Kumbh Diary 5

When Body Consciousness took over Soul Consciousness

We reached Maha Kumbh Nagari on the evening of February 1st, 2025. Ten of us travelled from Kaashi to Prayag Raj by UP State AC bus which appeared to be designated just to take us to Kumbh. One of our group member's friend's father in law was the driver and made special arrangement to get us in before start time. However even throughout the journey not many passengers where there and again we had a comfortable journey till the outer limit of Kumbh City. We did have a tea break in between; had left Kaashi at about 10 am.

From Outskirts of the Kumbh city we had to take bike taxi to Ganga Thad from where we had to walk through different sections to finally find our camp, the main Juna Akhada Camp where Sri Mahant Mukesh Puri ji stayed. That was our base. The first recognizable face we saw as we entered Kumbh Nagari was of Mona Lisa's sister. We smiled and walked on though we would have liked to stop and chat and take photos .

Settled in our humble hay huts and had a good lunch served by two of our group members who had reached earlier in the Camp. i had a list of Sadhus i wanted to meet, tried to find people to come along and we went in search and search and didn't meet anyone as it is a really vast area and confusing addresses.

Some went for Triveni Snan, I wasnt ready yet for the Snan. had too many mental and physical blocks to take that dip. wasnt even sure if i want to do it either. My group members had all finished the dip and was asking me why I haven't.

The next day morning again our group members went for the dip and no I wasnt ready yet, one- the Cold, two- the Uncertainty, three- the constant insult by a living soul. Also, my concept of Ganga Mata , close to me is pure and clear like the one flowing in Uttar Kaashi where I was a few years ago. She is really the Mother!

However on day two we met the newly appointed Malayali Mahamandaleshwar Sri Anandavanam Maharaj of Juna Akhada and the imposing Shambu Maharaj of Pilot Baba camp.

In the evening again everyone prepared for Triveni Snan and I was left with no choice but to follow.

Yes, I finally took the dip, taking quite a time to prepare myself step by step.