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05th April to 05th May, 2004
The very auspicious Kumbh Mela that takes place once every 6 years in
India is falling in April to May 2004 at Simhastha, Ujjain.
Millions
of years ago in a celestial wrest for a pot of nectar, four precious drops
fell on the earth creating four of India's holiest places where millions
gather once every 12 years (one year for every day of the battle) to take
a dip in the holy water thus breaking the cycle of death and rebirth...the
Kumbh Mela. Allahabad, Nashik, Ujjain and Haridwar are the four places
where the Kumbh Mela takes place and come 2004, Ujjain is where the action
is as the city turns saffron for the spectacular event that is the
Simhastha. Literally translated 'simhastha' signifies the movement of the
planets into the zodiac of Leo or Simha Rashi.
UJJAIN
- Ujjain is situated on the right bank of River bank or River Shipra.
It is a very holy city for the Hindus a site for the triennial Kumbh Mela.
According to Hindu scriptures, it was originally called Avantika. There is
an interesting tale behind the sanctity of the city. It's origin is
ascribed to the mythological legend of Sagar Manbthan (churning of the
primordial ocean to discover the pot of nectar). The story goes that after
the nectar was discovered, there was a chase between the gods and the
demons to have the nectar first and thus attain immortality. During this
chase a drop of nectar spilled and fell on Ujjain, thus making the city
sacred.
Five Auspicious Bathing Days At Kumbh Mela, 2004
Monday,
05th April 2004: PURNIMA
Monday, 19th April 2004: KRISHNA AMAVASYA
Thursday, 22nd April 2004: SHUKLA TRITIYA
Saturday, 24th April 2004: SHUKLA PANCHMI
Tuesday, 4th May 2004: SHAHI SNAN PURNIMA
HOW
TO REACH UJJAIN By Air: The nearest airport is at Indore (55 km),
it is connected by air to Bhopal, Bombay, Delhi and Gwalior.
By Rail: Ujjain is an important railway station on the Western
Railway network and connected with most of the major cities in India.
By Road: It is within easy driving distance from Bhopal (183 km),
Indore (55 km) and Mandu (158 km).