Ganga at Prayag, Allahabad Photo Journal
Prayag got its name Allahabad from Emperor Akbar. Allahabad means, City of God. The Ramayana was narrated by Sage Yagyavalk to Sage Bharadwaj during/after the Kumbh mela.
Allahabad is an ancient city in Uttar Pardesh, North India. It’s older name, Prayag finds mention in the epic poem Ramayana by sage Valmiki, and many other scriptures, older than 7000 years. Prayag has the confluence of Rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the now out of sight River Saraswati. Prayag hosts the annual Magh mela on the river banks, which is favoured by sages and seekers alike. The next Kumbh mela will be held here in 2013. The Kumbh mela is held every three years at one of the following places: Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik and Ujjain.
Adaila village near Prayag is famous for Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya’s hospitality to Mahaprabhu Chaitanya, both spiritual giants of the Bhakti era, 500 years ago. Vaishnavs visit Adaila village in addition to Prayag. Mahaprabhu Vallbhacharya stayed in Adaila village to write commentaries on Srimad Bhagwatam, Sri Subodhini ji and other texts.
Auspicious bathing dates for 2013 Kumbh mela at Prayag
27th Jan 2013: Paush Purnima
06th Feb 2013: Ekadashi Snan
10th Feb 2013: Mauni Amavasya Snan
15th Feb 2013: Basant Panchami Snan
17th Feb 2013: Rath Saptami Snan
18th Feb 2013: Bhisma Ekadashi Snan
25th Feb 2013: Maghi Purnima Snan
(Photo credits: Anisha Sharma)
Top 12 spiritual destinations of India
Map: Allahabad
View Allahabad in a larger map