Context:
Lakhs of devotees took a dip at Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
Ganga Sagar Mela:
- Location – Sagar Island, West Bengal
- Performed during – Makar Sankranthi
- Ritual – Pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy waters of the Ganga River to cleanse their souls
- Pilgrims also visit the temple of Kapil Muni, an important sage in Hindu tradition.
- Significance – India’s 2nd largest pilgrim gathering after the Kumbh Mela.
Sagar Island:
- Location – Confluence of Ganga and Bay of Bengal
- At the mouth of river Hugli
- Part of – Sunderbans group of islands
- Highly vulnerable to cyclones
Kapil Muni:
- A Vedic sage and philosopher who lived during the 6th-7th century CE
- Founder of the Samkhya system of Indian philosophy.
- It emphasizes on dualism between matter (Prakriti) and the eternal spirit (Purusha).
- According to Samkhya, liberation (moksha) is achieved through self-knowledge rather than external agents or influences.
- Teachings –
- Focused on meditation and criticized extreme rituals.
- Rejected Brahmanic doctrines and emphasized a process of liberation through bhakti yoga.
- His teachings are recognized in both Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Kapilavastu in Nepal is named after him.
Source: IE
Previous Year Question
The world’s second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) The best means of salvation was devotion.
(b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
(c) Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss
(d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
Answer: (a)