Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Nashik
With Agency Inputs

Nashik, Aug 28: Crores of devotees have gathered at the holy town of Triyambakeshwar in Nashik for the Kumbh Mela, the world's largest festival observed every three years. In Nashik, the festival is being celebrated after a gap of 12 years.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu flew from earth to heaven with a pot of nectar, spilling drops of nectar at four different places- Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain and Allahabad. Once in three years, the Kumbh Mela is held in one of these four places.

Sadhus, holy men and millions of pilgrims flock to the temple to wash away their sins in the holy river, Godavari. They take dips in the river on a specific date and at specific time.

Celebration of Kumbh Mela depends on the position of Jupiter (Brhaspati) and the sun. When the Jupiter and the sun falls on the zodiac sign Leo or 'Sinhastha' (as referred to in Sanskrit).

Devotees come together and perform a number of ceremonies, chant prayers, sing devotional songs and feed masses of holy men and women and the poor.

Bathing in the holy river is considered as the most sacred among the ceremonies. The two bathing ghats, Ramkund and Kushavarta holy reservoirs witness thousands of sadhus, holy men and millions of pilgrims taking dips in the river Godavari.

The first Shahi Snan (royal bath) will be held on Saturday August 29. The second and third Shahi Snans are scheduled on September 13 and 18.

Nearly 15,000 police personnel, 10 squads of special forces and anti-terrorism squads and one dozen bomb disposal squads have been deployed for security.