Prayagraj is all set to host the grand Mahakumbh in 2025. This holy city in Uttar Pradesh is beginning to see an influx of devotees from around the world. The divine bath tradition of Mahakumbh will commence on the day of Paush Purnima. It is estimated that over 400 million devotees will partake in the Kumbh bath this time. Ancient legends narrate that the organizing of Mahakumbh is a result of the quest for nectar, but the tale stretches beyond this. Another tale associated with Kumbh also finds its roots in ancient scriptures, centering around serpents and nectar.
The Legend of Sage Kashyapa and His Two Wives
The significant reason for the celebration of Kumbh in Prayag involves the contribution of serpents. The Mahabharata’s Adi Parva, specifically in the Astik Parva, mentions serpents’ role, where the entire mythological story unfolds. According to it, Sage Kashyapa married several daughters of Prajapati Daksha, including Kadru and Vinata. Once, pleased with them, Kashyapa asked them to wish for a boon.
Kadru and Vinata Were Sisters
Kadru wished for a thousand powerful children, while Vinata wished for only two but competent offspring. Due to the boon, Kadru became the mother of a thousand serpents. Meanwhile, Vinata received just two eggs, with nothing happening for several days. Seeing her sister become a mother quickly, Vinata lost patience one day and cracked one egg open to see inside.
Vinata Made a Rash Mistake
As soon as Vinata broke the egg, a giant bird with substantial feathers and a robust body emerged. However, due to the premature breaking of the egg, it failed to develop fully and became weak in its legs. This child, born with an incomplete body, was named ‘Aruna’. Aruna was displeased with his mother's impatience and therefore went to Surya Loka, becoming the charioteer of the Sun God. Before leaving, Aruna advised his mother not to break the other egg if she desired a radiant son.
Source: aajtak
The Rivalry Between Sisters Intensifies
Not long after, Vinata's second son was born, known as Garuda, the supremely powerful. Meanwhile, the rivalry between Kadru and Vinata kept growing. One day, Kadru asked Vinata whether the color of Indra’s horse Uchchaihshravas was black or white. Vinata insisted it was white, but Kadru argued it was black. To settle the bet, Kadru proposed that if she lost, she’d serve as a maid.
The Bet on Indra’s Horse Color
The next day, Kadru summoned her serpent sons, cunningly instructing them to turn the horse Uchchaihshravas’ color black. The serpents aided their mother’s deceit by entwining themselves around the horse's tail, making it appear black. When Vinata saw it, she realized Kadru’s trickery but had to concede defeat, resulting in her servitude to Kadru. Garuda also had to serve the serpents.
One day, Garuda questioned his mother, “Mother, your son is so powerful, yet you're bound to serve these serpents.
