Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 – Day 3
The air crackled with a vibrant energy, a symphony of chants, drumming, and the murmur of a million voices. Having completed my first bathe on Makar Sankranti, I had fully arrived at the Maha Kumbh Mela, a pilgrimage that had shimmered on the horizon of my dreams since childhood. Here, amidst the swirling sands of Prayagraj, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers converge, I was bathing in the rivers of humanity and eternity.
Intention
Years had passed since I last saw them – the wise yogis, their eyes twinkling with ancient wisdom, their presence a beacon of peace amidst the chaos of the world. I had unconsciously been seeking them for years, drawn by an invisible thread, a yearning to reconnect with the source of my own spiritual journey.
As I navigated the throngs of pilgrims, a sense of wonder washed over me. Sadhus with bodies painted in vibrant hues, their eyes lost in deep meditation, moved through the crowd like living statues. Acrobats performed gravity-defying feats, their bodies contorting into impossible shapes. The air was thick with the aroma of incense, the sweet scent of sandalwood mingling with the earthy fragrance of the river.
Recognition
And then, I saw them. Nestled beneath a banyan tree close to the Nagvasuki shrine, a circle of yogis sat in deep meditation. Their faces, etched with the wisdom of countless lifetimes, held a profound stillness. As I approached, a sense of recognition, a profound knowing, washed over me. These were the ones, the teachers of my childhood, their presence a comforting anchor in the tumultuous sea of my life.
Reconnection
With a gentle smile, they welcomed me into their circle. Time seemed to dissolve, the clamor of the Mela fading into the background. We spoke of the timeless truths of existence, of the interconnectedness of all beings, of the journey of the soul. Their words, simple yet profound, resonated deep within me, awakening a dormant wisdom that had been slumbering within.
Revitalisation
As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, we walked towards the confluence of the rivers. The air was charged with a palpable energy, a sacred vibration that seemed to permeate every cell of my being. With bated breath, I stepped into the sacred waters for my 3rd bathe, feeling the cool embrace of the river against my skin.
Recharge
The river, a living entity, pulsed with life, carrying with it the prayers and aspirations of countless souls. As I immersed myself in its depths, I felt a profound sense of release, a washing away of the dust and grime of lifetimes. I was bathed not only in the waters of the Ganges, but also in the river of humanity, a collective consciousness that transcended time and space.
Emerging from the river, I felt lighter, more connected, more alive. The Maha Kumbh Mela, a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and spiritual experiences, had become a portal to the divine, a reminder of the timeless truths that lie at the heart of our being.
I had found my way back to the source, reconnected with the wisdom of the ages, and bathed in the rivers of eternity. This gratitude fills me with the most profound bliss. 🙏
