The meaning of Simhastha, the astrology behind the Nashik and Ujjain Kumbhs, the legend of the Godavari and why the Simhastha period lasts so long.
You will hear the Nashik Kumbh called Simhastha, sometimes Sinhastha. The word explains exactly when, and why, this Kumbh happens.
The meaning
Simhastha comes from Simha (Leo) and stha (situated in). It refers to the period when Brihaspati (Jupiter) is in the sign of Leo. Jupiter takes about 12 years to circle the zodiac, which is why the Simhastha comes round roughly every 12 years.
Two Kumbhs are called Simhastha:
| Kumbh | River | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Nashik–Trimbakeshwar | Godavari | Jupiter in Leo, with the main snans in the monsoon months |
| Ujjain | Shipra | Jupiter in Leo with the Sun in Aries (spring–summer) |
Haridwar and Prayagraj follow different planetary combinations. See Ardh, Purna and Simhastha explained.
The legend
According to the Puranas, drops of amrit fell at four places during the churning of the ocean, and Nashik is one of them. The Godavari also has its own story. The sage Gautama, living on Brahmagiri, prayed to Shiva to bring the Ganga to the earth to free him from the sin of accidentally killing a cow. The river that came down is the Godavari, also called Gautami or Dakshin Ganga, the Ganga of the south. It rises on Brahmagiri above Trimbakeshwar.
Why the Simhastha period is so long
Jupiter stays in one sign for about a year, but the Nashik Simhastha's formal period, from flag hoisting to flag lowering, is longer: 31 October 2026 to 24 July 2028. Within it, the akharas and the government fix the main Amrit Snans. In 2027 these are 2 August, 31 August and 11–12 September. See all dates.
Ramayana connection
Nashik adds another layer. Panchavati, on the Godavari, is where Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are believed to have lived during their exile. The name Nashik itself is linked to the episode in which Lakshmana cut off Shurpanakha's nose (nasika). Read the Panchavati Ramayana trail.
Experience it
See our Simhastha 2027 guide and Nashik tour packages.
By KMII Travel Desk · Updated 19 Oct 2026
