Triveni Sangam – The Holy Land of Kumbh Mela
Triveni Sangam, Allahabad is the place where millions of people flock down to celebrate the biggest spiritual festival in India, every 12 years. The gathering of humanity is the largest of its kind on earth, and it is said that the gathering can be seen from the outer space if clicked from satellite.Triveni Sangam – A Quick Glance
Where: Baand Marg, Kumbh Mela Area 1, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh 211055, IndiaTimings: 06:00 am - 09:00 pm
Visit duration: 30 minutes to 1 hourFamous for: Religious site, waterfront, natural beauty
Best time to visit: October to March; preferably during Magh Mela (mid-January to mid-March)Entry fee: Free
Triveni Sangam, Allahabad – An Overview
Triveni Sangam, Allahabad is considered as one of the holiest places of the country. Located about 7km from the civil lines of the main city, the spot is where the three rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet. It is believed that the place is extremely holy and spiritually rich.Though you can find the colours of Ganga and Yamuna prominently mixing with each other, spotting Saraswati is difficult as it is said to be the mythical river which supposedly dried up more than 4,000 years ago.
Indian mythology says that these rivers are highly revered, and hence the Triveni Sangam signifies religious importance of tremendous level. It is also famed for the holy Kumbh Mela conducted once every 12 years in the same place.
Significance of Triveni Sangam
As per Hindu mythology, a dip into the divine water of Triveni Sangam, Allahabad is guaranteed to wash out all the negative vibes and sins taking you through salvation. During the Kumbh Mela, millions of people come down for the holy dip to get them freed from the life cycle. The gathering during the Kumbh Mela is 2,000 years old, and the sight of people swarming at the spot is magically wonderful.The Triveni Sangam, Allahabad where the Kumbh Mela takes place is where the three rivers meet - the Saraswati, Yamuna, and Ganga (Ganges). Among the three, the Yamuna and the Ganga are sacred rivers in India, and highly revered. Both of them make for an interesting sight, with the brownish blue water of the Ganga meeting the greenish water of the Yamuna.
However, the third river, the Saraswati is a mythical river, which is said to have dried up millennia ago. Legends say that the Saraswati River flows underneath the surface.
Triveni Sangam – A Sight to Behold
Triveni Sangam, Allahabad is the spot where your spiritual awakening would be felt watching the sight of Ganga meeting Yamuna with Saraswati. A boat ride is much suggested to experience the gentle water flowing to make you watch the colours of water changing and getting mixed at one point.Holy Bath at Triveni Sangam
For the convenience of the devotees, there are wooden platforms made at the Triveni Sangam to allow them take a bath right at the confluence point. It is specially noted that the water remains clear and the planks and the spot are well-maintained for the ease of the tourists. The water at the Sangam is perfect for a holy bath, including during winters. Since the water level isn’t very deep, it is easy for everyone to take a dip into it.The Triveni Sangam, Allahabad undergoes a total change during Kumbh Mela when the entire region is enclosed under a holy spirit. The experience, solace, and excitement one finds coming down here, and the sight of millions of pilgrims gathering together can’t be explained in words. It is an experience to be felt, not to be written down.
Kumbh Mela at Triveni Sangam
The Kumbh Mela is the major attraction at Triveni Sangam, Allahabad. The religious importance that it holds is of a different level and the participation of devotees makes it something that stands out among its likes. It is extraordinary to find millions of people sacrificing earthly pleasures of a comfortable life for a single dip in this holy confluence during the majestic Kumbh Mela every 12 years.The pure water in the spot is considered special, and the impact of the same multiplies further during the holy Mela. Devotees also offer “pind” (last offerings) to their deceased ancestors and perform several religious events for the well being of their families.
Uniquely enough, the Kumbh Mela attracts not only Indian tourists, but devotees from all over the world, especially the ones fascinated with the culture and traditions of India. Lucky are those who get a chance to witness these processions in its complete opulence.
Things to Do at Triveni Sangam
The Triveni Sangam is famous for religious and spiritual significance, as well as for sightseeing. One can perform rituals like Shraddh and Narayan Nagbali on the platforms constructed in the middle of the Triveni Sangam. Many Puranas and Kathas are also narrated here.Additionally, the beautiful sights surrounding the Triveni Sangam is a treat to the eyes. The confluence offers breathtaking views of the merging water streams of Ganga and Yamuna. At the backdrop, the magnificent Allahabad Fort constructed by Akbar stands tall. The New Yamuna Bridge and several migratory birds flying over the clear water are also worth treating your eyes with.
Tips to Visit Triveni Sangam, Allahabad
Like most religious sites in India, you need to be extra cautious while talking to the pundits here at the Triveni Sangam. It is fair enough to talk about the charges for religious rituals to be performed, and it is better to talk about the same much beforehand. Do remember that the bargaining is extremely heavy - if they quote 1,000 for something you might eventually be able to get it done for 100. If your visit is just for recreational purpose and if you don’t need to perform any religious works, steer away from pundits and be clear of the same to them. But don’t be disrespectful, as pundits are considered to be highly revered, and they frequently team up with the boatmen, so if you are rude to them you might end up having to fight with everyone around you. For the same reason, a lot of boatmen ferry you to the Sangam try to force you to get rituals done. Unless you really want to do that, make sure to say no to them. For boating, you need to bargain a bit. However, the bargaining must not be absurd or else you might lose your scope for an amazing boat ride to Sangam.