Ages ago, churning of the mythical Milky Ocean produced an ‘Elixir of eternal life’ (Amrit). What followed after was a huge war, fought between Gods and demons, for the possession of that Elixir. During the ensuing struggle, drops of Elixir fell from the Kumbh (pot) carrying the Elixir on four earthly sites. These are the places at which the Kumbh Mela is celebrated every twelve years, respectively. This year Ardh Kumbh Mela is being celebrated at Prayagraj.
It is believed that during the Kumbh Mela, the rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati turn back into that primordial elixir at the climactic moment. The pilgrims take the plunge to bathe in the essence of purity, auspiciousness and immortality. But the true purpose of the Kumbh Mela is something deeper. Kumbh Mela originated in the 8th century C. E. when the philosopher Adi Shankar instituted regular gatherings of learned ascetics for discussion and debate. More broadly, Kumbh Mela is symbolic for sharing the innate wisdom of asceticism. This wisdom, if attained, allows us to make decisions that create a more dynamic life.
Expanding upon these thoughts about innate wisdom, DJJS organized a devotional concert with Sadhvi Deepa Bharti Ji as the orator on 25th January 2019 at Ardh Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj.
During the concert, Sadhvi Ji highlighted the human yearning for spiritual wisdom that brings them together to celebrate Kumbh and how they can attain this wisdom in the modern world. The true wisdom, she asserted, can only be achieved through the attainment of ancient Indian sacred technique of divine knowledge called Brahm Gyan. However, only the grace of a true learned Guru can bestow this divine knowledge. But who is a true spiritual teacher (Guru); and where can we find one? Sadhvi Ji, through the exposition of devotional songs, underscored the markers of a true Guru. A Guru is one who empowers our inner self and sets us free. S/he shows the divine within and not just merely talks about it. S/he encourages us to create a life for ourselves that unshackles our mind. And the founder of DJJS, His Holiness Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, is one such true Guru. Any seeker yearning for the divine knowledge can attain Brahm Gyan from him.
It is when the body, mind and soul are united through the process of Brahm Gyan that a seeker is able to truly feel united with rest of the civilization. And only then the real purpose of a gathering like Kumbh Mela finds proper resonance with its symbolic meaning of togetherness of wise people.
