Unique bus at Kumbh Mela: Home to 'world's heaviest sphatik Shivling'
Mahakumbh Nagar: Amidst the sprawling camp for the Kumbh Mela, a unique white bus stands out. This bus not only serves as the residence of a saint but is also home to what is claimed to be the "world's heaviest Sphatik (Crystal) Shivling." The extraordinary setup has captured the attention of many as the Kumbh Mela approaches, set to begin in just a week.
The bus belongs to Swami Sachchidanand Chaitanya, who proudly states that the Sphatik Shivling, weighing an impressive 65 kg, was installed by his Guru, Shri Laxman Chaitanya Brahmachari. "This is the world's heaviest Sphatik Shivling," Swami Sachchidanand Chaitanya shared with PTI Bhasha.
The bus, which has become a symbol of faith and spirituality, is parked at the camp near Alopshankari Crossing on Sangam Lower Road in Sector 18, Mahakumbh Nagar. For the past month, it has been drawing attention from locals and visitors alike.
Swami Sachchidanand Chaitanya further explained the historical significance of the bus. "In 1992, my guru, Shri Laxman Chaitanya Brahmachari Ji, prepared this bus for the Ujjain Simhastha Kumbh, naming it Shri Shri Harsiddhi. This bus is a provider of all siddhis. After that, he visited all the pilgrimage sites," he said.
Guru Shri Laxman Chaitanya Brahmachari was a disciple of Dharma Samrat Swami Shri Karpatri Ji Maharaj and served as the long-time president of the All India Dharma Sangh in Varanasi. His vision and dedication to spirituality are evident in the bus, which has served as a mobile place of worship and pilgrimage for years.
Sacred vessel of pilgrimage
Swami Sachchidanand Chaitanya revealed that his Guru had built a square tank atop the bus, where holy water from various pilgrimage sites and lakes mentioned in sacred scriptures and Puranas was collected. "The water from all the 12 Jyotirlingas was used to anoint this Sphatik Shivling, which was touched by all the 12 Jyotirlingas," he said.
The bus has been a key part of spiritual practices, with the holy water further adding to the sanctity of the Shivling.
After the passing of Guru Ji in 2001, his disciple, Guru Maa Doctor Kalyani Chaitanya Brahmacharini (Amma Ji), continued her life in the bus. "She spent her entire life in this bus and passed away in 2023," Swami Sachchidanand Chaitanya shared.
He emphasized that the bus has been a center for deep spiritual practices, with both Guru Ji and Guru Maa performing japa-tap (spiritual practices) and visiting pilgrimage sites over the years.
Unique features of the bus
In addition to its spiritual significance, the bus is also equipped with a variety of practical features. It once had a kitchen and toilet and can be transformed into a stage by opening the rear section. The bus also contains a grain storage system for preparing food offerings.
Swami Sachchidanand Chaitanya also mentioned the challenges of maintaining the bus, as Tata no longer manufactures spare parts for this old model (Tata 1210). However, the bus continues to be kept in working condition thanks to mechanics who find alternative parts to repair it.
As the Kumbh Mela draws near, this unique bus remains a significant spiritual landmark, offering a space for devotion, history, and spiritual legacy. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the devotees and the ongoing journey of spirituality that transcends generations.
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