Circuits

Kumbh Mela cities

Where drops of amrit fell

The four cities that host the Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik–Trimbakeshwar.

In the story of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), drops of amrit – the nectar of immortality – fell at these four places as gods and demons fought over the pot (kumbh). A bath in the sacred river at the astrologically fixed time is believed to wash away sins.

The mela rotates between the four cities on a roughly 12-year cycle per site, with an Ardh (half) Kumbh in between at Prayagraj and Haridwar. Nashik–Trimbakeshwar's Simhastha and Ujjain's Simhastha are due in 2027 and 2028 – check official announcements for dates.

The temples

1. Triveni Sangam
2. Har Ki Pauri & Mansa Devi
3. Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
4. Shri Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple