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The Maha Kumbh Mela, which is held after every 12 years, has a deep astronomical phenomenon associated with it. This festival is believed to take place when the planet Jupiter is in the constellation Aquarius, and the sun passes through the constellation Cancer or Leo, which creates a rare alignment of the celestial bodies.
The 144-year rhythm of the Maha Kumbh Mela can be attributed to the combination of many astronomical events:
1. Trimbak Trivedi's Calculation: According to an ancient Hindu astrologer Trimbak Trivedi, the Maha Kumbh Mela occurs after a cycle of 144 years, three months, and 18 days. This calculation is based on the planetary alignment & the movement of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter planets.
2. Kal Yuga's Connection: The 144-year cycle is also linked to the concept of Kalpa, which is a measure of time in Sanatan dharma. A Kalpa is divided into 4 periods of 12,000 years each, and the Maha Kumbh Mela occurs at the end of the 3rd period of the current Kalpa.
3. Astronomical Events: The alignment of the celestial bodies during the Maha Kumbh Mela is influenced by the position of the stars, the movement of the planets, & the eclipses that occur during this phase. The Sun, Moon, Jupiter, & the star Rohini in the constellation Leo are believed to be the major astronomical events that trigger the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The combination of these miraculous astronomical events leads to the rare opportunity for the Maha Kumbh Mela to take place, which explains why it occurs after a 144-year period.