It is set atop a hill across the Ganga. According to mythological legends Shiva drank the venom product during ‘Sagar Manthan’ here, which turned his throat blue and was named Neelkanth.
The Maha Kumbh Mela "great festival of the pot of nectar of immortality" is held every three years in each of four different locations, returning to each of four places every twelve years. An Ardh (half) Mela (festival) takes place six years after the Maha Kumbh in each location.
