A profound spiritual odyssey

The gathering of millions of devotees from diverse backgrounds at the Kumbh Mela symbolizes the unity of humanity.

- KEN O’DONNELL

In 1977, I had a chance to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela in what was then known as Allahabad—now Prayagraj. I had been invited to accompany the then head of the Brahma Kumaris, Dadi Prakashmani, for the inauguration of a spiritual exhibition on a plot of land about 30 by 50 metres on the dry and sandy riverbank at the confluence of the Yamuna and Ganga rivers.

The front part of that plot of land was dedicated to a small auditorium plus the exhibits. The back part was for cooking and accommodation for some. I slept on the sand in this part during the five days that I was there.

As a young Australian, it was an incredible adventure for me. I had never been in such a colossal gathering of millions—not just a spectacle, but a profound spiritual odyssey. Apparently, the Kumbh Mela is so big that it can be seen from space. It was such a display of vibrant colours, competing loudspeakers, and amazing pageantry.

We had invited one of the four cardinal Shankaracharyas for the inauguration of our exhibition. He arrived with many followers, borne on a very elaborate palanquin.

He was part of the panel of four speakers, of which I was one. Out of respect for this noble figure, he was invited to sit on a raised platform, at a higher level than the other three speakers.