The first Kumbh Mela is believed to have originated in ancient times, based on Hindu mythology and astrological traditions.
The origins are tied to the story of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), where the gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrit). According to legend, during this process, a few drops of Amrit fell at four locations: Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. These places became the sacred sites for the Kumbh Mela.
Historical Perspective:
The first historically recorded Kumbh Mela was held in 643 CE during the reign of King Harshavardhana. The Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) documented his visit to the region, mentioning a grand religious festival at Prayagraj (then called Prayag), which corresponds to the Kumbh Mela.
However, the practice of gathering for spiritual purification and prayers along the rivers predates recorded history and is believed to have existed as early as the Vedic period.
Thus, while the mythological origins of the Kumbh Mela are timeless, its first historical mention dates to the 7th century CE.
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