Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh – The Sacred Confluence City
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is one of India’s holiest cities, located at the Triveni Sangam—the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. It is a major pilgrimage site and hosts the world-famous Kumbh Mela.
Religious & Spiritual Significance
1. Triveni Sangam
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Significance: The holy meeting point of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
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Rituals: Devotees take a dip to cleanse sins; considered highly auspicious, especially during Kumbh Mela.
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Best Time to Visit: Makkar Sankranti (January) & Kumbh Mela (every 12 years).
2. Kumbh Mela (Largest Religious Gathering on Earth)
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Next Kumbh Mela: 2025 (Ardh Kumbh), 2029 (Purna Kumbh).
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Highlights: Millions of pilgrims, saints (Naga Sadhus), and tourists gather for the sacred bath.
3. Akshaya Vat (Immortal Banyan Tree)
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Legend: Believed to be the tree under which Lord Rama meditated during exile.
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Location: Inside Patalpuri Temple (Fort Allahabad).
4. Hanuman Mandir (Lete Hanuman Ji)
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Unique Feature: The idol of Lord Hanuman lies in a reclining position (unusual in India).
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Belief: Drinking water from the temple well is considered auspicious.
5. Mankameshwar Temple
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Dedicated to: Lord Shiva, one of the oldest temples in Prayagraj.
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Specialty: Located near Sangam, visited before or after taking a holy dip.
6. All Saints Cathedral (Patthar Girja)
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Built by: British in 1887, Gothic-style architecture.
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Significance: One of the finest churches in North India.
7. Shankar Viman Mandapam
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Modern Marvel: A 130-foot-high temple showcasing India’s spiritual heritage.
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Features: Replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas & 51 Shakti Peethas.
8. Bharadwaj Ashram
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Ancient Site: Believed to be the hermitage of Maharishi Bharadwaj (from Ramayana).
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Location: Near Allahabad University.
Historical & Cultural Attractions
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Allahabad Fort (Built by Akbar in 1583) – Houses Patalpuri Temple & Akshaya Vat.
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Anand Bhavan (Nehru Family Home) – Now a museum of India’s freedom struggle.
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Alfred Park (Chandrashekhar Azad Park) – Where freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad sacrificed his life.
How to Reach?
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By Air: Prayagraj International Airport (12 km from city).
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By Train: Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ), Prayagraj Sangam (PYGS).
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By Road: Well-connected to Varanasi (130 km), Ayodhya (200 km), Delhi (650 km).
Best Time to Visit
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October–March (Pleasant weather)
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Kumbh Mela Period (Massive spiritual gathering)
Religious places in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Religious Places in Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh
Prayagraj, one of India’s holiest cities, is renowned for its spiritual significance, especially the Triveni Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers). It hosts the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering. Below is a detailed list of must-visit religious sites in Prayagraj:
1. Triveni Sangam
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Significance: Sacred meeting point of Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati rivers.
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Ritual: Taking a holy dip here is believed to wash away sins (especially during Kumbh Mela).
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Best Time to Visit: Makkar Sankranti (Jan 14-15) & Kumbh Mela (next in 2025).
2. Akshaya Vat (Immortal Banyan Tree)
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Location: Inside Patalpuri Temple (Allahabad Fort).
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Legend: Believed to be the tree where Lord Rama meditated during exile.
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Unique Fact: The tree is said to be indestructible (Akshaya = eternal).
3. Hanuman Mandir (Lete Hanuman Ji)
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Specialty: The idol of Lord Hanuman lies in a reclining position (rare in India).
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Belief: Drinking water from the temple well brings blessings.
4. Mankameshwar Temple
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Dedicated to: Lord Shiva (one of the oldest temples in Prayagraj).
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Location: Near Sangam, often visited before/after holy dip.
5. Shankar Viman Mandapam
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Modern Temple: A 130-ft tall structure showcasing 12 Jyotirlingas & 51 Shakti Peethas.
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Highlights: Light & sound show on Hindu scriptures.
6. All Saints Cathedral (Patthar Girja)
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Built by: British in 1887 (Gothic-style architecture).
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Significance: One of the most beautiful churches in North India.
7. Bharadwaj Ashram
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Ancient Site: Hermitage of Maharishi Bharadwaj (from Ramayana).
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Location: Near Allahabad University.
8. Kalyani Devi Temple
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Dedicated to: Goddess Kalyani (a form of Durga).
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Festival: Navratri celebrations are grand here.
9. Alopi Devi Mandir
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Unique Belief: The goddess is worshipped in the form of a wooden carriage (no idol).
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Legend: Part of the 51 Shakti Peethas (where Sati’s finger fell).
10. Nagvasuki Temple
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Dedicated to: Snake God Vasuki (worshipped for protection from snake bites).
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Ritual: Devotees offer milk & silver snake figurines.
Kumbh Mela – The Largest Religious Gathering
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Next Kumbh Mela: 2025 (Ardh Kumbh), 2029 (Purna Kumbh).
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Highlights: Millions take a dip at Sangam; Naga Sadhus’ procession is a major attraction.
How to Reach Prayagraj?
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By Air: Prayagraj International Airport (12 km from city).
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By Train: Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ), Prayagraj Sangam (PYGS).
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By Road: Well-connected to Varanasi (130 km), Ayodhya (200 km), Delhi (650 km).
Best Time to Visit
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October–March (Pleasant weather)
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Kumbh Mela Period (Massive spiritual gathering)
Nearby Pilgrimage Trips:
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Varanasi (130 km) – Kashi Vishwanath Temple
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Ayodhya (200 km) – Ram Janmabhoomi
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Chitrakoot (150 km) – Ramayana-related sites