Allahabad
According to Hindu mythology, the creator god Lord Brahma chose a piece of land at which the three sacred rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati - would flow into a quiet confluence. That land, now known as Allahabad ("City of God"), is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations of India.
History
Today's Allahabad is on the site of the ancient holy city of Prayāga ("confluence of rivers"), one of four sites of the Kumbha Mela.
In 1575, the Mughal Emperor Akbar realized the area's strategic importance as a waterway and founded a lavish city there, which he named Allahabad. The monarch also built a impressive fort on the riverbanks, which still stands today.
Under British rule, Allahabad was the capital of the United Provinces till the 1920s. It was well-known as an educational centre, and in the first few decades of the 20th century, the Allahabad University had earned for itself the epithet of "Oxford of the East." It was also a major literary centre for Hindi, and numerous literateurs were connected to it in some way or the other.
Allahabad was at the forefront of political activities during India's struggle for independence. Alfred Park in Allahabad was the site where, in 1931, noted revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad killed himself when surrounded by the British police. After independence, the park was renamed as Chandra Shekhar Azad Park. Modern Allahabad is an important city where history, culture and religion meet like the three sacred rivers.
What to See
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 festivals of Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh that the Sangam truly comes alive, attracting the devout from all across the country.
Built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1583 AD, the Allahabad 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.
Within the underground Patalpuri Temple, which is inside the fort, lies the Akshayavat, or immortal tree. The gigantic Asoka Pillar, of polished sandstone, stands 10.6 m high, dating back to 232 BC. The pillar has several edicts, and a Persian inscription of Emperor Jahangir inscribed on it, commemorating his accession to the throne.
The Hanuman Temple is a unique temple at the Sangam. It is the only one in North India where the idol of Lord Hanuman is in a reclining posture. Situated near Saraswati Ghat, on the banks of the Yamuna, the Mankameshwar Temple is one of the famous Shiva temples of Allahabad.
Also in Allahabad is the All Saints Cathedral, one of the finest cathedrals in India. Designed more than a century ago by Sir William Emerson, the structure has exceptional stained glass windows.
 Allahabad during Magh Mela. |
Festivals and Events
"Mela" means "festival" in Hindi. The Magh Mela takes place every year in the month of Magh (January-February) of the Hindu calendar.
The Kumbha Mela takes place every 12 years and has more significance than the Magh Mela. These fairs take place on the banks of the holy river Ganga. In the Kumbha Mela of 2001, almost 75 million people visited the banks of Allahabad's rivers to take part in the festivals.
During the Melas, entire temporary townships are built at Allahabad, including functioning hospitals, fire stations, police stations, restaurants and other facilities.
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Sangam, the confluence of the sacred rivers at Allahabad. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our India Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- Text based on "Allahabad" at WIkipedia, used under GFDL.
