Kumbh Mela 2025: Know Which Indian King Donated His Wealth Every 5 Years At Prayagraj Kumbh

Kumbh Mela 2025: Who was Emperor Harshavardhan, who donated all his wealth at Kumbh every five years? It is said that he gave until his royal treasury was completely empty.

Kumbh Mela 2025

Source : ABPLIVE AI

Kumbh Mela 2025: The Mahakumbh Mela is currently taking place in Prayagraj, where sages, monks, ascetics, and devotees from across the world are taking a holy dip in the sacred Triveni Sangam. Some are also observing Kalpavas, a period of spiritual retreat. The Kumbh Mela is considered a sacred occasion for charity, salvation, and liberation from sins. But do you know who started this grand religious gathering, now known as the world’s largest?

Although Kumbh Mela is mentioned in Vedic and Puranic texts, its formal organisation as a grand fair is attributed to King Harshavardhan. According to historians, Harshavardhan, who became a king at the age of 16, initiated the tradition of the Kumbh Mela. He was known for donating all his wealth at every Kumbh until he had nothing left. This has been documented by historian K.C. Srivastava in his book 'History of Ancient India'.

Harshavardhan (590-647 AD) was an emperor of ancient India, known for establishing a strong empire across northern India, except for Punjab. He is regarded as the last great emperor of India, who made Kannauj his capital and successfully united the entire northern region under one rule.

This Is How Emperor Harshavardhan Donated His Wealth

It is said that King Harshavardhan donated generously in Prayagraj. Before donating, he worshipped Lord Surya, Shiva, and Budh. He then gave donations to Brahmins, scholars, the needy, and Buddhist monks. In this process, he would empty his entire treasury, even donating his royal garments. Some sources mention that Harshavardhan divided his wealth into four parts for the royal family, the army/administration, religious funds, and the poor.

The First Written Description Of Kumbh Mela

The mention of Kumbh Mela is found in the Vedas and Puranas. According to them, the festival is held at places where drops of nectar from the Amrit Kalash fell during the Samudra Manthan. Historians believe that the written records of Kumbh Mela date back 2000 years. The first historical reference comes from the Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang), who visited India during Emperor Harsha’s reign in the 6th century CE. He described a grand assembly in Kannauj, attended by thousands of monks, and the religious festival 'Mahamaksha Harshad,' held every five years.

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