In the heart of Chhattisgarh, a spiritual spectacle is set to unfold from February 1 to 15 as the Rajim Kumbh Kalp Mela kicks off in Gariaband district. This annual Hindu pilgrimage draws thousands of devotees to the sacred confluence where Lord Vishnu is believed to rest. Preparations are in full swing, mirroring the grandeur of Prayagraj’s Magh Mela, complete with the revered Kalpavas rituals.
Legend has it that this very spot marks the birthplace of creation. From Lord Vishnu’s navel emerged a lotus, upon which Brahma fashioned the universe. The Rajiv Lochan Temple stands as the epicenter of faith, where a single visit is said to equate to darshan at all four Dhams. Devotees flock here, finding solace in the belief that Vishnu graces the afternoon aarti, leaving mysterious fingerprints on the prasad thali—a phenomenon that has baffled investigators for years.
The temple, dating back to the 9th century, showcases Vishnu in three life stages: child in the morning, youth at noon, and elder by night. Its twelve pillars are adorned with intricate carvings of Ashtabhuja Durga, Ganga, Yamuna, and avatars like Rama and Narsimha. As Maghi Purnima heralds the mela until Mahashivratri, the air fills with chants and rituals.
This year, a debate brews over liquor shops. Traditionally closed for 15 days, no such order has been issued yet. Locals demand bans on meat sales too, emphasizing the mela’s sanctity. Rajim, Chhattisgarh’s own Prayag, promises a divine immersion like no other.