Haridvār Kumbh

Gaṅgā at Har kī Pauṛī · Uttarakhand

At Haridvār the Kumbh is held on the Gaṅgā, with the most important baths at Brahmakuṇḍa, Har kī Pauṛī. It falls when Jupiter is in Aquarius (Kumbha) and the Sun enters Aries (Meṣa), so the main bathing days come around Meṣa Saṅkrānti in spring.

The akhāṛās, orders of sādhus, lead grand processions to bathe first on the principal days, followed by millions of pilgrims. Because Jupiter’s cycle is slightly shorter than twelve years, the gap between Haridvār Kumbhs is occasionally eleven years. An Ardh Kumbh is also held here.

Tradition says that when Jayanta, son of Indra, ran off with the pot of amṛta to keep it from the asuras, he rested it at four places during a chase that lasted twelve divine days — equal to twelve human years — and at each place a few drops spilled. Haridvār was one of those resting places.

Uttarakhand · Jupiter in Aquarius · Meṣa Saṅkrānti · Akhāṛā processions

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