Over 400 million people are congregating in one city looking to find the truth about eternal and immortal life. They are seeking liberation. The greatest spectacle in human history is underway!
Laura Loomer sparked off an internal Trump camp civil war. Almost as if on a cue. What is the context of the "H1Bs" and what are the challenges? Let's discuss this dispassionately.
An election fought and won on the idea of defeating the elitist Deep State and the hero-worship of the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO show a deep and disturbing trend. The chasm is easy to witness everywhere.
Over 400 million people are congregating in one city looking to find the truth about eternal and immortal life. They are seeking liberation. The greatest spectacle in human history is underway!
The fetish with the physical is the most damning preoccupation of the human kind. Many have come and wanted to keep the body they have forever. They do not realize that a tool that decays every moment can never be "forever".
So how can I ever be immortal?
Depends on who or what am I?
The body? Or the mind? Both of which I have gathered from the world. None is me. They are mine, yes. Not me.
Then what is me?
That is the quest of the spiritual seekers.
That which is I at the existential level of life, can that ever be destroyed? Isn't that fundamentally immortal and eternal?
The question then is can I experience that "I".
For, in that experience lies the "nectar of immortality."
Amrit as that nectar has been called in the Hindu scriptures is not a drink. It is an intake. Intake of the mechanism that helps me to experience the "I."
That is my immortality.
No one called them. No one invited them. No one discussed the location or the plans. Yet, everything will come together. They have been arriving at such gatherings for centuries and millennia.
That is the love for true seeking of that "I" that one has gratitude for.
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There is an endangered seabird named Barau's petrel (Pterodroma baraui). These birds are interesting because their life and breeding are timed to lunar cycles. Their pre- and post-breeding migrations are timed by the length of the day. It waits for the days to reach 12.5 hours.
The Petrels have a pattern.
Just think of it - their lives are governed not just by the Moon's phases but also the length of the day (impact of the Sun).
There are two types of rhythm - Circadian and Circalunar rhythms.
Let us understand these rhythms.
It is a 24-hour cycle that controls animals and plants at mental, physical, and behavioral levels. Everything that runs human life - Sleep, Hormones, Food, and Body Temperature - is impacted by the day and night or solar cycle of a day.
In fact, in 2017, Nobel Prize was awarded for research on how body handles the circadian rhythms.
In 2017, NIGMS-funded researchers Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young won the Nobel Prize for their circadian rhythms research. They identified a protein in fruit flies that has a role in controlling normal daily biological rhythms. During the daytime, this protein (called PER) is produced by the cell but immediately broken down in the cytoplasm, keeping PER protein levels low. When night falls, a protein called TIM binds directly to PER, protecting it from breaking down. The PER-TIM complexes enter the nucleus and stop the cell from making additional PER. Then, as day breaks, the PER-TIM complexes break down, the block on PER transcription is lifted, and the cycle repeats. (Source: Circadian Rhythms / National Institute of General Medical Sciences)
The circadian rhythms also impact the plant metabolic pathways, such as photosynthesis and carbon metabolism. The plants' very life force! (Source: Frontiers in Plant Science)
Even Herbicides impact plants based on the circadian cycles.
Herbicides increase crop yields by allowing weed control and harvest management. Glyphosate is the most widely-used herbicide active ingredient, with $11 billion spent annually on glyphosate-containing products applied to >350 million hectares worldwide, using about 8.6 billion kg of glyphosate. The herbicidal effectiveness of glyphosate can depend upon the time of day of spraying. Here, we show that the plant circadian clock regulates the effectiveness of glyphosate. (Source: Plant circadian rhythms regulate the effectiveness of a glyphosate-based herbicide / Nature Communications)
The Circalunar rhythms also impact beings on this planet.
Circalunar Rhythm is a biorhythm that corresponds with the lunar cycle (approximately 29.5 days). The reproductive cycles of many organisms, especially marine organisms, are linked to changing levels of moonlight and the tidal cycle, both of which are governed by the phases of the moon. (Source: Oxford Reference)
We know that lunar cycle impacts a woman's reproductive cycles and her periods are aligned to moon's phases.
How about the plants?
This field is still in its infancy with respect to Western science processes, but interesting insights are coming out.
Isabella Guerrini, at the University of Perugia in Italy, works in the department of agriculture studying plant and animal consciousness and its integration into ecological pattern and rhythm. Her observations of sap flow in plants confirm1 that, indeed, fluid flows more full as the moon becomes full, slowing down as the moon wanes. This, she explains, has important consequences for plant growth and pruning: vigorous, sappy plants will suffer if cut, harvested, or pruned close to the full moon. First off, leaking sap exposes the plant to disease and pest incursion. But furthermore, sap from a cut plant, now deprived of its primary outlet, will engorge smaller channels, where new buds are developing on side branches, and potentially rupture those channels leading to the death of the buds (a phenomenon known as “lunar burn”, because it was so often noted around the full moon). Less vigorous, less juicy plants, like ground-covers or vines, conversely may benefit from being cut when sap flow is strong: it will stimulate the development of side shoots and encourage fuller, branching growth. (Source: Can moonlight affect plant growth? / Permaculture Principles)
Another study has shared a similar line of findings.
Senior curator at Natural History Museum Dr. Tom White discusses how both these cycles are important.
'Circalunar rhythms are very difficult to discern, but they have effects on different types of organisms,' says Tom. 'Some animals will respond to both a circadian rhythm and a lunar clock.' (Source: How does the Moon affect life on Earth? / Natural History Museum)
Is there any other planet or body in our solar system impacting us?
Yes. Venus and Jupiter.
We are in, what the scientists are calling, the Venus-Jupiter climate cycle.
So why are Venus and Jupiter so influential on our orbit? Venus’s tug is so strong because it’s our closest planetary neighbor, approaching as close as 24 million miles. The sheer size of Jupiter—which is roughly 318 times as massive as Earth—means it also has an outsized pull on our planet. At the peak of that warped orbit, Earth undergoes hotter summers, colder winters as well as more intense periods of drought and wetness. Knowing how this cycle works could impact on our understanding of past climate change and the arrival and disappearance of plant and animal species. “Scientists can now link changes in the climate, environment, dinosaurs, mammals and fossils around the world to this 405,000-year cycle in a very precise way," lead author Dennis Kent, an expert in paleomagnetism at Columbia University and Rutgers tells Doyle Rice at USA Today. “The climate cycles are directly related to how the Earth orbits the sun and slight variations in sunlight reaching Earth lead to climate and ecological changes.” (Source: "Venus and Jupiter May Meddle With Earth’s Orbit and Climate" / Smithsonian Magazine)
Let us look at this a bit more.
What does this mean?
When examining the planetary impact, the three celestial bodies—Sun, Moon, and Jupiter—play a profound role in influencing life on Earth. Their gravitational forces, electromagnetic radiation, and celestial alignments collectively affect not just humans but also animals, plants, and the environment as a whole.
Understanding these impacts is vital as they collectively shape the delicate balance of life on our planet.
The sages and yogis of ancient India devised a profound system to enhance the well-being of society. This system aimed to rejuvenate life energies and provide a reset for individuals every few years. It was intricately tied to numerous consecrated spaces spread across the Indian subcontinent, ensuring accessibility to all.
The intention was to allow even those unaware of spiritual dimensions to experience a structured flow of energy that enriched their lives. These practices required no belief, faith, or trust to be effective, yet their transformative impact naturally inspired a sense of reverence and connection, free from dogmatic enforcement. They seamlessly wove into the fabric of daily life, becoming an integral part of existence.
This subtle integration of yogic sciences gave rise to what is now recognized as the Hindu way of life—a harmonious blend of spiritual depth and practical living.
To truly comprehend the essence of Kumbh, it must be seen within this broader framework. The sacred alignments during Kumbh are opportunities for devotees to synchronize with cosmic rhythms, enabling spiritual elevation and the release of accumulated karmas.
During the Kumbh Mela, it is understood in the yogic tradition that the sacred rivers are infused with cosmic energies generated by specific planetary alignments, such as the positioning of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon. These rivers are believed to absorb and channel these energies, creating a powerful spiritual vortex that amplifies the effects of rituals and prayers.
The vortex is thought to have the power to wash away karmic imprints, opening pathways to spiritual elevation and inner awakening.
According to ancient Indian sages, the microcosm of the human body is a mirror of the macrocosm of the universe. The alignment of planets during Kumbh Mela creates an atmosphere conducive to spiritual growth and transformation. Rituals, meditation, and chanting performed during this time are believed to have amplified effects, allowing individuals to connect with the cosmos and tap into the timeless wisdom of Vedic traditions.
By bathing in the sacred rivers, individuals can align their personal energy with the cosmic energies, enhancing their spiritual journey. The specific planetary positions during Kumbh Mela are thought to create a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth, attracting millions of devotees and pilgrims to the festival every 12 years.
The timing of the Kumbh Mela is meticulously aligned with celestial events, where the movements of Jupiter (Guru) and the Sun (Surya) into specific zodiac signs create a powerful gateway for spiritual transformation.
Jupiter, known as the planet of wisdom and expansion, synergizes with the Sun’s vitality and self-expression, amplifying the spiritual and purifying potency of the sacred rivers.
This cosmic alignment enhances the transformative power of the waters, making them capable of alleviating planetary karma and fostering spiritual growth.
For example, in Vedic Astrology, four planets are considered to have malefic impacts. The rituals and practices at Kumbh can alleviate such impacts on a human being.
The spiritual aspect from an individual's standpoint and for the wellbeing of the society is great. But there is a larger context in terms of spiritual progress within the Dharmic tradition.
Kumbh as a word has been understood in six different ways.
This is an important context to the word Kumbh.
India was a vast continent in itself, given its landmass variation, languages, practices and social ways of the people.
For that, a large congregation like a Kumbh became the right tool.
Remember - not every Sadhu or Yogi-looking individual would be an enlightened Master or being. But amongst many ordinary souls would be some who would have the powers and attainments that could change the entire life on the planet.
As Dilip Roy discusses in his book, this was one of the reasons a wise Sadhu shared with him. When you look at the tradition and the backdrop, then it makes sense.
So who are the type of folks who come to Kumbh?
Three types of people converge at Kumbha: Visitors, Kalpavasis, and Sages/Seers/Yogis/Sadhus.
The Kalpavasis are pilgrims who stay for the entire time at the Kumbha and cook their own food. They usually go to every Kumbha wherever it happens. Often, they are old men and women (I met one very old woman in her 80s who had gone to every Kumbha since she was a child).
Sadhus are often Seers or Sages who usually belong to a particular tradition (ashram or akhara) and come to the Kumbha location on their own accord.
There is no one calling anyone. No announcements are made of the dates or any promotion done about the location of the Kumbh. Yet, one sees a sea of humanity congregate. How?
Because the ancient Hindu/Yogic traditions were rooted in astronomical contexts. Their definitions were infallible. Calculations commonly known and translation done across the geography.
The ancient texts have shared the basis for such gatherings at these locations over the many centuries and millennia.
Here is a reference from the astronomical text named Brihat Samhita to the Kumbh sign and its link to the different Nakshatras.
Let us break the verse down and understand its meaning.
What do these things mean?
Let us understand the basics of what a nakshatra is.
If the sky could be seen as a globe above the sphere of the planet earth could be divided into equal parts such that specific group of stars can be associated with those parts - then we have the basis of Hindu or Vedic astronomy. It is therefore, also the basis of Vedic astrology.
A nakshatra is a lunar mansion (segment of the sky that the moon passes through in its orbit around the Earth) or division of the sky in Vedic astrology. The celestial sphere is divided into 27 segments, each associated with a specific group of stars, forming the nakshatras.
They are key to understanding the movement of the Moon, which passes through one nakshatra approximately every day, completing the full cycle in about 27.3 days.
The sky is divided into 360°, and each nakshatra spans 13°20' (360° ÷ 27). A nakshatra marks the position of the Moon in the zodiac at a given time. Each nakshatra is further subdivided into 4 padas (quarters), each spanning 3°20', providing additional granularity in astrological analysis.
Each nakshatra spans parts of one or two zodiac signs - known as Rashis in Vedic astrology.
The 27 Nakshatras are:
Ashwini (अश्विनि)
Bharani (भरणी)
Krittika (कृत्तिका)
Rohini (रोहिणी)
Mrigashīrsha(मृगशीर्ष)
Ārdrā (आर्द्रा)
Punarvasu (पुनर्वसु)
Pushya (पुष्य)
Āshleshā (अश्लेषा)
Maghā (मघा)
Pūrva or Pūrva Phalgunī (पूर्व फल्गुनी)
Uttara or Uttara Phalgunī (उत्तर फल्गुनी)
Hasta (हस्त)
Chitra (चित्रा)
Svātī (स्वाति)
Viśākhā (विशाखा)
Anurādhā (अनुराधा)
Jyeshtha (ज्येष्ठा)
Mula (मूल)
Pūrva Āshādhā (पूर्व आषाढ़)
Uttara Āṣāḍhā (उत्तर आषाढ़)
Śrāvaṇa (श्रावण)
Śrāviṣṭha (श्रविष्ठा) or Dhanishta
Shatabhisha (शतभिषा)or Śatataraka
Pūrva Bhādrapadā (पूर्व भाद्रपद)
Uttara Bhādrapadā (उत्तर भाद्रपद)
Revati (रेवती)
Knowing this, let us look at the planetary influences and zodiac significance with respect to the different components related to the Kumbh.
There is another aspect - the locations. Why are they important?
The very structure - axis, the movement and the tilt of the planet along as it impacts different points on the globe create energies that can be used profoundly.
When you take Indian astronomy, and astrological significances and put them all together along with the known scientific evidence of how Sun, Moon and planets like Jupiter and Venus impact the Earth and the various species living on it, you see something interesting.
The intricate connection between celestial movements and spiritual practices in the Kumbh Mela tradition demonstrates the deep integration of astronomy and yogic influences in Hindu culture. These carefully calculated alignments are believed to create optimal conditions for spiritual transformation, making the Kumbh Mela a powerful nexus of cosmic and earthly energies.
There is a familiar story about the origin of Kumbh. Let us look at it.
The Kumbh Mela originates from the myth of Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), where Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) churned the cosmic ocean for Amrita (nectar of immortality).
Key participants included Lord Vishnu, who supported the process as Kurma (tortoise), and Shiva, who consumed the deadly poison (Halahala) that emerged first.
Finally, Dhanvantari appeared holding a Kumbha (pot) of nectar.
A battle ensued between Devas and Asuras, during which Garuda carried the nectar to safety, spilling drops at four locations—Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nasik, and Ujjain. These places were sanctified by the Amrita, becoming sites for the Kumbh Mela.
Each location aligns with celestial movements of Jupiter, Sun, and Moon, believed to recreate cosmic energies. The festival therefore symbolizes spiritual purification, cosmic harmony, and liberation (moksha), as devotees bathe in sacred rivers to cleanse sins and align with universal energies.
Let us deliberate here.
The pilgrims at the Kumbh are seeking the ability to go beyond the limited physical nature of a human being that the Tamasik and the Sattvik characterize.
The importance of Kumbh has been expressed in different ways in the ancient Hindu texts. Let us look at them.
In Atharva-veda, Lord Brahma shares the significance of Kumbh thus.
चतुरः कुम्भांश्चतुर्धा ददामि, क्षीरं पूराणाम् उदकेन च।
"O Earth, I bestow upon you four sacred Kumbhas (pots) filled with milk, curd, and water to be established at four different locations."
देवदानवसंवादे मध्याने महोदधौ।
उत्पन्नोऽत्रि तत: कुम्भ विधुतो विष्णुं स्वयं।
स्त्वत्तो सर्वभवान देवाः सर्वं तव प्रतिष्ठितम्।
त्वयि निःस्पंद भूतानि त्वयि प्राणाः प्रतिष्ठिताः।
शिवः स्वयं त्वमेवास्ति विष्णुत्वं च प्रजापतिः।
आदित्या वस्तव ऋताः विश्वेदेवाः सप्तऋषयः।
त्वयि स्थितं सर्वेदेव यतः कामफलप्रद।।
The Dharmashatras share a dialogue between gods and demons, during the churning of the great ocean. A pot (Kumbha) - of celestial nectar - emerged as a result. Lord Vishnu himself sanctified it.
Let us also look at this verse from Kalidas's Raghuvamsa, Canto XIII
समुद्रपतिन्योर्जल-सन्निपाते
पुतात्मनमात्र किलाभिषेकात्।
तत्त्वावबोधेन विना अपि भूयस्
तनुत्यजं नास्ति शरीर-बन्धः।
The English translation of this verse is below.
Here, the poet underscores the spiritual significance of holy confluences (like the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj) for physical and ritual purification. But of course, he also emphasizes that true liberation (moksha) comes not merely from external acts like bathing but through the more profound realization of spiritual truth.
The mere presence at the locations during Kumbh and bathing in the river does not take you all the way to an enlightened state. It can plant the seed in you that may at some point blossom. You see, the energies are available. The opportunity is there.
Whether one has the wherewithal to dive deep within is upto one's own ability and sadhana (self effort).
As we have looked at this before, in literal terms, Kumbha means a pot or another Sanskrit word, Kalasha. Kumbha is also the water-related astrological zodiac Aquarius.
This context with its spiritual underpinnings is best understood from its mention in Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra, a hymn from the Mahabharata. The hym lists the 1,000 names of Lord Vishnu. One of those names is Kumbh, which means pot.
अर्चिष्मानर्चितः कुम्भो विशुद्धात्मा विशोधनः।
अनिरुद्धो अप्रतिरथः प्रद्युम्नो अमितविक्रमः।
Why would Vishnu be known as a pot? For he is the one who manifests the entire universe within Himself, the womb of existence. Just as a pot holds water.
Water symbolizes Lord Vishnu (Narayana), whose very essence is intertwined with water.
He resides in it, moves upon the boundless cosmic waters, and simultaneously manifests as the water itself.
Now let us understand the logistics of the Kumbh.
Kumbh is held at four different locations based on the planetary configurations.
The four locations of Kumbha and their significance can be shared via these verses. They are not from the Vedas, Puranas, or the Upanishads, but they explain the planetary configuration and locations.
Haridwar Kumbh: The festival begins when Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun moves into Aries. This combination is said to create ideal conditions for spiritual practices by the Ganges.
"पद्मिनी नायके मेषे कुम्भ राशि गते गुरोः।गंगा द्वारे भवेद योगः कुम्भ नामा तथोत्तमाः।।"
Prayagraj (formerly Prayag) Kumbh: Prayagraj experiences two special Kumbh moments:
When Jupiter is in Aries, and both Sun and Moon are in Capricorn during Amavasya (new moon):
"मेष राशि गते जीवे मकरे चन्द्र भास्करौ।अमावस्या तदा योगः कुम्भख्यस्तीर्थ नायके।।"
When the Sun enters Capricorn and Jupiter moves into Taurus:
"मकरे च दिवा नाथे ह्मजगें च बृहस्पतौकुम्भ योगोभवेत्तत्र प्रयागे ह्यति दूलर्भ:"
Nashik Kumbh: For the Kumbh by the Godavari River in Nashik, the signal comes when Jupiter enters Leo. This timing is believed to create powerful spiritual vibrations:
"सिंह राशि गते सूर्ये सिंह राशौ बृहस्पतौ।गोदावर्या भवेत कुम्भों जायते खलु मुक्तिदः।
Ujjain Kumbh: Ujjain's turn comes when Jupiter is in Leo, and the Sun moves into Aries. This combination is said to make Ujjain's Kumbh particularly conducive to spiritual liberation:
"मेष राशि गते सूर्ये सिंह राशौ बृहस्पतौ।उज्जियन्यां भवेत कुम्भः सदामुक्ति प्रदायकः।
This table is a quick reckoner for the information shared above.
Let us look at the types of Kumbhs.
Purna Kumbh: Jupiter’s orbit around the Sun takes approximately 12 years to complete. Purn Kumbh is, therefore, held when:
Jupiter (Guru) enters Aquarius (Kumbha Rashi), and the Sun enters Aries (Mesha Rashi) or is aligned with certain constellations based on the location. Spiritual significance: Jupiter, known as the teacher of the gods, is seen as the planet of wisdom and knowledge. Its transit into specific zodiac signs is believed to energize spiritual purification.
Ardh Kumbh (6 Years): Occurs halfway through the 12-year cycle of Jupiter, typically when Jupiter transits Leo (Simha Rashi) or similar intermediate positions. Spiritual significance: Seen as a preparatory phase or halfway point for spiritual purification, offering devotees the chance to maintain spiritual progress before the next full Kumbh.
Maha Kumbh (144 years): Mahakumbh is the culmination of all the cycles and occurs once every 12 cycles of 12 years, when:
A rare alignment of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon occurs in a specific zodiac sign, often magnifying the astrological and spiritual energies. Spiritual significance: Represents a culmination of vast spiritual energy, akin to the opening of celestial gates for divine grace and cosmic energy.
During the Kumbha Mela time, these are the important days for the pilgrims.
Let us make a quick list of how the future of Kumbh Melas will unfold. Where, when, and when. We have tried to extrapolate and therefore, some errors may have crept in. If you think something needs to be changed, please let us know.
This Mahakumbh will be the only time that we and our next generation can attend.
In the 2025 Maha Kumbh, 400-450 million pilgrims are expected to throng the banks of Sangam (confluence of the three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati).
Here is a brief list. (Sources: Business Standards / Economic Times - infra / Economic Times - Railway)
Security:
Temporary Tent City:
Transportation:
Facilities:
Sectors:
Yes, the government is making arrangements, but it is also essential to understand that individual charity and efforts to care for the pilgrims is also done.
Kumbh is a time when Free Lunch is indeed a reality!
In fact, my personal experience showed that even if the pilgrims did not spend a single rupee, they would have been able to feed themselves 3 times a day free of charge.
Here are some pictures that I took in 2019 Ardha-kumbh.
Many anti-Hindu commentators have targeted Kumbh with respect to the expenditure and the government's role in arrangements. Let us look at this debate in detail.
The government is spending Rs 6900 crores.
In the 2024-25 state budget, the Yogi Adityanath-led UP government allocated ₹2,500 crore for organising the Mahakumbh. The amount was ₹2,500 in the 2023-24 budget and ₹621.55 crore for the financial year 2022-23. The Centre has approved a special grant of ₹2,100 crore for the Mahakumbh. (Source: Live Mint)
The revenue generation and economic spinoffs will be tremendous against the backdrop of a total government and administrative expenditure of Rs 6900 crores. The government collection itself will be Rs 25,000 crore, and the spin-offs for the city's and state's economy would be over Rs 2 trillion!
So, let us state it like it should be.
It must be remembered that in India, the state controls the administration, governance, and collections of Hindu temples in India is often justified using Article 25 (2) (a) of the Indian Constitution, which allows the State to regulate or restrict any financial, political, or secular activity associated with religious practice. This is used only for temples, not mosques or churches.
A staggering number of Hindu temples in India are under government control. As many as 110,000 temples are overseen by the governments of just ten states.
The state of Tamil Nadu has an enormous amount of temple land, with its Temple Trusts collectively owning at least 478,000 acres.
Karnataka's government has control over more than 34,000 temples, while in Kerala, five Dewaswam boards manage approximately 3,058 temples, giving the communist-led state significant influence over the region's Hindu institutions.
With that kind of money that Hindus give to the government, they should get much more back than the amount that has been spent on such events.
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