Simhastha, the celestial drama that unfolds every twelve years at Ujjain finds mention in the Hindu mythological tale of churning of the cosmic ocean by the gods and the demons. It is believed that the ocean bed first yielded fourteen gems, then Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and finally a vessel of Nectar.

In the scramble for immortality with the demons chasing the Gods across the skies, a few drops of the Nectar spilled from the vessel and fell at Haridwar, Nasik, Prayag and Ujjain. Therefore, the Kumbha Parva is celebrated at the interval of every twelve years at these places.

At Ujjain, Kumbh Mahaparv is called Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv because the Sun is in the zodiac Aries and the Jupiter in the zodiac Leo when it takes place. There are ten unique and uncommon Yogs which exits and facilitate the organizing of Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv.

The specific feature of Kumbh or Simhastha is its association with Leo, thus being famous as the Simhastha Parva. Following ten unique coincidences happen on this occasion:-

•         The month of Vaishakh

•         The bright fortnight

•         The full Moon day or Purnima

•         The Sun in the Aries or Mesha Rashi

•         The Brihaspati or Jupiter in Leo

•         The Moon in the Libra or Tula Rashi

•         The Vyatipata Yoga

•         The pious Monday

•         The holy Kshetra Avantika

Millions of pilgrims and tourists from within India and abroad take the holy dip during the month long mega fair. Procession of the Seers and Sages from various sects proceeding to take the holy dip in the Kshipra with their holy Nishanas or Sartorial banners on specific ceremonial and ritual bath days is the most peculiar feature of the Simhastha. This affords a rare opportunity to the pilgrims to have a glimpse of the kaleidoscopic religious and spiritual traditions of the Sanatan Dharma.

The seers and sages attired in their prescribed costumes take part in the procession. The Naga Sadhus are a special draw on the occasion. All of them follow in letter and spirit all the rituals and traditions of their respective sects prescribed thousands of years ago. The city reverberates with chanting of mantras and hymns singing the glory of Shri Mahakaleshwar. The devotees and pilgrims lined up on either side shower flower petals on the procession, thereby paying their respects to the saints and sages. This is, indeed, a sight for the gods to see. The spectators feel as if the time machine has gone millions of years back. Another unique thing about the procession is that many of the seers and sages taking part in it come out of their places of penance only on this occasion. Entire city is drenched in supreme bliss.

All the mundane differences and diversities disappear during the festival. There is a sea of humanity surging like one organic whole, driven by the common desire to be one with the divine. They present a scene where they themselves become divine and anybody who joins them become one with the divine. They get unified in one existence, the ultimate.