Dying during Kumbh is considered sacred

ALLAHABAD: A boat carrying the mortal remains of a 'sadhu' from Gujarat on Tuesday capsized in the Yamuna, even as his followers were rescued by 'jal police' personnel, who have been deployed to avert any mishap, official sources said.

Kumbh or Ardh Kumbh both at the Ganga and Sangam are considered auspicious for attaining salvation but even dying during the period around Sangam is believed to be blessed with a heavenly abode.

Several saints and 'sadhus' who died during the Ardh Kumbh this year were given 'jal samadhi' (watery grave) in the Ganga with ritual and fanfare.

However, the body of the 'sadhu' which was being carried into the boat which capsized in the Yamuna, got a watery grave in the river, which loses its identity into the Ganga at the Sangam.

So deeply entrenched has been this belief about dying at Sangam during Kumbh or Ardh Kumbh that historical records say that people even used to behead themselves at Sangam in the hope of salvation but the practice was banned by Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Many others used to jump to their death from the 'akshayvat' (never-dying Banyan tree) atop a hillock in a fort now under the control of the army and this practice was banned by the British.

In Hindu mythology, the 'akshayvat' tree is regarded as the one under which Lord Rama, during his banishment from Ayodhya, had taken shelter and blessed it with an eternal life.

The tree is normally opened for devotees during Kumbh or Ardh Kumbh, otherwise one requires a pass from the army to visit the place.