Prayag in Uttar Pradesh is one of the holiest
places in Hinduism. Religious importance of Prayagraj stems from the fact that it
is the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati Rivers – Triveni Sangam. In
Hindu religion, there are numerous other
spiritual importance to the place.
Prayag means ‘place of sacrifice’. Legend has it that Brahma
performed Ashwamedha Yajna here to celebrate the recovery of Vedas from Demon
Hayagriva by Lord Vishnu.
Prayagraj is also said to be the navel of earth.
After the Samudra Manthan, or churning of ocean, when the
Amrit, or elixir of life, was carried around the earth, few drops fell at
Prayag and there for Kumbha Mela is organized here once in twelve years.
As per Hindu scriptures, Prayag will be the only place to
survive after the Mahapralaya, the great deluge, which will end one cycle of
creation.
Due to these and several other reasons, Prayag is known as
Tirtha Raja or the King among Tirthas.