Prayaga

Prayaga, also known as Allahabad, is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located at the confluence of three rivers: the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. This sacred meeting point is known as the Triveni Sangam and is considered a holy site for Hindus. The city holds significant religious and historical importance, being a major pilgrimage center and a former capital of various empires.

Historically, Prayaga was a prominent center during the Maurya and Gupta periods. It was later known as Illahabad under Mughal rule, with Emperor Akbar establishing a fort there in the 16th century. During the British Raj, it served as the capital of the North-Western Provinces and later the United Provinces. The city played a role in India's independence movement.

The Triveni Sangam is the primary attraction, drawing millions of pilgrims annually, especially during the Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela festivals. The Akshaya Patra, a religious text, mentions Prayaga as a place of great merit. Other notable landmarks include the Anand Bhavan, the ancestral home of the Nehru-Gandhi family, and the Khusro Bagh, a garden complex housing tombs of Mughal royalty. Prayaga is also an important educational and administrative hub in the region.