All about Ujjain Kumbh.
                     All about Ujjain Kumbh
Ujjain Simhastha
• Ujjain Simhastha is a Hindu religious mela held every 12 years 
in the Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh, India. The name is also 
transliterated as Sinhastha or Singhastha. The name derives 
from the fact that it is held when the Jupiter is in Leo, which is 
called Simha in Hindu astrology.
Source: Google Images
About Kumbh Mela
• Kumbh Mela is probably the largest spiritual gathering in the 
world, held in four parts of India - Haridwar, Ujjain, Prayagraj 
and Nashik. It is held every four years in one of the four 
cities. The fair held in Ujjain is called Simhasth Kumbh 
Mahaparv and is held on the banks of the holy Kshipra river.
Source: Google Images
Hindu pilgrimage
• It is widely considered as a Hindu pilgrimage in which 
devotees from all over the globe come together to take a dip in 
the sacred river. This is in effect to the belief that taking a dip 
in the waters would absolve them of their sins. The mela itself 
is a vibrant and awe-inspiring event and a great place to soak 
in culture and tradition.
Source: Google Images
Historical importance
• According to Hindu mythology, Vishnu dropped drops of amrita 
at four places, while transporting it in a kumbha (pot). These 
four places, including Ujjain, are identified as the present-day 
sites of the Kumbh Mela. "Kumbh" in its literal English 
translation means "Pot", which emerged from "Samudra 
Manthan"(Churning of the Ocean) between Gods and Demons. 
From Nashik
• The Simhastha at Ujjain is an adaptation of the Nashik 
Simhastha fair to a local festival of uncertain origin. In its 
current form, it began in the 18th century when the Maratha 
ruler Ranoji Shinde invited ascetics from Nashik to Ujjain's 
local festival. Both Ujjain and Nashik fairs adopted the Kumbha 
myth from the Haridwar Kumbh Mela. 
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Once in 12 years
• The Ujjain Simhastha is held once in 12 years, when the 
Jupiter is in Leo. The main snana (bathing ritual) happens on 
the full moon day in Vaisakha month of the Hindu calendar 
(April–May). The next mela will be held from Sun, 9 Apr, 2028 
to Mon, 8 May, 2028
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British era
• During the British rule, the Ujjain Simhastha was the only 
Kumbh Mela organized in a princely state. While Haridwar, 
Prayag and Trimbak-Nashik were part of the territories directly 
ruled by the British, Ujjain was part of the Gwalior State ruled by 
the Scindia dynasty. During this time, the Scindias financed half 
of the event's expenses.
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Enriching experience
• The Ujjain Kumbh Mela is a pompous and colourful event and is 
a treat for travellers. It is an enriching experience which 
immerses the attendees of the fair in the colours of spirituality 
and old world charm. One is never too young or too old to 
attend the Kumbh Mela.
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Significance
• A ceremonial bath in these holy rivers is considered to be the 
essence and most significant ritual of this festival. It is believed 
that a holy dip in these rivers cleanses the soul of individuals 
and frees them from all their sins, as the rivers turn into the 
areas of sanctity during the favorable time of the Kumbh Mela.
Source: Google Images