Kumbh Melas, which take place at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, or Nashik, are the most significant Hindu pilgrimages celebrated every six, twelve, and hundred forty-four years. However, those who cannot make it to them are drawn to the Kumbh Mela in Karnataka every three years. Here, we present you with all the details about the Karnataka Kumbh Mela.
Kumbh Mela in Karnataka at T. Narasipura
The Kumbh Mela in Karnataka takes place at T.Narasipura, a city in the Mysore district at the confluence of the three rivers Kaveri, Kapila and the invisible and mythical Spatika Sarovara. The first part of the place’s name, Trimakuta in Sanskrit, means the land at the confluence of the three rivers. The Karnataka Kumbh Mela, held every three years began in recent times (1989) at the initiative of Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji and other seers. The main aim of starting the Kumbh Mela is to encourage pilgrims to dip at the confluence of the three rivers at T.Narasipura. This is for those who are unable to make it to the Kumbh Mela at Parayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain or Nashik. The Kumbh Mela in Karnataka corresponds to the Kumbh Mela in the above-mentioned places.
About the temple town T.Narasipura
T.Narasipura is the place in South India where the Kumbh Mela is held every three years. The place finds a place in Skandapurana as one of the Trimakuta Kshetras (sacred places at the confluence of three rivers). ‘Narasipura’, the place’s name, is derived from the Gunja Narasimhaswamy temple. T.Narasipura is also acknowledged as Dakshina Kashi and is considered sacred as Prayagraj, where the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati join. Know more about the T.Narasipura here.
Kumbh Mela 2025 in Karnataka
Kumbh Mela in Karnataka 2025 is the 13th Kumbh Mela in T.Narasipura. It is a three-day Mela from February 10 to February 12. Lakhs of people congregate in T.Narasipura to take a dip in the Triveni Sangama. The rituals associated with the Kumbh Mela began with Anugne, Punya, Ganahoma, Poornahuti, Abhisheka and Mahamangalarthi at Sri Agastyeshwara Temple at T.Narasipura. The pontiffs of various religious mutts were taken by boat to the Sri Naduhole Basappa Temple, which is in the middle of the sangama. The pontiffs then sprinkled the holy waters on themselves and hoisted the flag as a mark of initiating the Kumbh Mela. The pilgrims then entered the waters to take a holy dip at the sacred confluence.
In the Karnataka Kumbh Mela at T. Narasipura, a Dharma Sabhe will be held at 11 AM on February 11. The religious gathering will be attended by the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and seers like Suttur Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami, Adichunchanagiri seer Nirmalanandanatha Swami, and Ganapati Sachchidananda Swami of Avadootha Datta Peetham. The seers or sadhus will also perform an Arati to the rivers at 7 PM, akin to the Ganga Arati of Varanasi.
Karnataka Kumbh Mela auspicious timing to take the dip
On February 12, the auspicious time to bathe in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam of T. Narasipura is between 9 AM and 9.30 AM in Meena Lagna and 12 PM and 1 PM in Vrushabha Lagna, on account of Magha Poornima.
To conclude, the Kumbh Mela in Karnataka is an event where piety and culture unfold. Hence, it is important for those who cannot attend the other Kumbh Melas to attend it at T. Narasipura.