South Asia has the greatest concentration of unsaved people in the world. Of 1.5 billion people, 969 million South Asians (including 80% of India’s population) still worship Hindu idols made by human hands.
Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage where Hindus gather at the Ganges River or Godavari River in India. The reason for this pilgrimage is that Hindus believe the account which says that the demi-gods lost their strength by a curse. To regain their strength, they prayed to Lord Vishnu, who told them about the ocean of milk for amrita (the nectar of immortality/to live forever). The demi-gods were required to make a temporary agreement with their arch enemies, the demons (or Asuras) and work together, promising to share the wealth equally thereafter. However, when the Kumbh (urn) containing the amrita appeared, a fight ensued. For twelve days and twelve nights (equivalent to twelve human years), the demi-gods and demons fought in the sky for the pot of amrita. It is believed that during the battle, Lord Vishnu flew away with the Kumbh, spilling drops of amrita in four places: Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. The Kumbh Mela rotates between these four cities in modern-day festivals. Take time to find these cities on a world map.
The Purna (complete) Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years, at the four places mentioned above, while the Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela is celebrated every six years only at Haridwar and Prayagraj. The Maha (great) Kumbh Mela, which occurs after 12 Purna Kumbh Melas (144 years), is held at Prayagraj.
Pray for Hindus
Cry out to the Lord Jesus to reveal Himself to millions of Hindu people during the festival as the one and only God who can cleanse us from sin.
Prayagraj, ‘City of God’
Prayagraj is a city of 2.3 million people, but during Kumbh Mela its population swells tremendously. An estimated 120 million people visited Maha Kumbh Mela in 2013 in Prayagraj over two months, with over 30 million people visiting on one single day – 10 February 2013! Hindus believe Brahman, the Hindu god of creation, made his first sacrifice in Prayagraj after creating the world. Here, three rivers considered holy by Hindus meet, including the invisible vertical Saraswati River. This place is called the Sangam. Hindus believe gods come to the Sangam to bathe, so it is the holiest place.
Pray the Word: … you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. …be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and (…) put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:17-19, 23-24). Cry out to the Lord to show Hindu people that the gods they worship are demonic. Ask for their eyes to be opened to the one true living God, and for Jesus to reveal Himself to them in dreams and visions.
Bathing to obtain purification
There are two other rivers besides the Ganges at Prayagraj that are considered by Hindus to be holy: the Yamuna and the Saraswati Rivers. The main objective for most Kumbh Mela pilgrims is to have a sacred bath at the Sangam. It is believed that a bath in any one of the sacred rivers has purifying effect, but bathing at the confluence of the three rivers, increases one’s purification a hundred times. To take a bath at the Sangam during Kumbh Mela, increases one’s purification a thousand times.
Pray the Word: And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14). O, let us cry out to the Living God to show Hindu pilgrims that the way to the Father is through the atoning blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Pray for many Christians at this time to reach out to Hindus with the message of the gospel. Pray for Hindu background believers to grow in their understanding of the gospel, as they study the Bible and pray together. Ask for Hindu background believers, who are sharing the gospel, to have boldness in the midst of persecution. Pray for those who hear the gospel to receive salvation.
Intercede for more Christians to pray faithfully
Indians enjoy a good cup of milk tea. Consider gathering a group of friends in your home or church this month for a time of tea and focused prayer for the souls of Hindu people.
Pray the Word: But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. (1 Peter 4:7). Ask the Lord to prompt Christians worldwide to pray faithfully for the millions of Hindu pilgrims attending the Kumbh Mela.
Thousands upon thousands in the valley of decision
An entire city springs up along the banks of the river during the Kumbh Mela, complete with markets, hospitals, and even a tourist camp to accommodate visitors from foreign countries. Some of these visitors from abroad have never been to India before.
Pray the Word: Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:28-29). Pray for tourists visiting India, whether Hindu or merely visiting out of curiosity, to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ask God to prepare their hearts to be open and receptive to the message of His love, knowing that they will be saved by faith and not by works.
A time to testify of Christ
All the required necessities – fruit, fresh vegetables and wool blankets (it is winter in India) – are for sale in the marketplaces. Along the main thoroughfares, gypsies also spread their wares: brass pots and bowls, beads for meditation, exotic perfumes, incense, and even tigers’ claws set in gold! All the food preparations during Kumbh Mela are vegetarian; you will find no trace of meat, fish or eggs in any camp or public eating-place.
Pray the Word: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason, I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:15-17). Pray for people who are selling their goods in the marketplace to hear and know the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for Christians to go out in small groups in the marketplace to testify of God’s love.
That they will see God’s face
Often, when we pray for others, we forget they are individuals, with their own life stories of pain, hopes and dreams.
Pray the Word: [Jesus] said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” (John 9:35). Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers for pilgrims, whether young or old. Earnestly pray that each one will come to know and love the Lord Jesus.
Battle is not against flesh and blood
Some pilgrims walk up to 160 km to bathe in one of the rivers, but they will be determined to continue to their destination, as if some power has overtaken them.
Pray the Word: Put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:11-12). Pray that Hindus will want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Although the authorities limit direct Christian witnessing during the Kumbh Mela, Christians are present, praying for pilgrims and availing themselves to pray with anyone who desires prayer. Please ask the Lord to protect every Christian (physically and spiritually) who is attending the Kumbh Mela.
Choose life
Hinduism is a diverse set of religious, philosophical and cultural beliefs. Reincarnation (avatar) is fundamental to Hinduism. Hindus desire freedom from the cycle of reincarnation and the sin that keeps them trapped in it. However, what they desire is only possible through the grace and love of God, through His Son Jesus Christ.
Pray the Word: And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32). Pray that Hindus will understand that they live only once on earth and that freedom from sin is only possible through Jesus Christ. That he is the only one who can give them eternal life.
Nasik
Nasik is about 177 km northwest of Mumbai, and is known as India’s wine capital. Hindus believe Rama, an esteemed Hindu deity, spent 14 years in exile in Nasik for the sake of his father’s honour —a legend that makes Nasik a popular Hindu tourist destination. Christians have been sharing the gospel with Hindus in Nasik for several years, and some Hindus have surrendered their lives to Christ.
Pray the Word: For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it brings forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11). Give thanks to the Lord for answering many prayers! Pray for new converts to grow spiritually and not backslide. Pray for Hindu people to fear the Lord God more than they fear society, and to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Jesus. Ask for peace to reign in the homes of Hindu believers who follow Christ, and for them to be clothed in the armour of God to stand against the devil’s schemes. Pray that the Word of God being prayed over Hindu people will bear fruit and multiply.
Human stampedes
Sadly, during every Kumbh Mela, some Hindu pilgrims die. They drown in rivers, succumb to illness or are crushed in human stampedes. For instance, during the 2013 Kumbh Mela, a stampede broke out after the railing on a footbridge at the Prayagraj railway station collapsed. Forty-two people were killed by the stampede and a further 45 injured.Earlier that same day, 2 people died in a different stampede.
Pray the Word: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes… (Romans 1:16). Please pray for the safety and well-being of Hindu pilgrims attending the Kumbh Mela. Pray that not one soul will perish without having had the chance to make a decision for Christ. Pray for Christian witnesses to continue with great fervour.
Opportunities for the gospel
Prayagraj residents open their homes to pilgrims (for a fee) during the Kumbh Mela.
Pray the Word: Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:5-6). Pray that guests (who are strangers) will not take advantage of their hosts and their family in any way. Pray for Christians to make the best of such opportunities to share the message of Jesus with their guests in an informal, but direct way.
Become a missionary today
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a missionary in India today? You can be a missionary to the Indian people!
Pray the Word: Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. (Colossians 4:5, AMP). Pray that God will introduce you to Hindus in your neighbourhood or workplace. As you walk in the street, if you see a Hindu man or woman, why not reach out to them as a missionary would? Tracts and other helpful resources for sharing the gospel with Hindus are available at https://www.dare2share.org/worldviews/hindus/. Intercede for Hindu college students to take free courses offered by Christians so they will hear the truth. Lift up fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are sharing the gospel with Hindu students and families. Ask for them to be wise, courageous and faithful.
Knowledge of the King of kings and Lord of lords
Hinduism has a great number of rituals that venerate a diverse group of deities. Many consider these deities to be manifestations of one ‘Supreme Being’, Brahman.
Pray the Word: …He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honour and everlasting power. (1 Timothy 6:15-16). Pray that the true and living God will open the eyes of Kumbh Mela pilgrims and that their hearts turn to Him.
Cry out for Hindu children to know Jesus
Hindu children learn from their parents and siblings to place their faith in man-made images, astrology and rituals, such as burning incense, ringing bells, chanting and bathing in ‘holy’ rivers.
Pray the Word: …Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14). Pray for children of Hindu orthodox Brahmin families to turn away from what their Hindu role models have shown them. Pray that the Lord God will draw these little ones to come to Him and trust Him as Saviour, so that instead of them leading others to worship idols, they would instead be servant leaders, teaching the ways of Jesus.
Only the blood of Jesus cleanses
Referring to Hindus bathing in the holy rivers, one Christian said, “They are coming to wash their sins away, and of course we know that they’re not going to get their sins washed away, not by this dirty water.”
Pray the Word: …the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7). In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace… (Ephesians 1:7). Pray that the Ganges River and the gods of Hinduism will lose their power over the people of India. Pray that they will come to understand that only the blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin. Pray that they will be open to the message of the sacrifice Jesus made for their sins.
Outbreaks of sickness
The outbreak of three cholera epidemics in the past that spread as far as countries bordering India, were attributed by officials to the conditions found at Kumbh Mela’s. People sleep in close quarters, and bathe in the same waters, which increase the chances of infectious diseases breaking out.
Pray the Word: And Jesus went about (…) preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. (…) …they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him… (Matthew 4:23-25). Pray for everyone’s good health, and for many to be healed of sickness, as Christians move amongst them and pray for their healing in Jesus’ name. Intercede for Hindus who are sick to receive not only physical healing, but also spiritual healing from the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Pray that amidst the rituals, the power of Jesus’ love and His healing will turn their eyes from the festivities to Him!
God shown powerfully in the midst of evil
An Indian Christian said, “The Kumbh Mela illustrates a major spiritual stronghold. It has been entrenched for over 1,000 years.” However, we must remember that with the Lord, a thousand years is like a day, and all things are possible!
Pray the Word: And it shall come to pass afterwards that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. …And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. (Joel 2:28, 30). Ask the Lord to show Himself powerfully in the heavens, to pour out His Spirit upon Hindu people, and glorify Himself in the midst of this festival. Pray for Hindu people who fear being cast out by their families, to know the fear of the Lord and gain wisdom and courage to follow Jesus at any price.
The Word of God like fire
The Hindus’ revered sacred texts, the Vedas, contain much of their traditions. Many Hindus live in orthodox homes, where children learn how to worship Hindu gods by repeating words or phrases and performing ceremonies, according to the Veda.
Pray the Word: “Is not My word like a fire?” says the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29). Pray that the Word of God will find its way to the eyes, ears and hearts of Hindus, and that they will allow it to enlighten the eyes of their hearts and choose Jesus as Saviour.
Jesus: Perfect sacrifice forever
They make idols for themselves from their silver, cleverly fashioned images, all of them the work of craftsmen. It is said of these people, they offer human sacrifice and kiss the calf-idols. (Hosea 13:2b, NIV).
Pray the Word: It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. (1 Corinthians 15:44-46). Pray that Hindus will understand that Christ, the perfect sacrifice, has paid the price for their sins. Jesus, Light of the World, Your desire is that Hindus recognise Your light as the true light. Open their spiritual eyes to see the darkness in which they walk, the darkness of their sin. Reveal Yourself to Hindus that they may walk in the light.
Salvation through Christ alone
In Hinduism, one’s actions determine one’s progression towards salvation, which Hindus see as freedom from the cycle of reincarnation. Virtuous actions lead one closer to the goal, while evil actions prove a lack of understanding.
Pray the Word: …”The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:8-10). Ask that Kumbh Mela pilgrims will understand and experience first-hand the truth taught in Ephesians 2:1-9. Ask the Father to fill Hindus with a hunger and thirst to know who Jesus is, and to study the Bible and learn His ways. Lift up Hindus who hear the truth to be bold in accepting Jesus and sharing the gospel with their family and friends, who may reject their new faith.
Pray the Word: Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. (Psalm 24:9). Praise the Lord that the King of glory came and won the victory! Ask the Lord to show Hindus, in dreams and visions, that the gates will one day be opened, and that the King of glory will return. Pray that millions of Hindus will come to the Lord Jesus as a result of the many prayers prayed for them during this festival. Pray for Hindus who choose to follow Jesus to be a light to their family and friends. Ask for their protection from the evil one and for unity with fellow believers. Pray that new believers will grow spiritually and study the Scriptures in the years to come. Ask God to baptise them with the Holy Spirit. Pray that they will preach the gospel at the following Kumbh Mela’s. Pray for churches to rise up in Hindu communities to encourage believers and make disciples of those around them, teaching them to follow Jesus. Pray for a harvest of souls unlike any other time in history among the Hindu people.
More resources:
How to pray for Hindus
More about Hinduism
