juna Akhara (in terms of number of saints) is the biggest Akhara. Every Akhara is headed by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar, followed by Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwaras and Shree Mahants. During the holy bath at the Kumbha Mela, the main bathing site is surrounded by saints on chariots and elephants who first take the holy dip in the sacred river, following which the devotees and ordinary visitors are allowed to go ahead with Shahi Snan.
| Sr. No | Akhara’s Name | Contact Person | Head Office |
| 1 | Shri Panchayati Taponidhi Akhara | Shri Mahant Laltagiriji Maharaj (Sachiv) | Mahant Shri Vishwanath Giri ji Niranjani Akhara, Badnagar Road, Ujjain |
| Shri Panchayati Taponidhi Niranjani Akhara | |||
| Mayapur Haridwar, (Uttaranchal) | |||
| Shri Mahant Ramanand puri ji Maharaj (Sachiv) | |||
| Shri Panchayati Taponidhi Niranjani Akhara | |||
| Mayapur Haridwar, (Uttaranchal) | |||
| 2 | Shri Panchayati Anand Akhara | Shri Mahant Sagaranand ji Maharaj | |
| Shri Panchayati Anand Akhara | |||
| Trayambkeshwar, Distt. Nasik, Maharashtra | |||
| 3 | Shri Panchdashnaam Juna Akhara | Shri Mahant Parmanand ji Saraswati (Sabhapati) | Peer Mahant Ramgiri Pratinidhi Rameshwar Giri Datta Akhara, Ujjain |
| Shri Panchdashnaam Juna Akhara, Bada Hanuman | |||
| Ghat Kashi, Varanasi (U.P.) | |||
| Shravannath Nagar Haridwar | |||
| Shri Mahant Uma Shankar Bharti Ji Maharaj, (Sachiv) | |||
| Shri Panchdashnaam Juna Akhara, Bada Hanuman | |||
| Ghat Kashi, Varanasi (U.P.) | |||
| Shri Mahant PremGiriji Maharaj, (Sachiv) | |||
| Shri Panchdashnaam Juna Akhara, Bada Hanuman | |||
| Ghat Kashi, Varanasi (U.P.) | |||
| Shri Mahant ji Maharaj (Sachiv) | |||
| Mayadevi Bhairav Akhara Haridwar (Uttaranchal) | |||
| Kankeshwari Devi Ashram | |||
| Shri Mahant Surendra Giri Ji, Maharaj (Sachiv) | Peer Mahant Ramgiri Pratinidhi Rameshwar Giri Datta Akhara, Ujjain | ||
| Mayadevi Bhairav Akhara Haridwar (Uttaranchal) | |||
| 4 | Shri Panchdashnaami Avahan Akhara | Shri Mahant Shiv Shankar Giri ji Maharaj (Sabhapati) | Pratinidhi : Shri RajShekhar Tripathi, Bada Sarafa, Ujjain |
| Shri Panchdashnaami Aavhan Akhara | |||
| Ashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Varanasi (U.P.) | |||
| Shri Mahant Prem Puri ji Maharaj (Sachiv) | |||
| Shri Panchdashnami Avahan Akhara | |||
| Ashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Varanasi (U.P.) | |||
| 5 | Shri Panch Agni Akhara | Shri Mahant Gopalanand Ji Maharaj (Sabhapati) | Mahant Shri Sudamanand Ji Rajrajeshwar Hanuman Mandir, Pool k niche, Sindhiya Dharmshala k paas, Ujjain |
| Shri Panch Agni Akhara, Shambhupanch Agni | |||
| Akhara, Mu.Po. Bilkha, Junagadh (Sourashtra) | |||
| Gujrat | |||
| Shri Mahant Govindanand Ji Maharaj (Sachiv) | |||
| Shri Panch Agni Akhara, Shambhupanch Agni | |||
| Akhara, Mu.Po. Bilkha, Junagadh (Sourashtra) | |||
| Gujrat | |||
| 6 | Shri Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara | Shri Mahant Prakashpuri Ji Maharaj (Sachiv) | Shri Mahant Prakashpuri Ji Maharaj (Sachiv), Shri Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara |
| Shri Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara, | |||
| Kankhal, Haridwar (Uttaranchal) | |||
| 7 | Shri Panch Atal Akhara | Shri Mahant Rajgiriji Maharaj, (Sabhapati) | Mahant Shri Premgiri ji Maharaj |
| Shri Shankargiri ji Maharaj, (Sachiv) | |||
| Shri Panch Atal Akhara | |||
| Kankhal, Haridwar (Uttaranchal) | |||
| 8 | Udasin Akhare | Pratinidhi : Shyamdas ji Maharaj | |
| Shri Panchayati Bada Udasin Akhara | Shri Mahant Raghumuni ji Maharaj | ||
| Shri Panchayati Bada Udasin Akhara | |||
| Ram Ghat Ujjain | |||
| 9 | Shri Panchayati Udasin Naya Akhara | Shri Mahant Manohardas ji Maharaj, (President) | Shri Jagtar Muni, Mod Dharmshala k Paas, Ramghat, Ujjain (Jakhira Prabandhak) |
| Shri Panchayati Udasin Naya Akhara, | |||
| Kankhal, Haridwar (Uttaranchal) | |||
| Kankeshwari Ashram | |||
| Ashok Nagar Gujrat | |||
| 10 | Shri Panchayati Nirmal Akhara | Shri Mahant Gyandev Ji Maharaj | Shri Darshan Singh ji, Nirmal Akhara, Badhnagar Road, Ujjain |
| Shri Panchayati Nirmal Akhara | |||
| Kankhal Haridwar Uttaranchal | |||
| 11 | Bairagi Akhade | Shri Mahant Shivnandandas Ji Maharaj | Mahant Shri Sudhir Pujari, Sansthan Shri Kalika Mandir, Panchwati Nasik Sthaniya: Mahant Shri Bhagwandas ji Beghampura Ujjain. |
| (Ramadal Vaishnav) | Shri Panchramanandaye Nirvani Ani Akhara, | ||
| Shri Panchramanandaye | Shri Bihariji Mandir Barana Bamori | ||
| Nirvani Ani Akhara | Distt. Tikamgadh (M.P.) | ||
| Shri Mahantdas Ji Maharaj | Mahant Shri Premdas ji, Khaki Akhara, Khak Chowk Ankpat Ujjain | ||
| Shri Panchramanandaye Nirvani Ani Akhara, | |||
| Hanumangarhi Ayodhya (U.P.) | |||
| Shri Mahant Jagannathdasji Maharaj, | Mahant Shri Premdas ji, Khaki Akhara, Khak Chowk Ankpat Ujjain | ||
| Khaki Akhara (Nirvani Ani), Lambe Hanuman | |||
| Mandir Lambe Hanuman Road Railway Station k paas, | |||
| Surat Gujrat | |||
| 12 | Shri Panch Digambar Ani Akhara | Shri Mahant Keshavdas ji Maharaj | Mahant Shri Kanhaiyadas ji Ankpat Road, Ujjain |
| Shri Panch Digambar Ani Akhara | |||
| (Digambar Akhara) Ayodhya U.P. | Mahant Shri Bhagwandas ji, Beghampura Ujjain | ||
| Shri Rambela Math Shastri Marg Dungarpur | |||
| Rajesthan | |||
| 13 | Shri Panchramanandiya Nirmohi Ani Akhara | Shri Mahant Ram Ashraydas ji Maharaj | Mahant Shri Raghuveerdas ji, Khak Chowk Ujjain |
| Shri Panchramanandiya Nirmohi Ani Akhara | |||
| Nirmohi Akhara, Ramghat Chitrakoot, | Mahant Shri Bhagwandas ji Beghampura Ujjain | ||
| Distt. Banda (U.P.) |
Table Source: http://www.simhasthujjain.in/about-simhasth/akhara-details/
Visit for Registration at Yoga Kumbha Mela 2016 - http://www.yogalife.co.in/seminar-home/
The countdown to the Simhastha Kumbh Mela has begun. This largest festival of the celebration of faith witnesses plethora of human engagements and emotions. The ephemeral town constructed especially for devotees to take a dip in the holy waters of one of the rivers; Kshipra, Ganga or Godavari, is a tradition that is going on since more than last two thousand years. This time, the Kumbha Mela has come calling after twelve long years at the pious city of Ujjain. The foreigners get attracted to the festival mainly to get the overwhelming pilgrimage experience by watching the real pilgrims. Let us get enlightened by knowing more about the spiritual benefits one can get by attending the holy festival.
1. Kumbh Mela is the best place and time to get rid of the ego we carry within ourselves regarding appearance, achievements, relationships, etc. It is a place where one can give away all the worldly desires and empty their bodies. It is believed that our body form is "Kumbh" filled with ego, anger and lust and we can empty it at the Kumbha Mela in order to discover our true self.
2. Just the bathing ritual at the Kumbha will not impart an individual salvation. One needs to get into certain spiritual practices in order to experience the divine power. Due to its own astrological significance, it is believed that performing spiritual practices during the Kumbha Mela can benefit a person thousand times more than performing the same practices at any other place and time.
Also Read: The Kumbh Mela Is The Safest Place With Abundance Of Positivity
3. The positive aura of the host town of Kumbha Mela transfers its positivity to every human being present there. This in itself is an experience not to be missed.
4. It is believed that during the time of Kumbha, many deities are active around the earth's orbit and thus our every spiritual practice reaches them in no time and we receive their holy blessings.
Also Read: The Astrological and Scientific Significance Of The Kumbh Mela
5. According to another belief, it is said that the Karma performed during this auspicious period benefits one faster with increased intensity.
6. Due to the effect of movement of pious waves of Apatattva (Absolute water principle), any individual attending the holy festival will experience the detoxification of his mind, body and soul. His/her actions will automatically get converted into good Karma.
Also Read: The Kumbh Mela Experience: What To Expect?
7. The sacred water of the holy rivers are said to be carrying the nectar of immortality that hold the power to wash away all the sins of a human being thereby, helping them to attain "Moksha"
8. It is acknowledged that bathing during the Kumbh Mela is equivalent to performing 1,000 Ashvamedha Yagyas, 100 Vajapeya Yagyas and 1 lakh Pradakshinas around the earth.
9. The grand festival gives a person a golden opportunity to meet some of the greatest saints from all over the world. From Shankaracharyas to naga sadhus, the Kumbha Mela visitors get this chance of being in their company.
10. The holy ritual of “Pitruparna” can be performed during the Kumbha Mela in order to bestow the liberation of the departed ancestral souls.
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Though entitled to attain a gilded body sometimes even the gods, becoming immersed in attachment, start singing the songs of darkness. Even that enlightened mind and life which could have pulsated with divine energy, in its conceitedness, gets forced to drink the poison of life. Singing the songs of victory in his own blank and naked imaginations, and intoxicated by the ego of his kingdom, Lord Indra did not give God Brihaspati the required respect to which he was rightfully entitled. The furious Acharya disappeared from there and the heaven which was giving rise to magnificence through the gloriously illuminated colours got cast over by some darkness. Astonishing bad omens pointing towards ill fortune began to occur, and taking benefit of this situation the king of demons King Bali, launching an attack over heaven, established his rule over the whole of the kingdom along with its heads, including the king, the royal treasure, the army and the like. The royal elephant Airavata and horse Uccaisrava were decorated with invaluable jewels at that moment, which the demons began to take to the patala loka, the world beneath the earth. But they were meant to be of use for those men having a pure soul and those jewels, with the demons not being able to contain them, fell into the ocean.
As effulgent as a flame, that creation of Lord Indra as of burned to ashes, a nectarous life became poisonous, and then Lord Indra corrupted by reigning over heaven, eventually came under the refuge of Lord Vishnu by becoming absorbed in offering great austerities to Lord Vishnu. The intellect which had become delusional due to egoism, got rid of its delusions upon taking the refuge of Lord Vishnu, and only Lord Vishnu advice now Lord Indra went to the doors of King Bali offering a hand of friendship. King Bali, giving refuge to Lord Indra, arranged for a grand welcome as well, and then Lord Indra began to stay there itself. With the passage of time to reacquire the jewels which had fallen into the ocean, a samudra manthan or churning of the ocean became an utmost necessity.
In an ocean of endless waters surrounding all land mass, popular by the name of Kshiroda, were the jewels and the amrta or the nectar of immortality hidden . There was an irrepressible enthusiasm amongst both the gods and the demons concerning the splendid imagination of acquiring this nectar, but searching the ocean and obtaining amrta was no ordinary task; to the contrary it was like going through an agni pariksha, the fire test, for the gods and the demons. With much exuberance a planning for the churning of the ocean was prepared. The king of mountains, Mount Mandarcala, was requested and convinced to become the churning stick and the king of snakes, NagarajaVasuki, to act as rope. The gods and demons both engaged in this great expedition of the world with much exuberance, and the samudra manthan commenced. Towards Nagaraja Vasuki's head stood the demons and towards his tail stood the gods, and making the Mount Mandaracala the churning stick, began to churn the ocean. All the three worlds - the heaven, the world we live in, and the nether world - began to tremble with the dreadfulness of churning, and the misery of the beings and the animals, and of the ocean itself, was inexplicable. In this churning there was a fear that Mount Mandaracala acting as a churning stick, might slip and get submerged in the ocean, and hence Lord Vishnu himself taking the form of a kacchapa, a turtle was providing it with a base.
Read More : Celebrating Faith At The Maha Kumbh Mela
The first to emerge in this churning was a venomous poison (kalkuta) that began to afflict each and every one, and which for the welfare of all the beings was consumed by Lord Shiva, who only upon drinking the poison came to be called as the Nilkantha, the one with the blue throat. By drinking this poison the lord of lords, Lord Shiva, had as if given a fearless second life to all. From the churning that continued further, emerged Kamdhenu, the cow, Uccaisrava, the horse; Airavata, the elephant; Kaustubha, the jewel; Parijata, the tree; apsaras like Rambha; the moon; Pacajanya Shankha, the conch; Sanga, the bow; and others, and then emerged the divine Goddess Mahalakshmiwho is also known by other names such as Vedanta, fundamental knowledge, cosmic knowledge, maya and riddhi-siddhi. Goddess Mahalakshmi getting attracted towards the divine glory of Lord Vishnu, went close to him and put forth a garland of flowers with her own hands in Lord Vishnu's neck, and became established towards the left side ifVishnu as his consort. It is since then that she came to be called as Vaishnavi. And after that emerged Vishvakarma, the architect, and God Dhanvantari holding the pot of nectar in his hands, and finally the efforts of the gods and demons fructified.
Jayanta, the son of Lord Indra, catching sight of the amrta kalasha or the pot filled with nectar, quickly snatched it from the hands of God Dhanvantari, and the demons receiving an indication from Lord Shukrcharya, the Guru of demons, ran after Jayanta. According to the counting of gods, for twelve divine days a frightened Jayanta kept running with the amrta kalasha. The four places where Jayanta had putdown the pot of nectar in these twelve years were Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik, and at these four places at that time, the sun, moon, and planets had reached that unique astrological alignment, during which are Kumbh festival celebrated at these four places today. The demons were protected by Shukracharya, and hence this kumbh or pot was saved from the demons by God Brhaspati, in which the sun had played a major role. It was the sun who with the support of God Brhaspati - the Guru of Gods; the moon; and his son Lord Shani had saved the nectar from dropping and the pot from getting damaged. It was Lord Shani who had guarded the amrta kalasha. Twelve days of the gods are equal to twelve years of the mortal beings, and thus in accordance began the celebration of twelve Kumbh festivals, amongst which four are celebrated at four places in India and the rest eight in the divine worlds. According to the Haridwar hymns of Skanda Purana. Kumbh festivals are not just celebrated where the Kalasha was put down, but where the nectar had spilled along with the putting down of the kalasha.
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The article is an excerpt from The Mystic Faith - For a Drop of Nectar by Manoj Thakkar & Jayesh Rajpal published in 2013 and is widely available at book store and online stores.