When I started ActOnMagic in 2013, I had the opportunity to represent my startup at the NASSCOM Product Conclave (NPC). Amidst the energy of passionate founders and innovative ideas, I noticed a recurring phrase on Twitter—many were calling the conference a “Startup Kumbh Mela.” The comparison resonated deeply. The atmosphere was electric, founders were immersed in the startup ecosystem, and the energy felt like a grand confluence of entrepreneurial minds.
That word—Kumbh Mela—kept echoing in my mind.
Childhood Memories of Kumbh Mela
Growing up, I remember reading about Kumbh Mela in Tamil newspapers. The descriptions of thousands of sadhus, rishis, and sadhaks gathering to take a holy dip fascinated me. I was particularly struck by the images of Naga Sadhus covered in holy ash, their identities blending into a mystic realm beyond recognition. It felt like another world—one of intense spiritual discipline and devotion.
Mahakumbh 2025: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Event
This year, in 2025, an ultra-special Mahakumbh Mela is unfolding—a sacred gathering that happens only once in 144 years. The sheer scale of preparations at Prayagraj has been astonishing. Many of my friends, neighbors, and colleagues have already embarked on the pilgrimage, taking the sacred dip in the Triveni Sangam. Hearing about their divine experiences has been deeply inspiring.
Should I Make the Pilgrimage?
As part of my daily spiritual sadhana, my practice includes Morning Full Ganesha Puja, Japa, Hatha Yoga, Master Course Study, and the discipline of living two-thirds inside and only one-third outside. Given this, I found myself contemplating—Should I undertake this sacred journey?
This Mahakumbh is a rare occurrence in a lifetime. If I don’t go now, I will never witness it again. Yet, my spiritual goal is not just to witness events but to transcend the cycle of birth and rebirth itself. I sought clarity.
Seeking the Guru’s Guidance
Our rishis have always taught that God resides within each of us, whether we recognize it or not. To gain deeper insight into the significance of this Kumbh Mela for my spiritual journey, I turned to my Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami on February 12, 2025. With his grace, I received clarity about the purpose of the Kumbh and its relevance to my path.
Mahakumbh Comes Home
Meanwhile, life had its own divine play. My wife was fully occupied, taking care of my in-laws as they recovered from health issues. Then, on February 14, something unexpected happened—a neighbor of my in-laws brought back Mahakumbh theertham (holy water) from the pilgrimage and gifted it to them. That sacred water soon reached our home.
At that moment, we felt immensely grateful and deeply connected. We hadn’t traveled to the Mahakumbh, yet Mahakumbh had come to us.
Dancing with Siva Is ON!
The universe works in mysterious ways. Whether through a physical journey or an inner realization, the divine finds a way to reach us. I am filled with gratitude to Lord Siva for this beautiful unfolding of events.
Jai Ganapathi! Jai Karthikeya! Jai Kailasa Parampara!
Aum Namah Sivaya!
