Triveni Sangam Facts: The Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj is the sacred confluence of three rivers: the Ganga, the Yamuna and the Saraswati. Here, the white waters of the Ganga merge with the blue waters of the Yamuna. This holy site attracts countless pilgrims, who board boats to bathe at the Sangam’s specially built platforms. The area is especially picturesque during the Kumbh Mela, with migratory birds adding to the scene, making it a deeply meaningful and spiritual experience for all.
Significance According to Hindu Legends
The Triveni Sangam is steeped in ancient significance, believed to be the place where divine nectar fell from the hands of the gods. Hindus visit this sacred pilgrimage site, believing that a dip in the holy waters of the Sangam will purify their souls, wash away sins and pave the way to heaven. Devotees from all over India come to the Sangam to bathe and pray in the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. Every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela is held on the banks of the Sangam, while every 144 years, the Maha Kumbh Mela is held, drawing millions of devotees to this sacred site.
The Confluence of Three Rivers: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati
The famous playwright Kalidasa has given a vivid description of the Triveni Sangam, where the rivers Ganga and Yamuna meet, a wonderful confluence of white and blue waters, likening it to a garland of intertwined lotuses. The Sangam located in Prayagraj is the confluence of three rivers: Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati, which flows underground. The muddy, yellow waters of the Ganga combine with the vibrant blue waters of the Yamuna to create a wonderful visual contrast.
A Place of Redemption and Liberation
The Triveni Sangam is a revered pilgrimage site, called the King of Sangams. This sacred place offers devotees an intense opportunity for spiritual growth. A dip in the Sangam is believed to not only wash away sins but also liberate one from the cycle of birth and death. The word “tirtha” means a ghat or crossing point and the confluence serves as a threshold, allowing devotees to go beyond the earthly realm and connect with God. By crossing this sacred river of consciousness, devotees can achieve immortality and a state of oneness with God.
Significance in Maha Kumbh
In Hinduism, the Prayagraj Triveni Sangam holds immense significance, especially during the Maha Kumbh festival. This holy confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati is believed to be the place where the Gods themselves descended on earth and filled the waters with divine energy. As the largest gathering of pilgrims in the world, the Maha Kumbh celebrates this sacred event, with millions of people drawn to the Sangam for a holy dip. According to Hindu mythology, bathing in the waters of the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh grants devotees spiritual liberation, washes away their sins and liberates them from the cycle of birth and death. This holy ritual is a once in a lifetime opportunity for devotees to gain spiritual enlightenment and connect with God.