Kalpawas In Kumbha Mela : A Cultural And Anthropological Heritage Down The Historical Lane

Abstract (English)

Kumbha mela, the largest spiritual and religious gathering in the world is the living heritage. In it, the ancient practice of kalpwas is observed which consists of following spiritually scientific ascetic behavior and actions - tapasya, mokshatva, which ensure the liberation of souls from the cycles of birth and rebirth, i.e. gaining moksha, which is the ultimate truth believed and aspired goal of a human life according to Hinduism. The kalpwasis, i.e. those who practice this ritual kalpwas in mela undergo several austerities such as eating pure vegetarian or satvik bhojan, sleeping on floor, bathing in brahma muhurta before dawn, no copulation with partner, etc. for at least one month. This paper explores that those who observe kalpwas attain spiritual ananda or psychological, cultural bliss alongwith their health amelioration. Through the lens and findings of history, it presents that this anthropological custom has been the intangible and ancient heritage of India and still it develops with pure faith among devotees. This paper also encloses the transformations it has undergone over the years regards its structure and process. It establishes the thought and principle of ‘faqiri’ and renunciation. The people follow hardships as it is ‘sacred’ and religious and they are binded and bounded to it spiritually, psychologically, culturally and religiously through faith and belief since generations, and, hence it should be preserved as an institutionalized inherent heritage. The ancient makers of Hinduism prioritized health and fitness of physical and mental aspects both, which they realized could be done with satvikta, sanyas or hermitage and hence they very scientifically and subtly galvanized them along. It develops the metaphysical and axiological attributes of the Hindu devotees. The aura and soul of the Kumbha mela is unimaginable and kalpwas is the very essence of it.