Kumbh Mela may serve entire South India in future: seer

Seer Someshwaranatha Swami of the Mysuru branch of Adichunchanagiri Mutt said that the Kumbh Mela, being held at Triveni Sangama of Thirumakudalu Narasipura (T Narsipur), is getting bigger over the years and is attracting more and more devotees. The mela will be held on February 17, 18 and 19.

Addressing a media conference, here, on Wednesday, he said, he was issuing information on the 11th Kumbh Mela, on behalf of seer Nirmalanandanatha of Adichunchanagiri Mutt and seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami of Suttur Mutt.

He said, “T Narsipur, the holy confluence of the Rivers Cauvery and Kapila, with Spatika Sarovara (lake), is historically significant. Many great and benevolent kings ruled from here. Seers Thiruchi Swami of Kailasahrama, Balagangadharanatha Swami of Adichunchanagiri Mutt, Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami of Suttur Mutt, Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swami of Sri Avadootha Peetha and Shivapuri Swami of Omkara Ashrama, had some foresight, when they came together in 1989 to start Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela at Triveni Sangama of T Narsipur may serve the devotees of the entire South India in future.”

He said that the government is making elaborate arrangements, including provision of drinking water, sanitation, roads and all infrastructure and facilities in the town and around Triveni Sangama, for the convenience of devotees.

“A holy dip in the holy waters, during the auspicious time is an ancient culture of India and people of all sections of Indian culture, take part in it. During the last Kumbh Mela in 2016, over a lakh devotees took the holy dip at the confluence. This time, the arrangements are better, improvised and organised. Thus, the number of devotees is expected to increase significantly. Its success will attract devotees from across South India,” said Someshwaranatha Swami.

Funds pending

“The government officials are striving to make the Kumbh Mela a success. They are putting efforts to see to it that the devotees are not inconvenienced. Last time, Rs 3 crore was spent by the district administration to make the arrangements. But, it is yet to receive Rs 2 crore from the state government. This time, the expenses are expected to go up. The pathways to the islands amidst the waters, earmarked for ‘homa’ and for ‘dharma sabha’ are wider when compared to the last time. A temporary bridge has been erected by the Army from Gunja Narasimhaswamy temple side to the islands,” the seer said.

Mutts share

Someshwaranatha Swami, said, the responsibilities of conducting the religious and spiritual rituals of the mela are shared by Adichunchanagiri and Suttur Mutts. Various mutts will distribute prasada and food to devotees. “If the Kumbh Mela becomes a success and if the infrastructure and facilities improve, T Narsipur has a great potential for tourism development also,” he added.