For most sadhus, Maha Kumbh is a microcosm of devotion, community

“The purpose of human life,” a Sadhu at the Kumbh Mela notes, “is to serve, to give”. Each of us has only a finite time during which our bodies and minds can function at their fullest, he adds. “This time is not for hoarding wealth, knowledge, or resources but for sharing them with those in need. Through Seva, we learn to live a truly full life, one free from the weight of ego. It teaches us humility, gratitude, and the profound joy of giving selflessly,” he explains.

He spoke of his journey, one that led him to renounce personal desires and join an Akhada, a one in which ascetics were devoted to seva. “Beyond a certain point, when your needs are met and your desires fulfilled, holding on to more than what is necessary brings imbalance. It is then that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, turns her blessings into punishment. Greed blinds the soul, and the only way to cleanse it is through giving, through Seva.”

He had sacrificed worldly possessions, wealth, and comfort to align himself with the principles of the Akhada. The focus of his existence had shifted from receiving to giving: offering wisdom, knowledge and food to the hungry. “Seva,” he said, “is the purest act of faith. It is how we honor the divine within us and in others. Before our systems, this body, this mind, shut down, we must serve. That is the ultimate purpose of life.”

The Sadhu described the Kumbh as a microcosm of devotion and community. “This is where the Gurus teach the art of giving. They show us how to incorporate Seva into our daily lives, to live fully and meaningfully. It’s not just about faith in God; it’s about faith in goodness, in humanity.” Similar are the tales that other saints here in Prayagraj have to offer. The Kumbh Mela therefore becomes a mirror reflecting the highest ideals of human life. It is not just a festival or a pilgrimage; it is a reminder that life is not measured by what we hold but by what we share, it’s only through seva that we learn how to live a meaningful life. This is the heart of the Kumbh: a confluence not just of rivers, but of faith, humanity, and the timeless call to serve.

(By Kumbh Team, Institute for Competitiveness)

AkhadasdevotionMaha Kumbh 2025Naga SadhusSanatan DharmaWeb Exclusive