Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: 'Devatalya' Bus Temple Arrives with World's Heaviest Sphatik Shivling, Water from 12 Jyotirlingas & Renowned Saint

Naga sadhus of Juna Akhara take part in procession during the first 'royal entry' for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 festival

As the Kumbh Mela 2025 draws near, an extraordinary sight has captured the attention of pilgrims and visitors at Mahakumbh Nagar in Uttar Pradesh. Amid the traditional huts of seers and saints stands a unique white bus that serves as both a residence for a saint and a temple housing the world's heaviest Sphatik Shivling (Crystal Shivling), weighing an astounding 65 kg.

The bus belongs to Swami Sachchidanand Chaitanya, a disciple of the late Shri Laxman Chaitanya Brahmachari, who installed this remarkable Shivling. Located at a camp near Alopshankari Crossing on Sangam Lower Road in Sector 18, this bus has become a focal point for devotees and passersby, many of whom have been intrigued by its significance and history.

A Spiritual Journey on Wheels

Swami Sachchidanand Chaitanya shared the fascinating story of the bus, named Shri Shri Harsiddhi, which was built by his Guru in 1992 for the Ujjain Simhastha Kumbh. The bus was specially designed as a mobile temple, complete with facilities for spiritual practices and travel to pilgrimage sites.

"My Guru Ji believed this bus to be a source of all siddhis (spiritual powers)," said Swami Sachchidanand. "He traveled to all major pilgrimage sites in this bus, collecting sacred water from lakes and rivers mentioned in scriptures and Puranas. The water from all the 12 Jyotirlingas was used to consecrate the Sphatik Shivling, which is considered the holiest of relics."

The Legacy of a Spiritual Master

Shri Laxman Chaitanya Brahmachari, the visionary behind the bus, was a prominent disciple of Dharma Samrat Swami Shri Karpatri Ji Maharaj and served as the president of the All India Dharma Sangh in Varanasi. His commitment to spiritual service and pilgrimage shaped the bus into a sacred vehicle, complete with a square tank on its roof for storing holy water from pilgrimage sites.

After Guru Ji’s passing in 2001, his disciple, Guru Maa Doctor Kalyani Chaitanya Brahmacharini (Amma Ji), carried forward the legacy. She lived in the bus, practicing japa-tap (spiritual penance) and traveling to holy destinations until her demise in 2023.

A Temple on Four Wheels

The bus, though old, remains a marvel of innovation and devotion. It was originally equipped with facilities such as a kitchen, a toilet, and a stage at the rear, which could be opened for public gatherings and spiritual discourses. The vehicle also had a grain storage system to prepare offerings for rituals and charity.

Despite the challenges of maintaining an old model, such as the Tata 1210, mechanics continue to preserve the bus by sourcing parts from other vehicles. Swami Sachchidanand noted the enthusiasm of mechanics who consider it an honor to work on this sacred vehicle.

Kumbh Mela 2025: A Spiritual Highlight

As preparations for Kumbh Mela 2025 unfold, the white bus stands as a testament to the devotion and spiritual legacy of Shri Laxman Chaitanya rahmachari and his disciples. Pilgrims visiting the camp are drawn to this unique temple on wheels, reflecting the rich tapestry of faith and tradition that defines the Kumbh Mela.

Swami Sachchidanand continues to honor the vision of his Guru by sharing the stories of the bus and its sacred Sphatik Shivling with devotees. For many, this bus is more than a vehicle; it is a symbol of unwavering faith, spiritual dedication, and the timeless journey of seeking the divine.

As the Kumbh Mela officially begins, this extraordinary temple-on-wheels promises to be one of its most cherished attractions, inspiring thousands with its story of faith, innovation, and legacy.