History
Where Time Flows with the Rivers
Formerly known as Allahabad, Prayagraj holds an unparalleled position in the spiritual and historical fabric of India. It is considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and is believed to be the place where Lord Brahma performed the first Vedic sacrifice after creating the universe. The city finds extensive mention in ancient Hindu scriptures including the Puranas and the Mahabharata. Over the centuries, it evolved into a vital seat of learning, religious pilgrimage, and royal patronage under various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Mughals. Emperor Akbar renamed the city to Ilahabad (later Allahabad) and fortified it with the majestic Allahabad Fort, standing strong at the confluence of rivers.
Prayagraj is best known for hosting the Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest and oldest religious gatherings, held every 12 years. Millions of pilgrims gather to bathe in the Triveni Sangam, believing it washes away sins and grants spiritual liberation. The city also played a significant role in India’s freedom movement—being the birthplace of stalwarts like Jawaharlal Nehru and the political hub for the Indian National Congress. With layers of mythological, political, and spiritual history, Prayagraj is not just a place—it is a living, breathing legacy of India’s soul.
Geography
Where Rivers Converge and Souls Awaken
Situated in southern Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj lies at the sacred confluence of three rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, a spot known as the Triveni Sangam. This meeting point of rivers is regarded as a tirtha, or a sacred crossing where the physical and the divine meet. The landscape is primarily composed of expansive, fertile alluvial plains, which have supported dense human settlement, agriculture, and ritual activity for centuries. The vast floodplains near the Sangam host sprawling spiritual camps and temporary townships during the Kumbh Mela, demonstrating the land’s unique ability to blend sacred purpose with logistical scale.
into both the physical nourishment of the land and the metaphysical beliefs of its people. Gentle riverbanks, sunrise-lit ghats, and the rhythmic chant of prayers form a picturesque yet powerful environment that continues to inspire poets, seekers, and saints. Prayagraj’s setting makes it one of the few places in the world where the landscape itself is as holy as the traditions it sustains.