Sangam or The Triveni Sangam is the confluence of three rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati. Located in Prayagraj, India, The Triveni Sangam is one of the most sacred places for the Hindus. As per Hindu mythology, taking a dip in the holy waters of Sangam will wash away all sins and free the soul from the cycle of rebirth, thereby attaining Moksha. During the winter months, when there are no rains, one can distinctly see how the greenish waters of the Yamuna meet the brownish waters of the Ganga. River Saraswati is believed to be flowing under the surface as per Hindu mythology.
Believe it or not!!!, this is the same place where the world’s largest gathering of Humanity (as per largest.org) takes place on the occasion of Maha Kumbh. The Maha Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years at the Triveni Sangam. During the 3 months duration of the last Maha Kumbh Mela in 2019, over 240 million people visited this place.
Did you know??!! Prayagraj got it’s name after the holy Triveni Sangam?? Prayag in Sanskrit means “Confluence, of mostly rivers” and Raj means “King”. Prayagraj means “king of confluences“. For Hindus, The Triveni Sangam is the holiest and most powerful confluence of rivers.
5 Things to Do at the Triveni Sangam
Best time to visit Triveni Sangam is during the winter months, from October till March.
Speaking out of experience, here is a tried and tested list of 5 things to do at the Triveni Sangam.
1# Pay reverence to River Ganga
As per Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga descended from heaven to flow as a river on Earth. It is believed that river Ganga has the heavenly power to cleanse and purify whatever it touches. Hindus use water from river Ganga on auspicious occasions or rituals to purify and take dips to purge the soul. Besides, River Ganga is the main source of water for agriculture.
Hence, when you are visiting Triveni Sangam, your first and foremost task would be to worship The Ganga. Miniature worship packets consisting of a few flowers, incense sticks, miniature earthen lamp are sold here for roughly around ₹ 20. The ritual is to go to the river bank, sprinkle some holy water on the head, offer flowers with prayers, light the incense sticks and the lamp.
2# Buy Water Cans and Bird Feed
Before you start your journey to the Triveni Sangam confluence point, there are a few things that need to be done. First, buy a container for carrying back home some holy water and second, buy some bird feed for migratory sea gulls who are going to be your co-travellers.
3# Boat Ride to the Triveni Sangam Confluence Point
You can easily hire a boat for your ride to the Triveni Sangam confluence point. It will take around 20 minutes to reach the spot. You can also ask the boatmen about the folklore around Sangam. You can see the famous Yamuna Bridge at a distance and the Prayagraj Fort at the shores. En route, you can enjoy the serenity and of course, utilize your bird feed!
Tip: Make sure you bargain with the boat men. They usually quote a high initial price.
The Triveni Sangam Confluence Point
A floating deck has been built at the confluence to help pilgrims reach the holy waters. One has to get down the deck to take dips. Ropes are provided all along for support during the dips. Ritualistically, pilgrims take 3 dips. The dips are considered complete only when the top of the head is submerged in water. Water can also be collected here. Hindu priests or Pandits are also available here to offer quick paid prayer offerings.
4# Visit Prayagraj Fort
If you are lucky enough, the fort would be open. Emperor Akbar built the Prayagraj fort during the Mughal era. Recognized by Archeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance, Prayagraj Fort is famous for its magnificent architecture. Inside the fort, one can witness the exquisite Allahabad Pillar built by King Ashoka around 300 B.C. and catch a glimpse of the holy Akshaya Vat or the Indestructible Banyan Tree where Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman had rested during Vanvaas.
5# Visit to “Bade Hanuman Ji Ka Mandir”
The religious lot believe that the visit to Triveni Sangam is incomplete if one has not visited the Bade Hanuman ji Ka Mandir or Temple of The Sleeping Hanuman. It is a common occurrence every year during the monsoon season, the waters of River Ganga rise to touch the feet of Lord Hanuman. Only then, monsoon is considered to be success and agriculture flourishes.
Sangam Scenes
Below are a few more scenes from the shores of Sangam. Hope you like them.
And At Last…
This was my day at the Sangam in a nut shell. If you are in Prayagraj, do visit the place. Do comment what you think about the article or share your Sangam experience.
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