Last Update: February 12, 2023, 12:46 IST
Lord Shiva idol in Haridwar. (Image: shutterstock)
Kumbh Sankranti falls in the month of Magha of the Hindu calendar and marks the movement of the Sun from Makara Rashi to Kumbh. This year it will be celebrated on Monday, 13 February
Kumbh Sankranti 2023: Sankranti marks the periodic movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another. Since there are 12 zodiac signs, there are 12 auspicious Sankrantis every year. Out of which the eleventh is known as Kumbh Sankranti. It falls in the month of Magha of the Hindu calendar and marks the movement of the Sun from Makara Rashi to Kumbh. This year it is falling on February 13, a Monday. Here is everything you need to know about the history and significance of the festival.
Kumbha Sankranti Date and Shubh Muhurat
- Kumbh Sankranti Date: February 13, 2023
- Kumbh Sankranti Punya Kaal: From 7.02 AM to 9.57 AM, Total Duration: 2 Hours 55 Minutes
- Kumbh Sankranti Maha Punya Kaal: From 8.5 am to 9.57 am, Total Duration: 1 Hour 51 Minutes
- Kumbha Sankranti Shubh Moment: 9.57 in the morning
Kumbha Sankranti Legend
Kumbh Sankranti is closely linked to the episode of Samudra Manthan which is detailed in the Vishnu Purana. This episode describes how sage Durvasa cursed Lord Indra and all other devas to be deprived of their power, fortune and energy.
Thereafter, the Devas were defeated in a battle against the Asuras led by Bali, who ruled the three worlds. It is believed that the defeated devas sought help from Lord Vishnu whose diplomatic guidance led them to churn the nectar of immortality.
According to legend, the sacred mountain Mandara was uprooted to be used as a churn and the serpent Vasuki was used as a rope. Many things came out of this churning including poison but in the end the nectar of life also came out.
It is believed that the gods hid the nectar of immortality at four places, wherever it fell on the earth, it was considered the holiest of places, which also gave rise to the celebration of the sacred Kumbh Mela.
Which are the holy places where Kumbh Mela is celebrated?
- Haridwar in Uttarakhand
- Godavari in Nashik
- Kshipra in Ujjain
- Prayag in Allahabad
Kumbh Sankranti Rituals
Taking a dip in the holy Ganges on this day is considered auspicious. It is said that it washes away all the sins of humans and gives them great power to ward off evil. Devotees visit nearby temples and also observe a fast to mark the auspicious day.
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