The Sangam of Rivers
Allahabad is located at the confluence (Sangam) of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. It is one of the oldest pilgrimage cities of India famous for the Kumbh Melas, Ardh Kumbh Melas and Magh Melas. It is situated at about 240 km from Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh and 128 km from Varanasi. The city bears testimony to the transfer of power from the East India company to the British crown after the 1857 uprising.
The Triveni Sangam is the most important and famous sacred place encompassing the devout Hindus from all over India come to this holy pilgrimage place to offer prayers and take a dip in the holy waters.
Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela is the largest and holiest of all melas and is believed to be the most auspicious. On important bathing dates, the Kumbh Mela, lakhs of pilgrims take bath on the banks of the holy Sangam. It is held once every three years by rotation, on the banks of holy rivers-the Godavari in Nasik, the Shipra in Ujjain, the Ganga in Haridwar and the Sangam in Allahabad.According to astrological calculations, the Kumbha Mela is held every twelve years and begins on Makar Sankranti, the day when the sun and moon enter Capricorn and Jupiter enters Aries. The astrological configuration on Makar Sankranti is called " Kumbha snana-yoga" and is considered to be especially auspicious, as it is said that the passage from Earth to the higher planets is open at that time, thus allowing the soul to easily attain the celestial world. For such reasons it is understandable why the Kumbha Mela has become so popular among all classes of transcendentalists in India
Allahabad Fort
Allahabad Fort, Allahabad stands tall on the northern banks of the river Yamuna near the confluence. The fort must definitely be visited for tourists who plan for a tour to Allahabad. The main attractions of the fort are the Design element and the Saraswati Kund.Allahabad Fort, Allahabad was built in the year 1583 by the great Emperor named Akbar. The Allahabad Fort was the largest fort built by Akbar. In the olden days this massive fort was considered among the best garrisons in the entire Mughal Empire.Allahabad Fort in Allahabad in India has huge and massive walls and three gateways that are flanked by high towers. The glorious outer wall of the fort rises above the water's edge. In the fort the most interesting and picturesque structure is the Ashoka Pillar that was earthed by the order of the great Mauryan King, Ashoka in 232 BC. The victories of Samudragupta have been praised in the inscriptions on the pillar. The pillar also contains decrees that were there since the times of Ashoka.
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