Allahabad, Hindu Pilgrimage in India

Allahabad, Hindu Pilgrimage in India

ALLAHABAD FACTS & FIGURES

Location: Uttar Pradesh, North India
Best time to Visit: Throughout the year
Significance : Dip at Sangam, Kumbh Mela, Waik down the new Yamuna bridge.

Allahabad is among the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh. Hindu mythology has it that for the Prakrishta Yaina, Lord Brahma, the creator God of the Trinity, chose a land on earth, on which the three rivers would flow in to a quiet confluence. Brahma also referred to it as `Tirth Raj’ or the King of all pilgrimage centres.
One of the major festival here is once in 12 years, the occurance of 'Kumbh Mela' (single largest gathering of Human Being anywhere in the world, as ceritified by the Guiness Book). Infact, it is one of the 4 sites where this festival is held. According to scriptures, drops of manna fell from the heavens at 4 places on earth. These are where 'Kumbh Mela' is held every 12 years.

Prayag has also been a hub of activities during the freedom struggle of India. It gave the nation prominent leaders like Pandit Motilal Nehru, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (India's first Prime Minister), Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri. Poets like Shri Harivanshrai Bachaan have penned down their classics here. His son Amitabh Bachaan is a well known name in the world of Hindi cinema. Footprints of Historical greatness can be found scattered across the city in the form of monuments.

The Past

Emperor Akbar founded this city in 1575 and called it by name of Illahabas, which has now become modern Allahabad. The monarch realized its strategic importance as a waterway landmark in North India and also built a magnificent fort on the banks of the holy Sangam. Over the centuries that followed, Allahabad remained on the forefront of national importance - more so, during the days of the Indian independence struggle. The chequered history of Allahabad with its religious, cultural and historical ethos also gave rise to several renowned scholars, poets, writers, thinkers, statesmen and leaders. The city being an important cantonment during the British Raj has some beautiful remnants of colonial architecture. In the early 20th century, Allahabad University was the foremost center of learning in the country. Allahabad, today is an important city where history, culture and religion create a confluence … much like the sacred rivers that caress this God-graced land.

Prominent Pilgrimage Attractions of Allahabad

Kumbh

There are very few places like Allahabad which is described with great reverence in ancient scriptures as Prayag - Prayagraj or Teerthraj, i.e. 'the holiest pilgrimage centre'. Then, with the added attraction of Kumbh Mela, Hailed as the world's largest congregation of devotees, its glory has doubled.
Kumbh Mela's history originate from the beginning of the creation. Mythology has it that the Gods and the Demons once churned the oceans in the search of the nectar Amrit of immortality. As soon as the pitcher containing nectar was retrieved, a struggle started between the two wrest control of the same. During this, the picher of amrit was kept at four different places Prayag (Allahabad) Haridwar, nasik and ujjain making them hallowed and sacred. since then, when planets come in a perticular position, Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these four places. when jupiter is in Taurus and Sun is in the Capricon in the month of Magh, Kumbh Mela is held at Allahabad after every twelve years. In this series Ardh kumbh Mela is also held in the 6th year after Kumbh mela wheread Magh Mela (Mini Kumbh) is held annually on the banks of the Sangam.

Sangam

The holy place SANGAM is the place where the three holy rivers GANGA, YAMUNA, and the mythical SARASWATI merge into one. It offers facinating view at sunrise and sunset. At SANGAM few drops of nector is believed to be fallen making the water truly magical. The place comes alive, during the Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh, attracting millions of devotees from all across the country. The Sangam is the site for important fares and festivals, the year around.

Jawahar Planetarium

For a celestial trip of the scientific kind, visit the planetarium its worth every moment here you can take your weight on Moon and Jupiter, a moon model on display.
Shows 10:00 am , 11:00 am, 12:00am, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm
Closed on Mondays

Anand Bhawan

Several history making events of freedom strugle took place here. today this ancestral home of the Nehru family, houses a museum displaying the memorabilia of the family. One room is devoted to Mahatma Gandhi where he use to stay
Visiting Hours : 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
* Closed on Mondays and Govt. Holidays

How to Reach Allahabad

Air : Nearest airport isVaranasi (147 kms.) and Lucknow (210 kms.).

Rail : Well connected railway network

Road : Allahabad is on NH2 and NH27 and is, therefore, well connected by road.. Situated x kms. From Delhi (abc hours drive).