Prayag Shaktipeeths, Uttar Pradesh

The three temples in Prayag Shaktipeeths are located very near to Sangam (confluence) of the three rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati near Allahabad Fort, in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. The Temples are considered Shaktipeeths from three different ideas. All three temples are of Mata Sati of Prayag Shaktipeeth. The three temples are Akshaywat, Mirapur and Alopi.

History

The chief legend of Prayag relates to the creation of the Shakti Peethas. Sati, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, was married to the god Shiva despite his wishes. Daksha arranged a great yajna but did not invite Sati and Shiva. Uninvited, Sati reached the Yajna site, where Daksha ignored Sati as well as Shiva.

Sati was not able to withstand this insult. So, Devi Sati gave her life by jumping into the fire of Havan organized by her father King Daksh. When Lord Shiva was running around the planet carrying her body Lord Vishnu divided the body into 51 parts utilizing his Sudarshan chakra. Out of those 51 parts, from which the ‘Ten Fingers’ of Sati fell to this place. Prayaga is the last place, where the last part of Sati Devi’s body fell on the ground. Here Sati Devi’s body emerged and vanished, therefore the name Alopi. There are some other stories about Alopi Mata. In every temple, at least one idol or one sign will be there for worshipping the goddess. Here, there is no idol or sign. We have to visualize the goddess present on a wooden jhula.

There are mainly 3 stories about the word Alopi. One story believes that Alopi indicates the one who vanished. According to a regional story, Alopi Mata is a recently married bride. She vanished from pallaki, when thieves assaulted the marital relationship troop. As the bride vanishes as a wonder, she is worshipped as Alopi mata.

Importance

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-

• Salvation
• Wealth
• Relief from diseases
• Purchase of vehicles
• Gain Knowledge

Festivals

• Kumbh Mela: It is the star attraction here and it attracts crowds in exorbitant numbers, both domestic and international as well. It is celebrated after a gap of every 12 years and on this auspicious period.
•  Navratri: It is held two times a year- one in the month of March or April and the other in the September or October month depending on the Hindu calendar.
• Shivratri: This Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm People keep fast, pour milk on the Shiv Lingam, and offer ‘Bail’ (A type of fruit) to the god idol.

Nearby Attractions

• Sangam (Where people take holy baths)
• Akbar’s Fort and Patalpuri Temple
• Anand Bhavan
• Khusru Bagh

How to Reach

• By Air: The nearby airport is in Allahabad and national flights are available to this airport. International flights are available till Delhi. 
• By Train: Allahabad is a huge Railway Junction that is a 6 km distance from Alopi temple. 
• By Road: Prayag Shaktipeeths is well connected It is about 130 km away from Varanasi. So many Buses and taxis are available to travel from Varanasi to Prayaga (Allahabad) or from Prayaga (Allahabad) to Varanasi.

Temple Timings

7:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Temple Video