|
FAQ’s - Kalpavasi
1. Who can become a Kalpavãsi?
Anyone can become a kalpavasi. All that is needed is the interest and inclination to attend and participate in the Kumbha Mela.
2. What is Kalpavãsa?
Kalpa = One day of Brahma Vrata = Stay
Kalpavasa means one day “stay” in the Brahmaloka, which is equivalent to 4.32 billion human years.
3. Which of the Kumbha (Kumbh) Melas should i participate to become a Kalpavãsi?
Any of the Khumba melas entitles the Kalpavasa Vrata. A person can become a Kalpavasi in any or all the Mela destinations namely Allahabad, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain.
4. How many Kalpavãsis normally attend a Kumbha (Kumbh) Mela?
It is difficult to ascertain the actual number of Kalpavasis attending the Khumba mela. The traditional idea is about 40% of all participants in Allahabad and between 20% to 30% at the other locations.
5. Do I have to take up a Vrat to attend the Kumbha (Kumbh) Mela?
No, it is not necessary to take Vrata to attend the Khumba mela. However, it is recommended to make a SANKALPA before embarking on the journey.
6. Do I have to take up a Vrat to become a Kalpavãsi?
The traditional idea recommends taking on the Kalpavasa Vrata to become a Kalpavasi. However, by booking a package with us, we shall be doing the sankalpa on your behalf with all details on the day you land in the Khumba Mela.
7. I don’t want to be austere during my visit to the Kumbha (Kumbh) Mela, is it okay to indulge?
The whole idea of attending the Khumba Mela is to acquire spiritual and religious merit. Indulgence in carnal wanting will only hamper the experiences of the Mela.
8. Can I have physical intimacy with my partner during my visit?
It is generally considered to be a private matter. India is a very traditional society and frown upon even the most little public display of intimacy.
9. I have heard that Kalpavãsa is possible only in the Allahabad - Prayag Kumbha (Kumbh) Melas?
As already mentioned in answer no: 3, Kalpavasa is possible in all Khumba Melas. However, we believe that the origin of Kalpavasa Vrata might have started in Allahabad through the Magha Melas.
10. What are the types of experiences that I should look forward to during my Kalpavãsi stay?
The Kalpavasa offers many types of experiences varying from religious, spiritual, cultural, mythic, scientific,metaphysical etc. The experiences really depend upon what the Kalpavasi wants to experience.
We offer a tailor made experience itinerary depending on the likes and dislikes, the interest and learning’s of the guest taken into account. (This itinerary is finalized after one books a package with us).
11. Can I eat non-vegetarian food during my Kalpavãsa? Can I eat animal products during my Kalpavãsa?
One may not eat non-vegetarian food during the Kalpavasa or the Khumba Mela. Almost all the locations of the Khumba Mela are declared “vegetarian cities “by govt... order. Cow and buffalo milk and their delivered by products like butter, ghee, cottage, cheese, etc can be consumed.
12. Can I carry/consume/buy alcohol during my Kalpavãsa?
Carrying, consuming and buying of alcohol are completely restricted during the Kalpavasa.
13. How do I experience such a large time-line like 4.32 Billion years in such a short time?
Time is really a relative dimension. The experiences one has in the Khumba Mela with proper planning and implementation will feel like a very large time span. 4.32 billion years is used symbolically meaning a large amount of time.
The Khumba Mela offers diverse and multi dimensional non linear space-time opportunities. We provide you with an excellent personalized itinerary to make you experience in a short time the essence of the Khumba, life and everything.
14. Can I book your packages even if don’t want to be a Kalpavãsi?
Sure, you can but we want you to become a Kalpavasi more than we want your booking.
15. Why should I utilize your services? Why can’t I become a Kalpavãsi on my own?
We have a complete and holistic understanding of not only the Kalpavasi and Khumba Mela but also of the great continuum called: INDIA. “We offer many thousands of researched man hours through our services. Becoming a Kalpavasi from our site vis-s-vis becoming a Kalpavasi on your own is a moot question. Because to become a Kalpavasi one needs an initiator into the Vrata.
16. What is a ghat?
Ghats - usually referred to a series of steps leading to a body of water.
The Ghats on the river Ganga, Godavari and Kshipra are very important bathing spots during the Kumbha (Kumbh) Mela especially for the ascetics and kalpavasis. The Hari (Har)-Ki-Paudi(Pauri) is the most important bathing Ghat in Haridwar. The other famous Ghats in Haridwar are Asthi Parwah Ghat, Subash Ghat and Gau Ghat.
17. What is a kund?
Kund is a small water body near a large river. The kund sometimes merges with the river and this confluence becomes extremely holy like the Brahman Kund in Haridwar and the Tapth Kund in Badrinath.
18. What is Brahkund? Where is the Brahmakund located?
Brahmakund is the holiest of places to take a bath in Haridwar. The Hari (Har)-Ki-Paudi(Pauri) are the “Steps of Hari” leads to the Brahmakund. There are many ancient and holy temples surrounding the Brahmakund. The packages offered by us include a holy dip in the Brahmakund and a visit to the Maa Ganga temple
19. How is my sins washed away by bathing in the river Ganga (Ganges)?
The Ganges are mentioned in the Rig-Veda, the earliest of the Hindu scriptures. It appears in the Nadistuti sukta (Rig Veda 10.75), which lists the rivers from east to west. It is believed that the Ganga descended from the heavens to wash away the sins of all mankind. The mythological story of Bhagiratha explains how this is made possible.
According to Hindu religion a very famous King Bhagiratha did Tapasya for many years constantly to bring the river Ganga, then residing in the Heavens, down on the Earth to find salvation for his ancestors, who were cursed by a seer. Therefore, Ganga descended to the Earth through the lock of hair (Jata) of Lord Shiva to make whole earth pious, fertile and wash out the sins of humans. For Hindus in India, the Ganga is not just a river but a mother, a goddess, a tradition, a culture and much more.
Ganga is considered as a bridge between Earth and Heaven and it is believed that anyone who bathes in the river will be released from the cycle of rebirths. The religious texts like Ramayana, Vedas and Puranas etc, show the importance of Ganga Jal in everyone’s life.
It has also been scientifically proved that the water in River Ganges is enriched with some extraordinary properties. Indian environmental engineers have confirmed that it has a super self-cleaning property. An unknown factor called the ‘Mystery Factor’ gives this river an unusual ability to retain dissolved oxygen from the atmosphere. The presence of Bacteriophages gives it the anti-bacterial nature and this is perhaps one of the many reasons Ganga Jal can be stored fresh for many years
The Ganges, above all is the river of India. She has captivated India’s spirit and has drawn uncounted millions to her banks since the dawn of history. The story of the Ganges, from her source to the sea, from old times to new, is the story of India's civilization and culture, of the rise and fall of empires, of great proud cities, and adventures of man
20. Why is river Ganges considered as Mother Ganga (Maa Ganga)? Why is river Ganga (Ganges) considered sacred?
The river Ganges flows from the western Himalayas to the Sundarband’s delta in Bangladesh covering a distance of 2510 kilometers (1560 miles). More than 400 million people depend on her for their livelihood. This is more than the population of the entire Europe and North America put together.
She is considered to be “Maa” i.e. “Mother” because she sustains the lives of so many people so effortlessly, it is very rare to see floods or draughts in the river’s history. The Hindus have reverentially bestowed the title of mother on this holy river.
21. Do people still cremate their ancestors here?
Yes, this is a very ancient Hindus tradition which is being followed to this day. However, the Cremation Ghats are located away from the bathing Ghats in Haridwar.
22. How clean is the water for bathing purposes?
It is very safe to bathe at Haridwar and the banks of the river Ganga. It has also been scientifically proved that the water in River Ganges is enriched with some extraordinary properties. Indian environmental engineers have confirmed that it has a super self-cleaning property. An unknown factor called the ‘Mystery Factor’ gives this river an unusual ability to retain dissolved oxygen from the atmosphere. The presence of Bacteriophages gives it the anti-bacterial nature and this is perhaps one of the many reasons Ganga Jal can be stored fresh for many years
The Ganges, above all is the river of India. She has captivated India’s spirit and has drawn uncounted millions to her banks since the dawn of history. The story of the Ganges, from her source to the sea, from old times to new, is the story of India's civilization and culture, of the rise and fall of empires, of great proud cities, and adventures of man
23. What are the names for Haridwar? Why are there so names for same place?
Ayodhyā Mathurā māyā kāsi kāňchi avantikā/ Puri dvārāvati caiva saptaitva mokşadāyikāh – Garuda Paraná
“Maya” is the ancient name for Haridwar as mentioned in this Sloka and is considered to be one of the seven cities capable of proceeding Moksha or Liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Hari = Vishnu dwar = Gateway
It is called “Haridwar” because it is the gateway to Badrinath the aboard of “Hari”
Hara = Shiva dwar = gateway
It is also called Haradwar because it is the gateway to Kedarnath aboard of “Hara”.
It is also called Kankhal the place where Shiva’s consort Sati jumped into the sacrificial fire and the mythological story of Daksh Prajapathi unfolds – Shiva Puranam
24. Why do the Sadhus (ascetics) consider the Snan (bath) here so important?
The snan becomes extremely important to the Sadhus (ascetics) because they are supposed to augment river Ganga in cleaning the sins of the common man who bathe here. It is believed that in an unending cycle, the ascetics pick up the Paapa (Sins) and negate these sins through their penance and convert them into Punya (merit). Year after year, specially during the Kumbha Shahi Snan.
Since the common man is incapable of performing such difficult Tapasya and austerities the ascetics take on the responsibility of maintaining the balance of Karma.
25. What safety measures are taken by the authorities?
The Govt. of India and Govt. of Uttarkand have spent 100 million dollars on the security infrastructure and medical facilities for the Khumba Mela.
Check the Govt Haridwar Khumbamela 2010 site
26. How will your organization provide for my safety?
We are providing group security for all our guests along with English speaking guides. The security personal are trained professionals with Twenty years of experience in providing security to foreign visitors. A group constitutes of only Eight to Twelve peoples.
We will also provide you with a complementary mobile Sim card to help you keep in constant communication with our central control room as well as each other.
The guides are highly trained professionals who are aware of the movements of the crowd during the Snan and are well versed with the city of Haridwar.
27. How safe is attending the Kumbha (Kumbh) Mela?
We are happy to announce that there has never been a major accident or epidemic during the Kumbha (Kumbh) Mela barring a few minor incidents of stampede over a history of at least 2000 years.
We believe it is extremely safe to attend the Kumbha (Kumbh) Mela provided the visitor is aware of the crowd movement, eats healthy and stays with friends or accredited agencies like kalpavasi.com.
28. Are Foreigners treated differently?
Foreigners are as welcome as anybody else. There is no distinction made on race, color or region. However, it is advisable to be accompanied by Indians who can speak Hindi as the vendors selling goods will communicate mostly in Hindi. Bargaining is a part of Indian shopping experiences which becomes easier with someone who knows the local know-how.
29. Can I meet the religious Gurus on my Kalpavasi travel?
The kalpavasi packages we provide include meetings with various religious gurus tailor made to suit the needs of The Kalpavasi traveler (subject to the availability of Gurus).
If the travelers are interested in spiritual growth he/she shall be provided with a personal audience with spiritual Gurus for a question & answer session. If the kalpavasi is interested in yoga, religion or monistic studies etc The Gurus specializing in the above respective fields shall be introduced to the Kalpavasi as a part of the tailor made package.
30. Is it easy for me to reach the bathing Ghats?
Yes and No
It is easy to reach the Ghats if one knows and is aware of the policing polices and the itinerary of the Akhadas bath timings. However, this information is not accessible freely due to reasons such as astronomical fixing of the bath timing, sudden influx of devotees or the hand of God.
Kalpavasi.com`s endeavor is to provide the best informed routes and the easiest approach to the bathing Ghats through our support staff working in close quarters with the police, Akhadas and other agencies.
31. Do men and women have different bathing Ghats?
No, There are no different Ghats for men & women. However, the Indian way prescribes that men bathe separately from women a few feet away at the same Ghat.
32. Can I change at the Ghats?
Yes, changing rooms are provided for women only. Men are expected to change in the open. However, kalpavasi.com provides with an option of mobile changing rooms on request only.
33. Do I need a Purohit / Pandã (religious officiator) to oversee my Kumbh Snan?
It is not necessary for a Purohit to oversee a Kumbha Snan. However, the popular belief is that a religious officiator can make through his “Mantras”. The sins of the bathe go away easily.
We would provide you with a Purohit/Panda (religious officiator) as a part of our Kalpavasi package free of charge.
34. Can I offer respects my to the ancestors who have passed on, even if I’m not a Hindu?
Yes, if a guest wants to pay respects to his departed ancestors we could provide with a Panda for performing the Shraddha.
35. Who is a Hindu?
Hindu or Hinduism does not represent a religious connotation but merely establishes a particular system of human culture and tradition. The Supreme Court of India in a Landmark Judgment has defined Hinduism has a “way of life “, extrapolating the same, a “Hindu” is a person who follows or is inclined towards the Indian way of life.
36. Which is the airport nearest to Haridwar?
The airports nearest to Haridwar are Delhi and Deharadun. If you are an international traveler it is best to arrive at Delhi and then leave to Haridwar using various means of transport.
37. How early should I book a package?
It is always advisable to have your bookings done Three/Four months before the Kumbha Mela begins. This will entitle you for good rates on hotel/dorm rooms. These prices are bound to shoot up as the Mela approaches.
38. What are the places to see around Haridwar?
The places to see around Haridwar are Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jula, Neelakanth Mahadev Temple, Geeta Bhavan, Paramarth Niketan and RishiKund.In addition to these places you can also visit the Manasa Devi Mandir, Chandi Devi Mandir, Maa Ganga mandir, the Sati Devi mandir at Kankhal
39. Is any vaccination mandatory to gain entry into Haridwar at the time of the Kumbha Mela. Do I need to carry any vaccination certificates with me?
There is no mandatory vaccination procedure for attending the Kumbha Mela. You do not need to carry any vaccination certificates to come into Haridwar at the time of the Kumbha Mela
40. How soon should I book a cab to visit places around Haridwar at the time of the Kumbha Mela?
During the Mela cab services are in very high demand. It is advisable cab bookings are done 3-4 days in advance. If your stay at the Kumbha Mela is less than 3-4 days it is advisable you book the cabs at the time of buying the package
|
