Sacred City: Allahabad
Allahabad has quite the twists and turns to it's history. Once named Prayag, Sanskrit for "Place of Sacrifice" (1), is believed to be the place where Brahma conducted a ritual after his creation of the world. In the late 16th century during Akbar's rule the city was renamed "Illahabad", or "God's creation" in Persion and Arabic (1). Now the city, with its final derived name "Allahabad", sits on the banks of the Triveni Sangam, the conjecture of 3 sacred and mystical rivers of India, the Ganges, the Jamuna, and the Sarasvati (geologically invisible, but considered to be an underground flow, 1,2). Nirmala in front of the Allahabad Fort built by Akbar
Allahabad is also a strategic point for control of the Gangetic Plains, where 8.5% of the world population live (2). This strategic point became important for several dynasties in India (Vatsa Kingdom, Kushan Empire, Mughal Empire, British Empire). Akbar built his Allahabad Fort on this conjecture and ruled his kingdom from Allahabad until he decided later to move the capitol to Agra and the Agra Fort was built (1).
The Triveni Sangam is considered one of the holiest places to disperse a loved ones ashes. It is believed that their soul will be completely cleansed of all sins and their journey to the next life is eased by dispersing ashes at this place more than any other. This is why I went
there with my sister, my uncle and my aunt. I went there to disperse my mother's ashes. With this event came much closure, but yet surrounded by all the beauty of the Triveni Sangam and being in such a sacred place I was feeling such an immense loss. I wanted to see that place with my Mom. I wanted her human eyes to appreciate that place with me. The priest who conducted the services said in Hindi (translated by my uncle and aunt) that my tears at that moment would reach my mother because I had done such a good job conducting the final rites. The truth of that statement is irrelevant since I will never know, but it consoled me for that time and even now.
--Sujata
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allahabad
2. http://www.indiadivine.org/articles/906/1/The-Triveni-Sangam/Page1.html
posted by Suji @ 6:47 PM
2 Comments:
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
top [url=http://www.xgambling.org/]001[/url] coincide the latest [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com/]casino bonus[/url] free no set aside reward at the chief [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]baywatchcasino
[/url].
Post a Comment
<< Home