Kumbh Mela: Largest Human Gathering on Planet

Maha Kumbh Mela 2015 will commence in Nashik from 14th of July, 2015,and will continue for a year, ending on 11th August, 2016,  which is considered as the first auspicious date for bathing in the holy river Ganga. The Mela will span across 56 days and is expected to be attended by millions of devotees traveling from far and wide. In wake of security and convenience of those attending, special arrangements have already been made by the state government.

The 2015 Mela is, undoubtedly, the largest assembly of people offering their reverences by taking a dip in the holy Ganga water in Haridwar or Allahabad. The pious congregation is organized in the four cities of Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik and Ujjain. Purna Kumbh Mela, which happens after 12 years, was last celebrated in the year 2001. 

A sadhu taking holy bath in the Ganges

The place and the date of the Mela are decided  on the basis of planetary positions of the Jupiter,Sun and Brahaspati. There is a common belief among devout Hindus that they will be able to wash away all their sins by taking a dip in the holy water in the Ganga which has special powers during the time of the Mela. Security has already been spruced up and important counters set up in all corners of the premises to ensure a smooth, hassle-free Maha Kumbh Mela in Nashik 2015.

The main bathing dates for Kumbh Mela 2015 in Nashik are given below: 

Special Bathing Dates of Nasik Kumbh Mela 2015
14 July 2015 at Ram Kunda	Main Ceremony of Flag Hoisting
19 Aug, 2015 at Sadhugram	Flag hoisting of the Akharas
26 Aug, 2015	Shravan Shudha Pratham (First) Snan
29 Aug, 2015	Shravan Sudha pornima (First Shahi Snan)
13 Sept. 2015 (Main Bathing Day)	Bhadrapad Krushna Amavasya Dwitiya (Second Shahi Snan)
18 Sept. 2015	Bhadrapad Rushipanchami Dwitiya (Third Shahi Snan)
25 Sept. 2015	Bhadrapad Shukla Vaman Dwadashi Tritiya

                                          Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016

Main Bathing Dates for Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016
22 April 2016 (Friday)	Purnima – Full Moon
06 May 2016 (Friday)	Vaishakh Krishna Amavasya
09 May 2016 (Monday)	Shukla Tritya
11 May 2016 (Wednesday)	Shukla Panchami
21 May 2016 (Saturday)	Purnima

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Top 10 Heritage Caves Temples of India - Religious Significance

India is a land where temples have been built since ages in reverence of different deities. These temples are not only admired for their religious significance but also for their intricate architecture, aesthetic designs , creative approach and most importantly the method of building. Each temple & shrine have their own unique aspect. Scroll down and take a look at some prominent cave temples in India.

Amarnath Cave Temple 

Cave Temple of Lord Amarnath

Located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Amarnath is a globally renowned cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Between May to August, the Amarnath Yatra draws millions of pilgrims owing to the ice stalagmite that resembles shivalinga.

Trikkur Mahadeva Temple

Trikkur Mahadeva Temple

One of the famous cave temples in Kerala, located near Manali river, Thrikkur Mahadev Temple houses a 6ft natural stone lingam, a form of Lord Shiva. Other deities inside the temple include Lord Ganesh, Ayyappa, Lord Muruga and Parvati.

Elephanta Cave Temple 

Elephanta Cave Temple

Nestled on the Elephanta island, in the state of Maharashtra, Elephanta Cave Temple is a fine specimen of Indian architecture, with its intricate carvings & sculpted art. Emblazoned as UNESCO World Heritage Site, these caves are divided into two groups- five Hindu temples and 2 Buddhist temples.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar 

Patal Bhuvaneshwar,Uttarakhand

A limestone cave temple in the Bhuvaneshwar village of Uttarakhand, Patal  Bhuvaneshwar is believed to be the home of 33 crore gods & goddesses.

Aurangabad Cave Temple 

Aurangabad Cave Temple

Situated atop of a hill in Aurangabad, Aurangabad Cave Temple is a cluster of 12 artificial rock-cut Buddhist temples, segregated into a group of 3.

Lenyandri Cave Temple 

Lenyandri Cave Temple

A series of 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves, Lenyandri Cave Temple, located in Pune, is quite famous for Cave 7 housed with an ‘old Ganesha shrine’. In order to reach there, one has to climb 207 stairs.

Pataleshwar Cave Temple 

Pataleshwar Cave Temple

Located in Pune, the Pataleshwar Cave Temple, built during the 8th century, is carved entirely out of a single stone block and bears resemblance to the rock-cut caves of Ellora.

Ellora Caves 

Sculptures of Buddhas in a Buddhist cave at Ellora

Built somewhere between 600 AD and 900 AD, Ellora Caves, a group of 29 rock-cut caves, stands as a testimony to the religious harmony between Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Jogeshwari Cave Temple 

Jogeshwari Cave Temple

Named after the goddess Jogeshwari, Jogeshwari Cave Temple boasts of some old temples dedicated to the Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed to be the largest & earliest prominent temples in the country.

Ajanta Cave Temple

Ajanta Cave Temple

Located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, Ajanta Cave Temple boasts of 30 rock-cut cave monuments featuring paintings & sculptures of Buddhist religious art.

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