A yatra is not just a trip. It is a sacred journey, an exploration that transforms both the outer and inner realms of a seeker. Throughout history, great saints and sages of Bharat have embarked on profound yatras, inspiring countless Sanatanis to follow in their footsteps. One such pilgrimage is the Kumbh Mela Yatra, a celebration of unity, devotion, and spiritual awakening.
On a sunny afternoon, as the waves glistened at Chinmaya Tarangini at Chennai, a convoy of twelve cars rolled onto the highway, bound for Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The journey via road would take us three days, with stops in between at historic cultural and religious landmarks. Our first stop was at Chinmaya Mission Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh, home to the serene Lalita Panchayatana Temple. After a restful night and darshan of Ma Lalita, we resumed our journey.
The next leg was a formidable 950-kilometer drive to Nagpur, the longest stretch of the yatra. It tested our endurance and highlighted the importance of camaraderie among the yatris. Conversations, laughter, and devotional songs filled the hours, forging bonds among fellow seekers from across India. As the cool northern winds greeted us, we realised how far we had traveled, not just geographically but spiritually.
After a brief halt in Nagpur, we resumed our journey to Prayagraj. As we neared, dense fog engulfed the roads, reducing visibility to nearly zero. The convoy moved cautiously, led by Swami Mitranandaji and swept by Swami Anukoolanandaji. This challenging drive reminded us that we must repose our faith in the Gurus, who are our true navigators.
Reaching the fortressed city of Prayagraj felt like arriving at a sacred epicenter. A boat ride to the Triveni Sangam led us to the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati. The icy waters were unrelenting, but so was our resolve. With every dip, it felt as though the rivers cleansed not just our bodies but our egos, merging us into a state of divine Oneness.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which occurs once every 144 years, has transformed Prayagraj into a spiritual capital. The Mela Village was an extraordinary curation of ashrams, muths, and akhadas, each representing the oneness of sanatani traditions. The air resonated with Vedic chants, discourses, and the fervent cries of pilgrims hailing the divine rivers. Walking through the bustling streets was a surreal experience, each corner narrating tales of devotion and wisdom.
Amongst 1.5 crore pilgrims, 75 of us walked five kilometers to the Sangam. The divine waters, having bathed saints, sages, and seekers over millennia, felt like an embrace from the cosmos. As we joined a grand procession of Adi Shankaracharya’s followers, we were accompanied by Vedic chants and soulful bhajans, the cold was subsided by the warmth of their fervour, a celebration of spiritual unity.
Our journey then took us to Ayodhya, where we bowed before Ram Lalla in the grand temple that stands as a testament to centuries of faith and sacrifice. The stories of karsevaks and devotees echoed in the temple walls, filling our hearts with pride and reverence. The divine presence of Sri Ram was evident and we departed with renewed energy for our next destination.
Varanasi welcomed us with its colourful gullies and timeless wisdom. At the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, we had a quick but surreal darshan of Bhagwan Vishwanath. Before leaving, we indulged in the famed malaiyyo, lassi, and kachori chaat—a sweet farewell from this holy city.
The final leg of our journey brought us to Omkareshwar, where the mighty Narmada flows. A boat ride and a short ascent upwards led us to the 108-foot statue of Sri Adi Sankaracharya, hailed by Swami Chinmayananda as the ‘fittest Spiritual General known to mankind’. Known as the Statue of Oneness, this magnificent monument stands atop a hill, inspiring every seeker who visits. The darshan of Omkareshwar Mahadev—another jyotirling—and the cave where Sri Adi Sankara meditated marked a significant point of the yatra.
From Omkareshwar, we traveled to Ujjain, where at the Sandeepany ashram we saw the remarkable sculptures of Maharishi Sandeepany and his disciples—Krishna, Balarama, and Sudama—learning at their Guru’s feet. An art gallery depicting Krishna’s mastery of the 64 kalas (art forms) captivated us, offering a glimpse into ancient wisdom.
After Kashi and Omkareshwar, we were blessed with the darshan of another jyotirling of Bhagwan Mahakal at the Mahakaleshwar temple, which left us awestruck. Shiva is worshipped here as the Destroyer of Time, and the beautifully decorated Shiva Linga remains etched in our hearts. A virtual reality tour of the temple and the sanctum’s Aarti deepened our spiritual experience. With hearts full of devotion and minds imbued with awe, we proceeded to Indore for a restful halt, cherishing the day’s divine encounters.
From Indore, we journeyed to Hyderabad for a night halt. The next morning, we visited the magnificent Statue of Equality, which commemorates the philosophy of Sri Ramanujacharya, who established that equality was an indisputable and fundamental value in Sanatana Dharma. Surrounding the statue were the replicas of the 108 Divya Desam temples, where we had a guided darshan of these holy places dedicated to Sri Maha Vishnu. Each temple signified one aspect of equality further deepening the significance behind the statue. From there, we proceeded to Srisailam, where the serene darshan of Lord Mallikarjuna (the fourth jyotirling on this yatra!) and Goddess Brahmaramba, left us content. With our spirits elevated and memories etched forever, we concluded our yatra, returning to Chennai.
From the icy Sangam waters to the sacred shrines of Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar and Srisailam, every moment of this journey uplifted the soul. The Kumbh, especially, isn’t just an event—it’s a living testament to India’s timeless wisdom and unity.
If you’re looking to reconnect with your roots or find deeper meaning, the Kumbh offers an experience that stays with you forever, transforming both heart and mind.
5000+ kilometers, 75 yatris, 10 cities, 6 states, 4 Jyotirlings, 1 Sankalpa, 1 Yatra—a journey of devotion, unity, and self-discovery.
You must make this journey too. Chalo Kumbh Chalein!
