Understanding Mahakumbh 2025: The Distinctions Between Ardh Kumbh, Purn Kumbh, and Maha Kumbh Explained

The Kumbh Mela is a significant festival rooted in Indian culture and traditions. It takes place at four sacred sites: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. This festival is not just a religious occasion; it is also believed to be influenced by celestial events. The Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 is scheduled to start on January 13 and conclude on February 26, lasting for 45 days.

There are four types of Kumbh Mela: Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh, Purn Kumbh, and Maha Kumbh. Each type differs in terms of duration, religious importance, and astronomical factors, which can sometimes confuse people. It’s important to clarify these differences and their links to planetary movements.

Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years and is celebrated alternately at four pilgrimage sites. It takes place when the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter are in a specific astronomical position. During this period, the waters of the Ganges, Kshipra, Godavari, and the confluence are considered particularly sacred.

Ardh Kumbh Mela is held every 6 years. It takes place in only two locations in India: Haridwar and Prayagraj. The term “Ardh” means half. The Ardh Kumbh Mela occurs in the six-year interval between the two Kumbh Melas, and therefore, it is viewed as the intermediate phase of the Kumbh Mela.

Purn Kumbh Mela occurs once every 12 years. The Purn Kumbh Mela is held only in Prayagraj. However, Purn Kumbh is also referred to as Mahakumbh. This time, in 2025, the Purn Kumbh will take place in Prayagraj after 12 years. It is considered the highest level of religious festival.

Mahakumbh Mela occurs only once every 144 years. It is held exclusively in Prayagraj. Mahakumbh is considered an extremely rare and unique religious event that takes place after 12 Purn Kumbhs. Mahakumbh is regarded as a grand gathering of millions of devotees and a historic religious event.

How is the selection of the location for Mahakumbh made? The decision for the Mahakumbh is based on the position of the planet Jupiter, the guru of the gods, and the position of the Sun. Let’s understand how the decision is made regarding the location of the fair.

Haridwar – When the guru of the gods, Jupiter, is in the sign of Kumbh and the Sun is in the sign of Aries, the Mahakumbh is held in Haridwar.  

Ujjain – When the Sun is in the sign of Aries and Jupiter is in the sign of Leo, the Kumbh Mela is organized in Ujjain.  

Nashik – When both Jupiter and the Sun are positioned in the sign of Leo, the site for the Mahakumbh Mela is Nashik.

Prayagraj – When the guru planet Jupiter is in the sign of Taurus and the king of planets, Saturn, is in the sign of Capricorn, the Mahakumbh is organized in Prayagraj.

The Kumbh Mela is not only a religious event but also provides an opportunity for self-purification, attainment of liberation, and awakening of spiritual energy. Bathing in the Kumbh washes away sins and brings about the acquisition of virtue. This religious event is also a symbol of social and cultural gathering.

(Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on general beliefs, astrology, calendars, religious texts, etc. Amar Ujala is not responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information and facts given here.)