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July 27 to Sept 7, 2003
Kumbha Mela derives its name from the immortal - Pot of Nectar -
described in ancient Vedic scriptures known as the Puranas. Kumbha in
Sanskrit language means 'pot or pitcher’. Mela means 'festival'. Thus
Kumbha Mela literally means festival of the pot. Or in this case a
festival celebrating the appearance of the pot of nectar.
The Kumbh Mela 2003-2004 is the most important Hindu spiritual gathering,
which takes place once every 12 years. The mela will be the largest single
gathering of humanity on the planet. It is visited by a number of foreign
visitors as well. The Kumbh Mela is an ancient festival finding mention
even in the epic Mahabharat. The fair will start on 27 July 2003 with the
first holy bath in the river Godavari (first “Snan”). Thousands
of Sadhus and devotees will gather at Nasik near Trimbakeshwar for the
event. The final ritual is on August 27, 2004.
NASHIK
- Nashik is one of the important religious centre of Maharashtra,
located on the bank of the Godavari river 565m above sea level and about
185-km from Mumbai. It is particularly a city of temples and there are
around 2,000 temples, both big and small. As the legendary home of Rama,
hero of the Ramayana, Nashik is one of the most sacred places of Hinduism;
ancient Buddhist, Jain temples are also here. Traditionally the place
attracts tourists, as it is known to be holly place. Hundreds of pilgrims
arrive here to take a holly dip at the 'Ramkund' in the river Godavari,
which is considered the 'Ganges of the south'. Ramkund is the spot where
the river Godavari turns to right at an angle of 90 degrees and gains
importance, as Lord Ram is said to have taken his daily bath here, during
his stay at Nashik.
TRIMBAKESHWAR - One of the holy
places of not only Maharashtra but the whole of India is near Nashik.
Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. About 38 kms
away from Nashik Road Railway Station, it is connected by bus and taxi
service.
The Auspicious Bathing Days At Kumbh, 2003
The main bathing dates are Aug. 12 and Aug. 27.
July
27th, 2003 : Kumbh mela Dhwaja Rohan Shravan Shuddha (Start of the
Kumbhmela) at Trimbakeshwar & Nashik.
Aug. 08th, 2003 :
Shravan Shuddha Pratham (First) Snan at Nashik.
Aug. 12th, 2003 :
Shravan Shuddha Pornima ( Full Moon ) Pratham (First) Snan at
Trimbakeshwar.
Aug. 27th, 2003 : Maha Parva - Bhadrapad Krushna Amavasya Dwitiya
(Second) Snan at Nashik.
Aug. 27th, 2003 :
Maha Parva - Bhadrapad Krushna Amavasya Dwitiya (Second) Snan at
Trimbakeshwar.
Sept. 01st, 2003 :
Maha Parva - Bhadrapad, Rushipanchami Dwitiya (Second) Snan at Nashik.
Sept. 07th, 2003 :
Bhadrapad Shukla, Vaman Dwadashi Tritiya (Third) Snan at Trimbakeshwar.
Aug. 27th, 2004 :
Kumbh mela Samapti (End of the Kumbhmela) Trimbakeshwar & Nashik.
HOW
TO REACH NASHIKBy Air: Nearest airport from Nashik is at
Mumbai , which is
185-km away from the city.
By Rail: Nashik is 185-kms from Mumbai and is well connected by
road. Pune-Nashik highway is 220-kms away from the city. There are also
several private and state buses available between Mumbai/Thane and Nashik.
By Road: Nashik is 185-kms from Mumbai and is well connected by
road. Pune-Nashik highway is 220-kms away from the city. There are also
several private and state buses available between Mumbai/Thane and Nashik.
Local Transport: Visitors can use taxis, tourist cars,
auto-rickshaws and vans, which are easily available and ideal for families
and groups.