Maha Kumbh fair is the largest religious gathering of India. Lakhs of devotees come to this fair from far and wide. Kalpavas have special significance in the Kumbh Mela. Kalpavas is a type of fast in which a person performs spiritual practice following specific rules for a fixed period of time. Kalpavas in the Kumbh Mela means that the devotees study and meditate on the Vedas while residing on the banks of the Sangam. It is believed that by observing Kalpvas, all the sins of a person are destroyed and he attains salvation.
During Kalpavas, a person calms his mind and tries to increase spiritual development. It is believed that by doing Kalpvas all the wishes of a person are fulfilled and the person gets immense virtue. During Kalpavas, a person does exercise and yoga regularly which keeps his health good.
The main attraction of the Maha Kumbh Mela is bathing in the Sangam. It is believed that by bathing in Sangam, all sins are washed away and one attains salvation. Various types of religious rituals are performed in the fair such as Havan, Yagya, Bhajan-Kirtan etc. In the Maha Kumbh Mela, sages and saints come from different parts of the country and give religious sermons. Various types of fairs and markets are organized in the fair where devotees can do shopping.
Rules of Kalpavas
Simple food: During Kalpavas a person should eat simple food.
Less sleep: A person should sleep less.
Veda study: One should study the Vedas.
Attention: One should meditate regularly.
Sangam Bath: A person should take bath in Sangam every day.
observance of celibacy: A person should follow celibacy.
Why do people do Kalpavas in Kumbh Mela?
Kumbh Mela is considered a symbol of a sacred environment where one can have spiritual experiences. Sangam is also considered very sacred and it is believed that bathing here washes away all sins. In Kumbh Mela one gets the company of saints due to which a person gets spiritual knowledge.
In many families the tradition of Kalpvas has been going on from generation to generation. Kalpavas in Kumbh Mela is a sacred practice which helps a person in spiritual development.
This is a difficult fast but its fruits are very sweet. If you also want to do Kalpavas, then you must take guidance from an experienced person.
