New Delhi: The Mahakumbh Mela 2025 has begun on January 13, 2025, and it will end on February 26. The Mahakumbh takes place after every 12 years and this year, it is taking place in Prayagraj. Notably, the city in Uttar Pradesh is considered a holy place where the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna meet along with the mythical Saraswati, forming the Triveni Sangam. It is believed that if one takes a bath at the Mahakumbh, then the person will be absolved off all the sins and will get spiritual liberation, also known as moksha.
Crores of people visit the Mahakumbh which celebrates the faith, spirituality, and cultural heritage of India. As we all know, Prayagraj is not the only holy city in Uttar Pradesh. While the place is deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology, there are some holy destinations around Prayagraj that you must visit, especially if you are going to the Mahakumbh Mela.
Holy places around Prayagraj one can visit
Varanasi
Also known as Kashi or Benaras, it has a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and is famous for its ghats like Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Panchganga Ghat, the Manikarnika Ghat, and the Harishchandra Ghat. It is also the home to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites.
Ayodhya
This city, situated on the banks of the Saryu river, is one of the holiest places in India. The legendary city of Ayodhya, popularly identified as the present-day Ayodhya, is identified in the epic Ramayana as the birthplace of Lord Ram. It is regarded as the first of the seven most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The city is home to the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and Hanuman Garhi.
Vidhyanchal
The city in Uttar Pradesh is around 90 km away from Prayagraj. It is a famous religious city dedicated to the goddess Vindhyavasini who is believed to be the instant bestower of benediction. The Vindhyavasini Devi Temple is one of the most revered Siddhapeeths of Vindhyavasini in India. Hundreds of disciples visit the temple during the Navratris of the Chaitra and Ashwin months. There are several temples in the vicinity, the most famous ones being Ashtabhuja Devi Temple and Kalikhoh Temple.
Mirzapur
The city is nestled between the Vindhya mountain range and the banks of the river Ganges. It is known for temples like the Ashtbhuja Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Ashtabhuja and also for the Buddha Nath Temple and the Tarkeshwar Nath Temple.
Shringverpur
Shringverpur in Uttar Pradesh has a special connection with the Ramayana. In the epic, the place is described as the capital of the Nishadraj’s kingdom. He was the ‘King of Fishermen’ who provided refuge to Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman during their exile. It was there that Lord Ram crossed the river Ganges on his way to forest exile along with Sita and Lakshman.
Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh is locates at around 120 km from Prayagraj. It is connected to the epic Ramayana as the place where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman spent part of their exile. The forests of Chitrakuta are where Ram, Sita, and Lakshman took refuge and spent 14 years in the woods, which was already home to several hermits. Chitrakoot has immense religious, cultural, historical and archaeological importance. It is known for a number of temples and sites mentioned in Hindu scriptures, including Kamadgiri Hill which fulfills everyone’s wishes and the Bharat Milap temple where Ram and his brother Bharat met.
The Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj offers a unique spiritual experience. However, Uttar Pradesh boasts many other holy sites nearby, including Varanasi, Ayodhya, Vidhyanchal, Mirzapur, and Shringverpur. These destinations, steeped in Hindu mythology and history, offer a deeper understanding of India’s rich religious heritage. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
