Grand Maha Ganga Aarti at Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela; 6,500 Tribal Devotees Participate, Event to Enter Guinness Book of Records

Xtreme News India   31-10-2026 20:27:55   679498448

Grand Maha Ganga Aarti at Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela; 6,500 Tribal Devotees Participate, Event to Enter Guinness Book of Records

Nashik: The Simhastha Kumbh Mela at the sacred pilgrimage centre of Nashik–Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra commenced today with the ceremonial flag hoisting at 12:02 pm. The grand religious occasion is regarded as a celebration of Indian culture, spiritual traditions and Sanatan Dharma.

The two-year-long religious festival witnessed the organisation of a grand Maha Ganga Aarti today. The ceremony was held in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu in Nashik, while the flag-hoisting ceremony at Kushavarta Tirtha in Trimbakeshwar was performed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

As many as 6,500 tribal men and women devotees participated in the Maha Ganga Aarti at this sacred venue of the Kumbh Mela. The entire atmosphere was filled with religious fervour and spirituality.

The spectacular religious ceremony is expected to find a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, it is learnt.

The event, celebrating the grandeur of Indian culture and spiritual heritage, is considered one of the largest religious gatherings of the Hindu community. Taking a holy dip in the sacred river during the Kumbh Mela holds immense religious and spiritual significance.

Jupiter Enters Leo Today at 12:02 PM! The Simhastha Kumbh Mela at Trimbakeshwar–Nashik Begins Today, October 31, 2026!

— Da. Kru. Soman, Panchang Expert and Astronomical Researcher

The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is organised at Trimbakeshwar–Nashik during the period when Jupiter (Guru) remains in the zodiac sign of Leo (Simha Rashi). This time, due to Jupiter's retrograde and direct movements, the planet will remain in Leo on three separate occasions. Therefore, a three-phase Simhastha Kumbh Mela, known as the 'Trikhandi Simhastha Kumbh Mela', will be organised this time.

The Legend Behind the Kumbh Mela

According to a popular legend associated with the Kumbh Mela, when the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), Dhanvantari emerged holding a pot of nectar (Amrit Kumbh). Whoever consumed this nectar would attain immortality.

To prevent the pot of nectar from falling into the hands of the demons, the gods instructed Jayant, the son of Indra, to carry it away. Jayant took the pot of nectar from Dhanvantari and fled.

The gods and demons then fought for twelve days and twelve nights. During this period, drops of nectar from the pot fell at four places on Earth. These four sacred places are:

Prayagraj – the Triveni Sangam of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers.

Nashik–Trimbakeshwar – the Godavari River.

Haridwar – the Ganga River.

Ujjain – the Shipra River.

Jupiter, the Moon and the Sun helped Jayant protect the pot of nectar.

It is believed that the Kumbh Mela is organised at these sacred places when Jupiter and the Sun enter the zodiac signs associated with the respective places, corresponding to the time when drops of nectar fell there. Generally, this cycle repeats after twelve years.

Taking a holy dip in the respective river during the Kumbh Mela is considered equivalent to bathing in nectar (Amrit Snan). Devotees believe that this sacred bath helps cleanse them of their sins.

Sage Yajnavalkya has stated that bathing in a river removes sins committed unknowingly, but not those committed knowingly. A large number of saints, sages, ascetics and devotees visit the Kumbh Mela to take a holy dip in the sacred rivers.

Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj

The Kumbh Mela is organised at Prayagraj, at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers, when Jupiter is in Taurus and the Sun is in Capricorn.

If this conjunction occurs during the month of Magha, the event is regarded as the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Bathing in the river on Makar Sankranti, Amavasya (New Moon), Vasant Panchami and Mahashivratri is considered especially auspicious.

The next such astrological combination will occur in 2036–37.

Simhastha Kumbh Mela at Nashik–Trimbakeshwar

The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is organised on the banks of the Godavari River at Nashik–Trimbakeshwar when Jupiter is in Leo and the Sun is in Cancer or Leo.

The forthcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela will take place during the following three periods:

First Phase: October 31, 2026 (Ashwin Krishna 6, Shaka 1948) to January 24, 2027 (Pausha Krishna 2, Shaka 1948).

Second Phase: June 25, 2027 (Jyeshtha Krishna 6, Shaka 1949) to November 26, 2027 (Kartik Krishna 13, Shaka 1949).

Third Phase: February 28, 2028 (Phalguna Shukla 3, Shaka 1949) to July 24, 2028 (Shravan Shukla 3, Shaka 1950).

Due to Jupiter's retrograde and direct movements, the planet will enter Leo three times. Hence, this event is known as the 'Trikhandi Simhastha Kumbh Mela'.

Kumbh Mela at Ujjain

The Kumbh Mela is organised at Ujjain on the banks of the Shipra River when Jupiter is in Leo and the Sun is in Aries.

Vaishakha Purnima (Full Moon) is considered particularly significant.

The next Kumbh Mela at Ujjain will be held from April 13, 2028, to May 14, 2028.

Kumbh Mela at Haridwar

The Kumbh Mela is organised at Haridwar on the banks of the Ganga when Jupiter is in Aquarius and the Sun is in Aries.

The next Kumbh Mela at Haridwar will take place from April 13, 2033, to May 13, 2033.

Generally, the Kumbh Mela returns to the same sacred place after approximately twelve years, when Jupiter re-enters the corresponding zodiac sign.

Previous and Future Simhastha Kumbh Melas at Nashik–Trimbakeshwar

Before the forthcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, the festival was organised at Trimbakeshwar–Nashik during the following periods when Jupiter entered Leo:

July 31, 2003, to August 27, 2004.

July 14, 2015, to August 11, 2016.

After the forthcoming three-phase Simhastha Kumbh Mela, the next such event at Trimbakeshwar–Nashik will take place during the following periods:

October 7, 2038, to March 4, 2039.

June 2, 2039, to November 4, 2039.

April 6, 2040, to June 29, 2040.

Since Jupiter will enter Leo on three separate occasions, that Kumbh Mela will also be a three-phase Simhastha Kumbh Mela.

Ancient religious scriptures state that bathing in the Godavari River during the Simhastha Kumbh period brings spiritual merit (Punya). Therefore, millions of devotees visit Trimbakeshwar–Nashik to take a holy dip in the Godavari during this sacred period.

It is also believed that taking the Amrit Snan (Shahi Snan) on specific auspicious days brings special spiritual benefits.

Flag Hoisting and Important Bathing Dates

The ceremonial flag-hoisting ceremony marking the beginning of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 12:02 PM (Ashwin Krishna 6, Shaka 1948).

The important Amrit Snan dates are:

First Amrit Snan: Monday, August 2, 2027 (Ashadha Somvati Amavasya, Shaka 1949).

Second Amrit Snan: Tuesday, August 31, 2027 (Shravan Amavasya, Shaka 1949).

Third Amrit Snan: Saturday, September 11, 2027 (Bhadrapada Shukla Parivartini Ekadashi, Shaka 1949).

Conclusion of Simhastha: Monday, July 24, 2028 (Shravan Shukla Tritiya, Shaka 1950).

Some Important Auspicious Bathing Dates in 2026

October 31, 2026 – Saturday: Ashwin Krishna 6. Flag hoisting at 12:02 PM and commencement of Simhastha.

November 5, 2026 – Thursday: Ashwin Krishna 11, Rama Ekadashi.

November 20, 2026 – Friday: Kartik Shukla 11, Prabodhini Smarta Ekadashi.

November 21, 2026 – Saturday: Kartik Shukla 12, Prabodhini Bhagwat Ekadashi.

November 23, 2026 – Monday: Kartik Shukla 14, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi.

November 24, 2026 – Tuesday: Kartik Purnima, Tripurari Purnima.

December 4, 2026 – Friday: Kartik Krishna 11, Utpatti Ekadashi.

December 15, 2026 – Tuesday: Margashirsha Shukla 6, Champa Shashthi.

December 20, 2026 – Sunday: Margashirsha Shukla 11, Mokshada Ekadashi.

Apart from these dates, Purnima (Full Moon), Amavasya (New Moon), Vyatipata Yoga and Vaidhriti Yoga are also considered auspicious for the sacred Amrit Snan.

TRIMBAKESHWAR MAHATMYA

Sanskrit Verses:

Simhaste tu samayate nadyas tirthani devatah |

Tirtharaje Kushavarte snatum ayanti yatnatah ||

Trimbakakshetramevatah simhaste tu vishishyate |

Yatra Goda samudbhuta sarva papa pranashini ||

The ancient Puranas describe the significance of the origin of the Godavari River.

The sacred river Gautami Ganga acquired the name 'Goda' at the Kushavarta Tirtha in Trimbakeshwar.

The word 'Goda' is explained as follows:

'Gautamasya gaam jeevanam dadati iti Goda.'

It means the one who gave life to Sage Gautama's cow and liberated him from the sin of cow slaughter.

The Kushavarta Tirtha, where Sage Gautama took his holy bath, is situated at Trimbakeshwar and is regarded as a sacred Tirtharaj (King of Holy Pilgrimage Sites).

It is believed that Sage Gautama blocked the flow of the Ganga using sacred darbha grass and performed his ritual bath. Hence, the place came to be known as 'Kushavarta'.

Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas and is regarded as a spiritually powerful pilgrimage centre.

Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ramchandra, following the instructions of Maharishi Kashyapa, performed Shraddha rituals and other religious ceremonies and took a holy bath at Kushavarta in Trimbakeshwar.

Several saints and ascetics belonging to Shaivite traditions visit Trimbakeshwar during the Simhastha period to perform the Amrit Snan.

NASHIK MAHATMYA

Sanskrit Verse:

Nasikam cha Prayagam cha Naimisham Pushkaram tatha |

Panchamam cha Gaya kshetram Shashtham kshetram na vidyate ||

According to the Brahmanda Purana, Nashik, Prayagraj, Pushkar, Naimisharanya and Gaya are five major sacred pilgrimage centres.

The sacred Simhastha pilgrimage centre of Nashik has existed on the banks of the Godavari River since the four Yugas.

This sacred place has been known by different names during different eras:

Satya Yuga (Krita Yuga): Padmanagar.

Treta Yuga: Trikantak.

Dvapara Yuga: Janasthana.

Kali Yuga: Nashik.

A verse from the Padma Purana:

Shashti varsha sahasrani Bhagirathyavagahanam |

Sakrit Godavari snanam Simhasthe cha Brihaspatau ||

According to the Padma Purana, the spiritual merit obtained by taking a single holy dip in the Godavari during the Simhastha period, when Jupiter is in Leo, is equivalent to that obtained by bathing in the Bhagirathi Ganga for 60,000 years.

Several saints and ascetics belonging to Vaishnavite traditions visit Ramkund Ghat in Nashik during the Simhastha period to perform the Amrit Snan.

SPIRITUAL SCIENCE (ADHYATMA SHASTRA)

Spiritual science, or Adhyatma Shastra, is the science that deals with the soul (Atman). Spirituality essentially refers to knowledge and understanding of the soul.

Sh. Va. Dandekar has defined spiritual science as 'the churning of human experience in the pursuit of discovering the ultimate truth'.

The discipline that investigates what is eternal and what is temporary is known as spiritual science.

In essence, Adhyatma Shastra is the science of self-knowledge.

The Upanishads are considered a vast treasure of spiritual wisdom.

Understanding the eternal, imperishable and unmanifest principle that pervades the entire universe, and studying the universe of living and non-living entities that emerges from it and ultimately merges back into it, is described as spiritual science in Vedanta.

The highest objective of spiritual science is to understand the nature of God, consciousness and the Supreme Brahman (Param Brahma).

The four essential principles of spiritual discipline are:

Viveka – Discrimination between the eternal and the temporary.

Vairagya – Detachment.

Shamadishatka – The six virtues of self-discipline.

Mumukshutva – The intense desire for liberation.

Those who possess these four qualities are considered qualified to pursue spiritual knowledge.

Saints and spiritual masters dedicate themselves to this spiritual pursuit.

During the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, they visit Trimbakeshwar–Nashik to take a holy dip in the Godavari River.

DEVOTION AND FAITH (BHAKTI AND SHRADDHA)

Every year, people visit sacred rivers during the Kumbh Mela with devotion and faith to take a holy bath.

The Sanskrit root 'Bhaj' means to serve. Thus, Bhakti refers to serving the Almighty.

Bhakti is the highest form of love, affection and devotion towards God.

It is also described as the state in which the human mind, transformed through spiritual discipline, becomes deeply absorbed in God and flows towards the Divine.

It is important to understand that devotion is not merely a means of spiritual practice; it is itself the ultimate goal and an expression of supreme bliss.

Shraddha (faith) is a quality of the human mind.

A Sanskrit expression explains faith as:

'Shrat Satyam. Tat Satyam Asyam Dhiyate Sa Shraddha.'

It means that 'Shrat' represents truth, and Shraddha is that in which truth is firmly established.

The Bhagavad Gita states that a person becomes what their faith inspires them to be.

Faith helps maintain mental peace and emotional well-being. However, misguided faith can turn into superstition. Therefore, faith should always be accompanied by thoughtful understanding and reasoning.

God represents consciousness. When it is said that God exists throughout creation, it means that consciousness pervades all living and non-living things.

This understanding of spirituality, devotion and faith is essential.

Millions of devotees participate in the Simhastha Kumbh Mela with deep faith and devotion. During this sacred occasion, one can witness an ocean of devotees gathering at Trimbakeshwar–Nashik.