Emperor Akbar founded this city in 1575 AD by the name of 'Illahabas' which has now become modern Allahabad. The monarch realized its strategic importance as a waterway landmark in North India and also built a magnificent fort on the banks of holi 'Yamuna'. 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. Due to its religious importance, many pilgrims come to Allahabad in the bathing season, the Hindu month of Magh (mid January to mid-february), to purify themselves. During this month, a great gathering and fair called Magh Mela takes place on the sands. Every 12th year when the waters are felt to be especially purifying, Allahabad holds a much greater festival called Kumbh Mela. Many millions of pilgrims attend this festival, coming from al l over India. It is believed that bathing during Kumbh cures the bather of all sins and evils and grants the bather salvation.
Places of Interest
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" spilled making its waters truly magical. Around 7 Kms.
From Civil Lines,overlooked by the eastern ramparts of the Allahabad fort,
wide flood plains and muddy banks protrude towards the sacred Sangam.
Pandas (Priests) perch on small platforms to perform puja and assist
the devout in their rituals ablutions in the
shallow water. Pilgrims come to offer pind for their deceased
parents and make offerings of their ancestors.
Boats at the Sangam, used by pilgrims and tourists
alike, can be rented at the ghat immediately
east of the fort, for a minimum rate of Rs. 12/- per
head. The holy Sangam is the site for Annual Magh Mela/Ardh
Kumbh/Kumbh Mela.
Allahabad Fort - The massive 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, c onstruction and craftsmanship. This huge, majestic fort has three magnificent galleries flanked by high towers. At present is used by the army and only a limited area is open to visitors.The magnificent outer wall is intact and rises above the water'edge. Visitors are allowed to see the Ashokan Pillar and Saraswati Kup, a well, said to be the source of the Saraswati river and Jodhabai Palace. The Patalpur temple is also here. So is the much revered Akshaya Vat or immortal Banyan tree.
Patalpuri Temple - Within this underground temple, inside the fort, lies the Akshaya Vat or the immortal tree. Believed to have been visited by Lord Rama, the temple was also seen by the famous Chinese traveller and writer Hiuen Tsang during his visit to this place.
Ashoka Pillar - This gigantic Ashoka pillar, of polished sandstone stands 10.6 meters high, dating back to 232 B.C. The pillar has several edicts and a Persian inscription of Emperor Jahangir inscripted on it, commemorating his accession to the throne.
Akshaya Vat - The immortal tree within the Patalauri temple, has found mention in the description of several ancient scriptures, writers and historians. The tree stands in a deep niche above an underground shaft, which is said to lead to Triveni.
