Nashik Kumbha Mela: Shanti Aur Kranti

September 2, 2015

Bringing a Peaceful Revolution for WASH and Sanitation for All

Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji’s visit to Nashik Kumbha Mela was truly remarkable and revolutionary. On the first night of Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Ji’s arrival, He joined HH the Dalai Lama Ji, Pujya Mahamandeleshwar Swami Gurusharanandji Maharaj, and many other revered saints for a sacred Aarti ceremony at the Kushavarta, the holy kund (pond) in Trimbakeshwar.

On the second day of His visit, Pujya Swamiji was one of the revered spiritual leaders with HH the Dalai Lamaji, Pujya Mahamandeleshwar Swami Gurusharanandji Maharaj, Pujya Bhaishriji, Dr. BK Modiji and many others, speaking about the global challenges that faith leaders must come together to address.

There was a very special green birthday celebration for Pujya Bhaishriji, in which he was given a sacred Rudraksha sapling that was blessed by many of the eminent religious leaders in the sacred land of Trimbakeshwar at the Shri Karshni Camp. A special Bhajan Sandhya took place with Shri Anup Jalotaji ( Jalota Anup) on the same day, in which the divine Bhajan Maestro riveted the divine gathering with his beautiful voice, singing the glories of the Lord.

Throughout the Kumbha Mela, Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji ceaselessly inspired all the respected dignitaries, from HH the Dalai Lama, to Shri Anup Jalotaji, and others, to show their support for Swachh Kumbha Mela by encouraging them to apply sacred tilak (mark of kumkum or sandalwood) onto a large map of India, signifying their pledge to work for improved WASH in India by raising awareness and working to change the behaviour of their followers, and to eradicate open defecation. The tilak also signified their blessing that India should become open defecation free.

The visit also included a two day Swachh Day campaign in which faith leaders gathered to express the need for a Swachh Kumbh Mela and Swachh Bharat with the theme that ‘Every Body is a Temple. Respect It. Use a Toilet.’  To learn more, click here.

During the visit, Pujya Swamiji also gave the message of a Green Katha during Pujya Bhaishriji’s sacred Shiv Charitrya Katha, He also visited the sacred jyotirlinga, the Trimabakeshwar Temple, and planned for it to become a green shrine. Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji also visited many saints and faith leaders, sharing the Swachh Kumbh initiative, emphasizing the need for WASH and the need to inspire action by all stakeholders to create a Swachh Bharat for all.