|
Allahabad
 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 | Festivals
| How to Get There | Where to Stay
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
|
