PARAGA (PRAYAGA) Bathing in Paraga (Prayaga) etc. do not equal the Praises of the Name of the Lord. (Gond Namdev, p. 873) Giving away great meterials in charity in the month of Magh at Paraga (Prayaga) and getting the body sawed at Kashi— without the Name of the Lord none attains salvation….. (Mali Gaura M. 4, p. 986) Paraga (Prayaga), the famous pilgrim-station of Hindus is nowadays called Allahabad. There is confluence of three rivers here, Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and the fabled subterranean Sarasvati.
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
Prayaga, also known as Prayagraj, holds a deeply revered position in Hindu mythology as a sacred pilgrimage site. It is situated at the confluence of three rivers—the Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati—known as the Triveni Sangam. This confluence is considered a spiritual axis where divine energies converge, making Prayaga one of the holiest places in Hindu cosmology.
Key Aspects of Prayaga in Hindu Mythology:
Mythological Beginnings:
- Prayaga is believed to be the site where Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, performed the first yajna (sacrificial ritual) to consecrate the land. This act imbued the region with divine energy, transforming it into a revered tirtha (pilgrimage site).
- The name “Prayaga” itself means “place of sacrifice,” emphasizing its spiritual significance.
Sacred Texts and Legends:
- Prayaga is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. It is described as a place where even gods come to perform penance and purify themselves.
- The Skanda Purana and Padma Purana praise Prayaga as the “King of Pilgrimage Sites” (Tirtharaja), highlighting its unparalleled spiritual power.
Triveni Sangam:
- The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers symbolizes the merging of purity, devotion, and wisdom. Bathing in these waters, especially during auspicious times like the Kumbh Mela, is believed to cleanse sins and bring devotees closer to moksha (liberation).
Connection to Epics:
- In the Ramayana, Prayaga is mentioned as the location of Sage Bharadwaj’s ashram, where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana sought blessings during their exile.
- The Mahabharata highlights the immense spiritual merit of bathing in Prayaga, describing it as a gateway to purification and renewal.
Symbolism:
- Prayaga represents the union of the earthly and the divine, serving as a bridge between mortal life and spiritual transcendence.
- Its sacred geography and mythological significance make it a focal point for spiritual seekers and pilgrims.
Prayaga’s timeless appeal lies in its ability to connect humanity with divine energies, offering a space for reflection, renewal, and liberation.g a space for reflection, renewal, and liberation.
