A Unique Kumbh Mela in Kerala

As the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayag enters its final stages, another distinct Kumbh Mela unfolds in Kerala — the Kumbh Mela at Santhigiri. While both celebrations are linked by the tradition of Guru Parampara, the Kumbh Mela at Santhigiri offers a different experience rooted in the unique spiritual practices of India.?The Kumbh Mela, whether held in Prayag or at Santhigiri, is a ritual aligned with the movement of Jupiter (Guru) around the Sun. During this period, it is believed that the water at Triveni Sangam becomes ambrosial, therefore, an immense gathering of people, especially Sadhus from all denominations comes together to bathe in the Triveni Sangam.?

The place occupied by a Sanyasi is considered sacred. According to the Dharmic Institute of Hindus, a land devoid of a sanyasi is unfit for living. When thousands of sanyasis gather in one place to engage in sadhana, the vibrational energy and divine bliss that emanate from such a gathering are believed to be immensely powerful. This is attested to by people not only from India but from around the world.?

Navajyoti Sri Karunakara Guru, the founder of Santhigiri Ashram, sent a group of his disciples on a pilgrimage (padayatra) to participate in the Kumbh Mela at Prayag in 1977.??This journey led to a significant moment in the history of Santhigiri when a group of people from Bangalore came to the ashram and became devoted followers of the Guru

The Origins of Trimurti

While sages, Siddhas, yogis, and ascetics from various spiritual traditions gather at the Kumbh Mela, many of them belong to lineages that emphasize the Trimurti — the trio of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. However, this doctrine, central to Shaivism, Shaktism, and Vaishnavism, is not entirely aligned with the dharma of Kali Yuga, the current age according to Hindu cosmology. Many overlook the origins of the Trimurti concept, the nature of the Arsha Bharata culture (sage tradition) that preceded it, and the core worship methods and philosophies that shaped ancient Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma). The Vedas and Upanishads describe a singular, formless Parabrahman, or Supreme Light, which manifested as Purusha (a divine male form) to initiate creation, dividing himself into both male and female. Notably, the Vedas, Upanishads, and early philosophical schools like Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, and Advaita do not mention the Trimurti, leaving its origins somewhat obscure. The mystery of Trimurti was revealed in 1973,?and the Kumbh Mela at Santhigiri began?following a directive from Brahman, the Supreme Being.?

The Manu Parampara

Brahman disclosed that the true authority over creation lies with Manu, the Adi Purusha (primordial being), and that the Manu Parampara is the core of karma and dharma — the universal principles governing life and evolution. The Manu Parampara comprises four Kalanthara gurus (epochal spiritual masters) in each Yuga (cosmic age), along with a Sandhi guru (transition guru) at the junction of each Yuga. In each Chaturyuga (a cycle of four Yugas - Satya, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali), there are 21 gurus. They collectively form the Manu Parampara - the authorities for spiritual guidance. However, in the third Chaturyuga of the current Vaivasvata Manvantara, the authority of the Manu Parampara was lost due to an error made by a great Mahatma. This led to the corruption of Sanatana Dharma.? The next four Chaturyugas went spiritually barren until Brahman intervened to restore Dharma. Through three great Mahatmas who became known as the Trimurtis, the divine order of Dharma was reestablished. But, as time passed, the Trimurti system too began to lose its efficacy from?the 12th Chaturyuga.

Navajyoti Sri Karunakara Guru

In this Kali Yuga of the 28th Chaturyuga, Brahman sent yet another great soul — Navajyoti Sri Karunakara Guru — to restore Sanatana Dharma to its rightful course. On the day the Guru's divine mission was fulfilled, Brahman announced the beginning of a new Kumbh Mela at Santhigiri. Here, the Kumbh is symbolized by an earthen pot (Kumbha) filled with holy water (theertham) and medicinal herbs, carried by devotees in a procession around the Ashram. The devotees also observe an 11-day fast (vrutham) as part of the ritual. Those who participate in twelve Kumbhas, it is said, will be freed from chronic illnesses and ancestral curses.?The growing number of families that participate in the Kumbh Mela at Santhigiri each year is a testament to its transformative power.

The Kumbh Mela at Santhigiri is gaining recognition as a spiritual event of global significance, with the vision that it will one day surpass the Prayag Kumbh Mela in scale, becoming the largest and most revered festival on Earth. The half-yearly Kumbh Mela at Santhigiri is scheduled for February 22nd. Alongside the Kumbh Mela, the Poojitha Peedom Samarpanam — the commemoration of the spiritual ascension of Her Holiness Shishyapoojitha, the current Gurustaniya — is also observed. This event marks a significant moment in the spiritual calendar of the Santhigiri tradition.