We had received all kinds of warnings before paying our pilgrimage to Kumbh Mela and Ayodhya. They warned us not to go, there will be too many people and impossible to get around, risk of getting hurt in any stampede, waters being very filthy, not to take the snan (dip) as there is risk of infections etc.
Very few people encouraged us to go but those who had been, were able to provide some good tips. It was important to ensure that we had the flights booked and accommodation fixed first, as that could be challenging.
Luckily our travel agent was in Prayagraj and was able to check out the accommodation and recommend a suitable place. We managed to get a booking at the Muniji’s Parmarth ashram which was only 200-300 meters away from the Ganges and a boat’s ride to the Triveni sangam - confluence of three rivers: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. This is the most auspicious place to have a holy snan, especially during this Maha Kumbh mela. Kumbh happens every 12 years but this was even more auspicious as Maha Kumbh happens every 144 years! This is the time when six planets -Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and the moon - are aligned. We were there on 23rd and 24th February.
I can only explain the experience as holy and we all felt an extreme level of peace and calm after taking the snan and praying for our pitrus, family and friends. There is always a unique feeling when you pray for others.
There were millions of people all over river area of Prayagraj. There is a risk of getting lost. Frankly, we went with total faith and ignored all cautions. I strongly believe, when you go with total faith (shradha), whilst you may face some hurdles and challenges, the Lord will always make way for you to reach HIM.
When reaching Prayagraj airport, Rekha and I had to mount motorbikes and take a ride for over an hour through deep traffic and congestion to reach the Parmarth Ashram. We have never done this before for as long. It was testing but at the same time, we were able to soak up the atmosphere. Thousands of people and their families were walking for miles and miles to reach the river to take their holy dip. Whilst walking they would chant ‘Jai Shree Ram’ and ‘Om Namaha Shivay’ as they tirelessly made their way forward. One can only get emotional to see their deep faith and commitment. Many of the pilgrims were doing the triangle of yatras by visiting Kashi (Banaras), Ayodhya and Prayagraj (Allahabad).
In in evenings, we joined Pujya Muniji-Swami Chidanand Saraswati for the very special and energising Ganga Aarti. This was a joyful and serene experience.
Many will comment that there is nothing holy about just taking a dip in a cold river. I have to say that it is one of the holiest spiritual upliftment that we get. You feel relieved, blessed, calm and even more close to the Almighty.
We were not the only ones. There were millions of pilgrims who did the same. There were Chief Ministers, Prime Ministers, Industrialist and famous actors who all joined in doing the same. There must be something special in this.
Ayodhya Mandir and the darsan of Ram lala was also a great experience as all the infrastructure has been modernised around the mandir. We were most concerned about the long queues and enquired into our options. We were told to hire wheelchairs on pretence of not being able to walk. This did not fit well with us as were all able bodied. With the help of a rikshaw driver we just took a leap of faith and just went there feeling assured that somehow will work out. To our pleasant surprise, we were able to walk through the mandir just by showing our British passports. As foreigners, we were given a smooth passage and were safety out in half and hour!
The local authorities at Pragraj and Ayodhya had made excellent arrangements and were very helpful whenever we sought help.
We are blessed!!!