Prayagraj: Maha Kumbh, which is known as the world's largest Hindu festival, is set to begin in Prayagraj on January 13 and continue till February 26. Pilgrims across the world will gather here to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.
Noted spiritual leader Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, in ETV Bharat's special presentation, 'Ath Shri Maha Kumbh Katha' narrates the mythological stories related to Kumbh and Maha Kumbh.
The first part of this special presentation delved into the story of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), its significance and outcome. The second episode is about the importance of 'Prayagraj Kumbh'.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Ji Maharaj said that the term Prayag (derived from Prayagraj) means the king of pilgrimages. "There is a difference in a festival held at a common man's house and that at a king's palace. Similarly, when Kumbh takes place in Prayagraj, it takes the form of a grand festival that is organised with royal pomp and splendour," he said.
He said that Kumbh is organised in one of the four sacred locations, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain apart from Prayagraj, once in 12 years. First Kumbh is held in Prayagraj, two and a half years later, it is held in Nashik and around eight months later it is organised in Ujjain. After three years, Kumbh is held in Haridwar, he said.