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ALLAHABAD TOURS IN AND AROUND
Hindu mythology has it that for the ‘Prakrishta Yagna’, Lord Brahma, the creator - God of the Trinity, chose a land on earth, on which the three rivers – the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati – would flow into a quiet confluence. That land, Gods, came to be called ‘Prayag’ or ‘Allahabad’, as t is known today. It is one of the most sacred of pilgrimage cantres of India. It was, perhaps, foreseeing the sanctity the place would command over the ages to come,that lord Brahma also referred to it as ‘Tirth Raj’ or the ‘King of all pilgrimage centres’. Recorded evidence also exists in the revered scriptures – the Vedas and the grand epics, the Ramayan and the Mahabharat, as also in the Puranas – of this holy place, called‘Prayag’.
From the mists of mythology and legends, the history of Allahabad then moves through time to 1575 A.D., when Emperor Akbar founded a city on lavish proportion and called it by this name. 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, statesman and leaders as the sons of this soil.
Allahabad. Today an important city where history, culture and religion create a confluence….. much like the sacred rivers that caress this God – graced land.
INTO THE MISTS OF TIME…
Sangam - The sacred Sangam is the confluence of three of the holiest rivers in hindu mythology – Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Sarasvati. It is believed that it is at the Sangam, that a few drops of the nectar ‘Amrit Bindu’ fell… making its waters truly magical. At the Sangam, the waters of the Ganges and the Yamuna can be distinctly seen to merge into one. It is during the kumbh Mela and the Ardh kumbh that the Sangam truly comes alive …. Attracting the devout from all across the country.
The holy Sangam is the site for most of the importance fairs and festivals the year round.
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.
Patapuri Temple - Within this underground temple, inside the fort, lies the Akshayavat – ot the immortal tree. Believed to have been visited by Lord Rama, the temple was also seen by the famous Chinese traveller and writer Hiuen Tsang during his visit to the place.
Ashoka Pillar - This gigantic Ashoka Pillar, of polished sandstone stands 10.6 metres 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.
Akshayavat - The immortal tree within the Patalpuri temple, has found mention in the descriptions of several ancient scriptures, writers and historians. The tree stands in a deep niche above an underground shaft which is said to lead to Triveni.
Visitors need permission to visit the fort, Patalpuri Temple, Ashok Pillar and Akshayavat from Commandant, Ordnance Depot, fort, Allahabad.
Hanuman Temple - This unique temple at the Sangam, is the only one in North India, where the idol of Lord Hanuman is seen in a reclining posture.
Shankar Viman Mandapam - 130 ft. high with four floors, it has the idols of Kumaril Bhatt, Jagatguru Shankaracharya, Kamakshi Devi ( with 51 Shaktipeethas around ), Tirupati Balaji (with 108 Vishnus around), Yogashatra Sahastrayoga Linga (with 108 Shivas around).
Mankameshwar Temple - Situated near Saraswati ghat, on the banks of Yamuna, this is one of the famous Shiv temples of Allahabad.
Minto Park ( Madan Mohan Malviya Park ) - It is situated near Saraswati ghat. It has a stone memorial with a four – lion symbol on top, the foundation of which was laid by Lord Minto in 1910.
Anand Bhawan - The erstwhile ancestral home of the Nehru family, the Bhawan has witnessed several history – making events of the freedom struggle. The main building houses a museum which displays the memorablia of the Nehru family.
Visiting time : 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Ticket- Rs. 5/- Closed on Mondays and Govt. holidays.
Swaraj Bhawan - The old Anand Bhawan, which in the year 1930 was donated to the Nation by Moti Lal Nehru, who also renamed it Swaraj Bhawan.
Open 9:30 a.m. – 1:00p.m., 2:00p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday Closed.
Jawahar Planetarium - For a celestial trip of the scientific kind, visit the Planetarium. Its worth every moment.Visiting time : 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Ticket Rs. 5/- Closed on Monday & 4th Thursday of the month.
Bharadwaj Ashram - Associated with Rishi Bharadwaj, it is believed that Lord Ram visited this Ashram during his exile.
All Saints Cathedral - Dedicated to the memory of people of all ages and places who have kept their faith in God. The all Saints Cathedral is one of the finest cathedrals in this part of the country. Design more than a century ago, by Sir William Emerson, the eminent architect who also designed the Victoria Memorial, Calcutta, the Cathedral has some truly exceptional stained glass murals. It is also called Patthar Girja.
Beni Madhav Temple - It is an old Laxmi Narain temple in Daraganj locality. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is believed to have paid his homage here.
Khusru Bagh - This garden houses the tomb of khusru, son of Salim and Shah Begum.
Other Attractions :-
Alopi Devi Temple, Allahabad University, Archaeological Museum, Allahabad Museum, Hanumat Niketan, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, High Court, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, Children Park ( Bal Udyan ), Shiv koti, Nepali Temple, Kalyani Devi Temple, Nagvasuki Temple, Nehru Park, Saraswati Ghat Park, Bharadwaj Ashram Park.
FESTIVALS
Kumbh Mela
- One of the largest congregations of the devout Hindu from all across the world, the kumbh Mela is held every 12 years on the banks of the Sangam. The mela is attended by saints, pilgrims, believers and millions of followers. A holy dip in the sacred waters and offering to the Sun – God are believed to cleanse the soul. The Mela easily surpasses all other events on earth, for the sheer religious fervour displayed by the devotees as also their deep – abiding faith. On is best days, the kumbh attracts millions of people who congregate on the banks of the holy Sangam during the Mela.