12. The Mahamakha
THE full-moon day of the month of Kumbha (corresponding to 12th February to 12th March) is held sacred by the Hindus throughout India for bathing in the sacred tank called the Mahamakha-saras in Kumbakonam. This occasion, which occurs annually, is called the Makham, i.e., the occasion when the moon passes through the asterism of Makham in the month of Kumbha. But the Mahamakham or the great Makham is an event which occurs only once 1n twelve years. The planet Jupiter takes twelve years to complete one revolution round the sun and during this course when it is in conjunction with the moon in the Makha asterism of the constellation of Leo—Simha—the Mahamakham occurs. This is an astronomical incident which takes place only once in twelve years, and when it takes place the event is celebrated as above mentioned. All the holy
