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Despite the popularity of Maha-Shivaratri with most Sadhus, there is one festival that far surpasses it as far as popularity and turn-out--the great Khumbha Mela, a bathing festival held at the sites of Prayaga (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nasik, and Ujjain on a rotating basis every four years. At Prayag, where the Yamuna River joins the Ganga, that the largest number of human beings in history gathered-15 million on Februray 6, 1998. It is said that the nectar of immortality was spilled on these sites during an ancient battle between the gods and the demons. Therefore, millions of people descend on these sites to bathe at the auspicious moments, to socialize, and to celebrate. Here two Sadhus bathe in the foreground while lay people come from bathing in the background. The sadhus wear wooden chastity belts. Khumbha Mela, Allahabad
Naga baba (naked sadhu) blesses the Kumbha Mela pilgrims. He dabs bidhuti or ash tika on peoples forehead as blessing. Allahabad, India.
Sadhus perform their yoga for National Geographic photographers and film makers. One of the sadhus rod-roll his penis while other will stand on the rod itself. It is one of the hatha yoga. Kumbha Mela in Allahabad, India.
Naga baba (naked sadhu) blesses the Kumbha Mela pilgrims. He dabs bibhuti or ash tika on peoples forehead as blessing. Allahabad, India.
Naga baba performs one leg standing yoga as his devotional offering to God. He has not sat for several years now and hence he takes support on rope suspended as swing. Kumbha Mela in Allahabad, India.
Naga baba (naked sadhu) blesses the Kumbha Mela pilgrims. He dabs bibhuti or ash tika on peoples forehead as blessing. Allahabad, India.
The sacreamental lamp which has just been offered at the high point of the puja at Ganesh Temple is passed among the sadhus and devotees. Kumbha Mela in Allahabad, India. The devas (gods) can see and bless you through this flame as it lights up your face. Sometimes you, too, can glimpse into their world. When the priest comes to you with with the lamp, hold your hands a few inches apart with your palms down. Reach out and pass both hands devoutely over the flame. The bring your hands back, turn your palms toward your face and touch your eyes with your fingertips to receive the Deity's blessings.
Sadhus gong bells during Aarati (offering of flames) ceremony at Ganesh temple. Kumbha Mela in Allahabad, India.
The sacreamental lamp which has just been offered at the high point of the puja at Ganesh Temple is passed among the sadhus and devotees. Kumbha Mela in Allahabad, India. The devas (gods) can see and bless you through this flame as it lights up your face. Sometimes you, too, can glimpse into their world. When the priest comes to you with with the lamp, hold your hands a few inches apart with your palms down. Reach out and pass both hands devoutely over the flame. The bring your hands back, turn your palms toward your face and touch your eyes with your fingertips to receive the Deity's blessings.
Despite the popularity of Maha-Shivaratri with most Sadhus, there is one festival that far surpasses it as far as popularity and turn-out--the great Khumbha Mela, a bathing festival held at the sites of Prayaga (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nasik, and Ujjain on a rotating basis every four years. At Prayag, where the Yamuna River joins the Ganga, that the largest number of human beings in history gathered-15 million on Februray 6, 1998. It is said that the nectar of immortality was spilled on these sites during an ancient battle between the gods and the demons. Therefore, millions of people descend on these sites to bathe at the auspicious moments, to socialize, and to celebrate. Here two Sadhus bathe in the foreground while lay people come from bathing in the background. The sadhus wear wooden chastity belts.
Khumbha Mela, Allahabad
Despite the popularity of Maha-Shivaratri with most Sadhus, there is one festival that far surpasses it as far as popularity and turn-out--the great Khumbha Mela, a bathing festival held at the sites of Prayaga (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nasik, and Ujjain on a rotating basis every four years. At Prayag, where the Yamuna River joins the Ganga, that the largest number of human beings in history gathered-15 million on Februray 6, 1998. It is said that the nectar of immortality was spilled on these sites during an ancient battle between the gods and the demons. Therefore, millions of people descend on these sites to bathe at the auspicious moments, to socialize, and to celebrate. Here two Sadhus bathe in the foreground while lay people come from bathing in the background. The sadhus wear wooden chastity belts. Khumbha Mela, Allahabad
Despite the popularity of Maha-Shivaratri with most Sadhus, there is one festival that far surpasses it as far as popularity and turn-out--the great Khumbha Mela, a bathing festival held at the sites of Prayaga (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nasik, and Ujjain on a rotating basis every four years. At Prayag, where the Yamuna River joins the Ganga, that the largest number of human beings in history gathered-15 million on Februray 6, 1998. It is said that the nectar of immortality was spilled on these sites during an ancient battle between the gods and the demons. Therefore, millions of people descend on these sites to bathe at the auspicious moments, to socialize, and to celebrate. Here two Sadhus bathe in the foreground while lay people come from bathing in the background. The sadhus wear wooden chastity belts.
Khumbha Mela, Allahabad
See photo in original gallery.
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