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Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning of the Story of Kumbh Mela

The basic story associated with Kumbh Mela is the churning of ocean or Samudra Manthan. But there is spiritual and symbolic meaning to the story which is quite often missed. The story is symbolic – the churning of ocean by Devas (demigods) and Asuras (Demons) is always taking place in us. There is a constant fight in us to overcome the lower mind – the place of desire, ego, jealousy and ignorance.

When we finally defeat the craving of the body and ignorance, we will get the amruta or elixir of life. We are merged in truth. We defeat the temporary and find bliss in the permanent.

The Kumbh – the pot – is the human body. It is our free will as to what we want to churn out of it.

Kumbh Mela thus is an opportunity for us to reflect.

It is also a venue for the best minds to meet. It is also a venue for common seekers to mingle with the Gurus.

More on the topic

Defeat the temporary and find bliss in the permanent aligns with some core principles in Hinduism, particularly regarding the nature of reality and the pursuit of true happiness or bliss.

In Hindu philosophy, there is a distinction made between the temporary, or transient, aspects of existence (known as "anitya" or "impermanent") and the permanent or eternal (known as "nitya" or "permanent"). This understanding is deeply rooted in the concept of "maya," which refers to the illusory nature of the material world.

Hinduism teaches that while the material world is subject to change, decay, and impermanence, there is an underlying reality or essence that is eternal and unchanging, often referred to as Brahman or the Absolute. True happiness or bliss, according to Hinduism, comes from realizing this eternal reality beyond the temporary fluctuations of life.

Various spiritual practices within Hinduism, such as meditation, yoga, devotion (bhakti), and self-inquiry (jnana), are aimed at transcending the temporary aspects of existence and realizing the permanent truth that underlies all of creation. By understanding and experiencing the eternal nature of reality, one can find lasting happiness and inner peace, which is often described as "ananda" or bliss.

In essence, the teaching encourages individuals to look beyond the fleeting pleasures and pains of the material world and to seek a deeper understanding of the eternal truths that lead to lasting fulfillment and happiness.