Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 18.145
Taking the Opportunity of the Māgha-melā
“It is now the beginning of the month of Māgha. If we go to Prayāga at this time, we shall have an opportunity to bathe for a few days during Makara-saṅkrānti.”
What the purport teaches
- Bathing during Māgha at the Māgha-melā still takes place. This assembly dates from time immemorial.
- It is said that holy men have gathered yearly at Prayāga ever since the Lord, in the form of Mohinī, kept a bucket of nectar there.
- Every twelfth year, holy men from all over India assemble for the great Kumbha-melā festival. The brāhmaṇa wanted to take advantage of the Māgha-melā and bathe there.
Try this today
Write down the distinction between the yearly Māgha-melā and the Kumbha-melā held every twelfth year.
Ask yourself
How did the time of year create an opportunity for the brāhmaṇa's proposed visit?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.