A large number of people from different corners of the country have converged in the holy city for the Simhastha Mela, held every 12 years at Ujjain. Photo: A.M. Faruqui
Simhastha Mahakumbh is also the abode of Lord Mahakaleshwar, one of the 12 Jyotirlings in the country. In picture Naga Sadhus from Niranjani and Anand Akhada take part in holy bath. Photo: A.M. Faruqui
Over 5 crore people including seers are expected to visit the holy city for Kumbh mela. Photo: A.M. Faruqui
All the 13 Akharas of saints and seers take dip one after another for which elaborate arrangements were made along the banks of Kshipra river. Photo: A.M. Faruqui
Seven people were killed and around 90 injured when heavy rain accompanied by lightning and squall flattened and uprooted makeshifts tents of pilgrims in and around the site of Simhastha Kumbh Mela recently. However, pilgrims continue to take part in the 'Shahi Snan'. Photo: A.M. Faruqui
At the time of 'Shahi Snan' (royal dip) in Shipra river, about 25,000 security personnel to keep a watch at the Mela venue. Photo: A.M. Faruqui
About 22,000 security personnel, including the State policemen, personnel from central forces and other departments have been deployed for security. Photo: A.M. Faruqui
Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh was among many other devotees to take bath at Gaughat on the opening day of the Simhastha. Photo: A.M. Faruqui
The mela will also see several RSS functionaries along with BJP president Amit Shah who is expected to take holy dip on May 13. Photo: A.M. Faruqui