Kumbh is considered as an event with religious and spiritual importance. But is there any science behind the Kumbh snan (bath)? Is there any importance of Kumbh for our younger generation? Chandan Sharma of fachcha.com talked to Dr. Pranab Pandya, Chancellor of Devsanskriti Vishvvidyalaya, Shantikunj, Haridwar and head of Brahmvarchas Shodh Sansthan, in this regard in detail. Brahmvarchas has done a lot of scientific research on Kumbh. Excerpts:

CS:Puranas say a lot about Kumbh but what is the importance of Kumbh for our younger generation?
Dr. Pandya: See, Kumbh Snan (bath) is a metaphor basically. It is not possible that everybody come to Haridwar and takes dip in the Ganga. Neither it is possible that all sins will be removed automatically by just taking a dip during the Kumbh. But it is the fact that it is the biggest religious event of Hindus. People, throughout the world come here to participate in the event. In a way, it is the biggest conglomeration of variety of cultures, heritages, languages, lifestyles and so on. This is a wonderful opportunity for our younger generation to understand Indian and world culture through Kumbh. It comes once in 12 year.

CS: Astrology gives many ideas about Kumbh but what are the scientific aspects of Kumbh? Is there is any science behind Kumbh?
Dr. Pandya: There is science behind Kumbh. We had taken an initiative to understand scientific aspects of Kumbh during 1998 at Brahmvarchas. We found that there are several bio-chemical changes in human during the Kumbh period. There is increase in those chemicals and elements in the body, which cause happiness and give better feeling in the human being. These also increase our capabilities to work and think better and longer and reduce poisonous or bad chemicals. In a way it is an event of purification of man and environment.

CS: How will you explain its importance in terms of science and spirituality?
Dr. Pandya: See, those, who have idea about Kundalini Jagran or higher level of Yoga they will easily connect Kumbh and its relationship with spirituality and science. The period of Kumbh is the best period for Kundalini Jagaran. It is a systematic but very high level of spiritual science. This also paves the way of Moksha or what you call complete freedom.

CS: Is there any connection with climate change and Kumbh?
Dr. Pandya: Yes there is. The Kumbh makes aware millions of people about the importance of Ganga, its cleanliness, so the importance of glaciers and the Himalayas too. All these have important place in the climate change. Moreover, it makes people sensitive about climate change without any specific effort. This is the power of religion, spirituality and science.

When do you require a good sleep? According to recent studies human brain receives 48,000 electric impulses every minute. When this inflow breaks we need sleep. This was said in an international conference at Dev Sanskriti Vishvvidyalay, Haridwar. The six-day International Festival of Yoga, Culture and Spirituality, concluded recently, attended by several international delegates from various countries including USA, Germany, Russia, South Africa, UK and many others.
Addressing on the theme ‘Yoga as Pshchiatry’ Swami Mangaltirtham, Director, NSS, Deoghar, said that Yoga is one of the greatest psychiatry. He said that negative impulses are root cause of sleep and diseases. Describing the Hardware and Software of Body-mind mechanism and their functioning, he said that contaminated inputs pollute human mind. Terming impulses like lust, anger, greed, hatred etc as negative impulses he said that these agitate neuro-endocrine system, which further disturb harmones and it percolates to genetic level. According to him 80 % diseases are generated in the mind and manifested in the body. According to him proper and continuous practice of Yoga can bring metamorphosis in the human being.

According to Dr. Pranav Pandya, Chancellor, Dev Sanskriti Vishvvidyalay, Yoga is not just about postures but it is a way of life. “Yoga can not be confined to postures, pranayama and cleansing process. Its real essence lies in equilibrium, excellence and selfless service”, he said.

International festival of Yoga, Culture and Spirituality will be organized at Dev Sanskriti Vishvvidyalay, amid the ongoing season of Mahakumbh. The festival will be organized from 8th March to 13th March. The six-day festival will witness several religious and spiritual leaders during at the Kumbhnagari Haridwar. These include Sri Sri Ravishankar, Swami Satyamitranand of Bhartmata Mandir, Swami Mangaltirth and several other scientists and Yoga Gurus. Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Ramesh Pokhariyal, Nishank too will participate in the festival.

Interacting with media today at university campus at Haridwar, Dr. Pranab Pandya, Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishvidyalaya said that the festival will throw light on the scientific aspect and importance of Yoga, Indian culture and spirituality. This will also an occasion to learn about Indian contribution of scientific culture and spirituality to the world humanity. Madan Kaushik, Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand was also present on the occasion. He said that the state government would provide all kind of help in this regard. The festival is being organized jointly by Dev Sanskriti Vishvvidyalaya and Uttarakhand government.