Located at Sangam, the confluence of the Yamuna, Ganga, and the fabled Saraswati rivers, is Prayagraj. It is regarded as India’s second-oldest city and is significant to Hindu literature.
The British renamed it Allahabad after the Mughal Emperor Akbar dubbed it Illahabad, meaning the city of God. The American writer Mark Twain called it Godville. Prayagraj is the new official name for Allahabad. In 1858, it assumed the role of capital of the North-Western Provinces and briefly held the title of capital of India.

The Sangam really comes to life during the Kumbh/Ardh Kumbh, drawing devotees from all across the nation.

The city was a major player in the 1857 Rebellion. It subsequently became crucial to the liberation movement. The city hosted the Indian National Congress conference in 1888, and Prayagraj developed into a revolutionary hub at the turn of the 90th century.

Among the oldest cities in India is Prayagraj. It is regarded as the holiest pilgrimage site in India and is crowned in ancient scriptures as “Prayag” or “Teertharaj.” It is located where three rivers converge: the Yamuna, the Ganga, and the unseen Saraswati. Hindus consider the meeting place, known as Triveni, to be extremely sacred. The biggest pilgrimage events on earth are the Kumbh, which takes place every six years, and the Mahakumbh, which takes place every twelve years in Prayagraj (Sangam).

SAngam

Hindus consider the saints and followers of Kumbh Mela Prayag, or Prayagraj now, to be the most significant Hindu pilgrimage site. River confluences are traditionally thought to be fortunate locations. However, in Sangam, the confluence holds particular religious importance as it is the meeting point of the sacred Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati.

Legend has it that while Vishnu was carrying a Kumbh (pot) of amrit (nectar), there was a fight that resulted in the spilling of four drops. At the four Tirthas of Prayag, Haridwar, Nasik, and Ujjain, they fell to Earth.

A tirtha is a location where believers can find redemption. The Kumbh Mela, which is celebrated in each tirtha in turn to commemorate the event, takes place every three years. The Sangam, also known as Tirtharaj, the “King of Tirthas,” is where the Kumbh is held once every twelve years, making it the greatest and holiest of all.

With millions of attendees, the Maha Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gathering in India. An enormous tented township, replete with platforms, huts, cottages, municipal amenities, administrative, and security measures, is built to commemorate the more than month-long fair. The police, municipal government, and government all maintain impeccable organization. A remarkable variety of religious ascetics, known as sadhus and mahants, who are drawn from secluded hideaways in forests, mountains, and caverns are particularly well-known for their presence during the mela. The first people to step into the water are hordes of Naga Sadhus, also known as Naga Babas, who cover their nude bodies with ash and wear their hair in long dreadlocks, once astrologers have decided the auspicious bathing time, or Kumbhayog.

Seen as defenders of the faith, the sadhus advance on the confluence at the appointed hour with all the ostentation and bluster of a charging army. The next Maha Kumbh Mela is scheduled for 2025; the last one took place in 2013.

Bhardwaj mahadev mandir

It is currently situated in the Colonelganj neighborhood. The sage Bhardwaj constructed a shivling of Bhardwajeshwar Mahadev here, and there are hundreds of statues as well. Amongst them are Sheshnag, Nar Varah, Mahishasur Mardini, Ram Lakshman, and Surya. Ayurveda’s first sponsor was Maharishi Bhardwaj. To obtain the sage Bhardwaj’s blessings, Lord Rama had traveled to his ashram. The location of the ashram used to be unknown, however it is currently close to Anand Bhawan. Along with statues of Bhardwaj, Yagyavalkya, and other sages, gods, and goddesses, there is a Shiv temple. Bhardwaj was one of Valmiki’s students. There used to be a massive temple here that was destroyed, and a Bharatkund was perched atop a mountain.

Shringverpur

One of the best places to go on an excursion near Prayagraj is Shringverpur. It is located 45 kilometers down the Lucknow Road from Prayagraj. Folklore from the area claims that Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana crossed the Ganges here en route to their banishment. Shringverpur is a generally quiet village that is gradually becoming more well-known. However, the epic Ramayana makes numerous references to the location. The capital of the fabled kingdom of Nishadraj, often known as the “King of Fishermen,” is listed as Shringverpur. Shringi Rishi’s temple was discovered during the excavation work done in Shringverpur. Most people think that the sage herself is whence the city acquired its name. However, the town is well known for being Nishadraja’s capital. The Ramayana states that before going into exile in the forest, Lord Rama, his brother Lakshman, and consort Sita spent one night in the village. There are rumors that boatmen forbade them from crossing the river. Nishadraj personally went to the location where Lord Rama was working to find a solution. If Lord Rama allowed him to wash his feet, he would have given way to them.
A platform marks the spot where Nishadraja cleaned Ram’s feet. Ramchura is the name given to it to adequately describe the incident. On the location, there is also a little temple. The temple is a very calm spot, even though it has no historical or cultural significance.

Prayagraj ISKCON
The Prayagraj ISKCON temple is located close to the Yamuna River’s banks. The temple features a small compound that includes a goshala and a Dharmashala for the worshipers. Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of adherents. In 2003, the deities Sri Radha Veni Madhava were placed. The temple offers a serene atmosphere and is a pleasant spot. It is free to enter this lovely shrine. Here, devotees are able to meditate as well.

Akhileshwar Mandir

The 500 square foot Shree Akhileshwar Mahadev complex is located under the Chinmaya Mission in Prayagraj, close to Rasulabad Ghat Road. Parampoojya Swami Tejomayanandaji and Poojya Swami Subodhanandaji of Chinmaya Mission lay the foundation stones on October 30, 2004. Over the Foundation floor, Shree Akhileshwar Mahadev Dhyan Mandapam is being shaped and set with pink sand stones from Rajasthan. A Satsang Bhavan with a capacity of roughly 300 people and all the necessary amenities for Shree Akhileshwar Mahadev are intended to be housed on the foundation floor.

Since the time of the Rig-Veda, Prayag has been regarded as the foremost pilgrimage site. The Ganga and Yamuna, two of India’s holiest rivers, come together to form the main cause. It is believed that a person who passes away at the Sangam is saved and released from the cycle of reincarnation. According to the Mahabharat, Agnipuran, Padam Puran, and Surya Puran, Prayag is the holiest pilgrimage site. According to Vinay Patrika, in 450 B.C., Gautam Buddha also passed through Prayag.

Also well-known for its Madho temples is Prayag. The twelve Madho temples are spread out in the various sites listed below:-

Temples ofPrayagraj

• Shareb Madho: Located in the garden of “Chatanaga,” which was once home of “Vyas ji,” it is east of Triveni. Here, Shiv Puran was composed.
• Adveni Madho: The idol of Lakshmi Narain ji is located in the temple close to Ram Charan Agarwal’s kothi at Daraganj.
• Manohar Madho: An idol of Lord Vishnu known as Manohar Madho is housed in the Darveshwar Nath shrine.
• Situated in Agnikor-Arail is Chara Madho.
• Situated close to the Chheoki Railway Station is Gada Madho.
• Adam Madho: Located in the Deoria village.
• About two miles separate Anant Madho from Khuldabad.
• Bindu Madho: This location is close to Draupadi Ghat.
• Located in the Nagbasuki neighborhood is Ashi Madho.
• Beneath Sandhya Vat is Sankat Haran Madho.

• Vishnu or Adh Madho:- Situated in Arail.
• Vat Madho:- Situated near Akshyavat

Akshay Vat

On the Yamuna bank, it is situated inside the Qila. There is a legend that says it is an immortal truth that will never perish. It is believed that anyone who dies beneath this tree or offers prayers there will find salvation. The tree is fifteen feet from the fort’s edge, and its limbs dangle into the Yamuna River. Marble was placed around the tree in 1992, and statues of Ram, Lakshman, and Sita were placed in a tiny temple constructed next to it in 1999. To wrap the tree close to its roots, around 22 meters of cloth are needed. The perpetual, unbreakable tree, also known as the Akshay Vat.

Nag Vasuki Temple

This temple is situated on the Ganga bank, north of Sangam, at the northern Daraganj corner. There are statues of Nag Raj, Ganesh, Parvati, and Bhishma Pitamah in a reclining position. On the grounds lies a Shiv temple. On Nag Panchami day, there is a large fair.

Mankeshwar Temple

It is located along the Yamuna River west of the fort, close to Minto Park. It features statues of Ganesh and Nandi, as well as a black stone lingam. A large statue of Hanuman and an old peepal tree may be found close to the temple. About 40 miles southwest of Prayagraj is Barra tehsil, home to this historic Shiv temple. Perched on an 80-foot-tall mound amidst stunning surroundings is where the Shivling is situated. It is reported that Lord Ram planted the 3-1/2-foot Shivling on his way to Chitrakoot, far deeper below the surface. This location has a large banyan tree, numerous smaller idols, and a well.

Padila Mahadev

It is located 3 km north-east of Phaphamau in Soraon tehsil. It is made completely of stone and has several statues. A big fair is held here on Shivratri and in the month of Phalguna.

Lalita devi Temple

It is located in Mirapur locality and is about 108 feet high. There are several statues inside the temple and an ancient papal tree in its compound. It is counted among the 51 Siddha Shaktipeeth in the country.

Lakshagriha

It is said that the Kaurav king Duryodhan had got it made to trap the Pandavas and eliminate them. However, Vidur alerted the Pandavas who escaped from a secret door while it was set on fire. It is located 6 km south of Handia on the bank of the Ganga.