| According
to Hindu mythology, for the 'Prakrishta Yagna', Lord Brahma, the creator
- God of the Trinity, chose a piece of land on earth, on which the three
rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati - would flow
into a quiet confluence. That land, blessed by the Gods, came to be called
'Prayag' or 'Allahabad', as it is known today. It is one of the most sacred
pilgrimage centres of India.
From
the realms of mythology and legends, the history of Allahabad, then
moved through time to 1575 A.D., when Emperor Akbar founded a city,
of lavish proportions, and named it 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'. Allahabad,
today, is an important city where history, culture and religion create
a magical confluence .... much like the sacred rivers that caress this
blessed land.
What
to See
Sangam
The
sacred Sangam is the confluence of three of the holiest rivers in Hindu
mythology - Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. It is believed
that it is at the Sangam, that a few drops of the nectar 'Amrit Bindu'
fell .. making its waters truly magical. It is during the Kumbh Mela
and the Ardh Kumbh that the Sangam truly comes alive .. attracting the
devout from all across the country.
Allahabad Fort
Built
by Emperor Akbar in 1583 A.D., the fort stands on the banks of the Yamuna,
near the confluence site. In its prime, the fort was unrivalled for
its design, construction and craftsmanship. This huge, majestic fort
has three magnificent galleries, flanked by high towers.
Patalpuri Temple
Within
this underground temple, inside the fort, lies the Akshayavat - or the
immortal tree.
Ashoka Pillar
This
gigantic Ashoka pillar, of polished sandstone, stands 10.6 m high, dating
back to 232 B.C. The pillar has several edicts, and a Persian inscription
of Emperor Jahangir inscribed on it, commemorating his accession to
the throne.
Hanuman Temple
This
unique temple at the Sangam, is the only one in North India, where the
idol of Lord Hanuman, is to be seen in a reclining posture.
Mankameshwar Temple
Situated
near Saraswati Ghat, on the banks of the Yamuna, this is one of the
famous Shiv temples of Allahabad.
Anand Bhawan
The
erstwhile ancestral home of the Nehru family, the Bhawan has witnessed
several epoch - creating events of the freedom struggle. The main building
houses a museum, displaying the memorabilia of the Nehru family.
Jawahar Planetarium
For
a celestial trip of the scientific kind, visit the planetarium. It is
an experience worth a lifetime.
All Saints Cathedral
Dedicated
to the memory of people of all ages and places, who have kept their
faith in the Almighty, this Cathedral is one of the finest cathedrals,
in the country. Designed more than a century ago, by Sir William Emerson,
the structure has some truly exceptional glass murals.
Khusru Bagh
This garden houses the tomb of Khusru, son of Salim
and Shah Begum.
Festivals
Kumbh
Mela
One
of the largest congregations of devout Hindus from all over the world,
the Kumbh Mela is held once every 12 years, on the banks of the Sangam.
A holy dip in the sacred waters, and offerings to the Sun-God, are believed
to cleanse the soul.
Ardh
Kumbh Mela
The
half Kumbh, this festival is held once every six years, on the banks
of the Sangam.
Dussehra
Dussehra
time in Allahabad is an experience, unrivalled by any other in the rest
of northern India. During this period, in the evening and at night,
beautifully decorated tableau are taken out from different localities,
depicting various scenes from Indian mythology.
How
to Get There
By
Air: The nearest airports are Varanasi, Kanpur and Lucknow.
By
Rail: The city has direct rail connections with important cities like
Delhi, Calcutta, Patna, Gwalior, Meerut, Chennai, Mumbai, Varanasi and
Guwahati.
By
Road: Allahabad, on National Highway 2 and 27, is connected to the rest
of the country by good, motorable all-weather roads.
Where
to Stay
Some
of the standard hotels are:
Hotel Allahabad
Regency, 16, Tashkant Marg. Tel : 601519, 601735
Hotel
Yatrik, 33, S.P. Marg, Civil Lines. Tel : 601713-14, 601509
Supplementary
accomodation:
YMCA,
13, Sarojini Naidu Road. Tel : 624028
YWCA,
Kamla Nehru Road
|