Significance of Prayaga
Prayaga is a highly significant sacred site in India, primarily recognized for the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Sarasvati rivers. This holy place is esteemed for its spiritual merit, where devotees perform rituals and take baths for purification and salvation. Regarded as the king of all holy spots, Prayaga fulfills the desires of worshippers and is noted in various texts for its importance in achieving spiritual goals, making it a central pilgrimage destination in Hindu belief.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Prayaga'
Prayaga, a revered Hindu site, is where the Ganga and Yamuna rivers converge, symbolizing spiritual significance, purification, and the fulfillment of desires, holding paramount importance as a pilgrimage destination for attaining liberation and divine blessings.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The proclaimed leading holy spot that is meritorious and considered excellent among sacred places.[1] (2) Another significant holy site where ritual baths offer happiness in this life and afterlife benefits.[2] (3) Referred to as the king of all holy spots, where individuals may lay down their lives peacefully.[3] (4) The king of holy places where the two rivers Yamuna and Ganga meet; noted for its significance in achieving salvation.[4] (5) A Tirtha considered to be ten times more efficacious than Naimisha in merit.[5]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A holy place in Indraprastha acknowledged for its sacredness, pivotal to Hemangi’s desire for spiritual redemption.[6] (2) A holy place recognized for the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna, regarded as superior among holy sites.[7] (3) A revered holy location where the rivers Ganga and Sarasvati converge, purifying the world.[8] (4) One of the most important sacred sites mentioned, revered for its divine qualities.[9] (5) A sacred region known for its holy bathing places, where those who bathe are believed to go to heaven and those who die there are not reborn.[10]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The confluence of sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna, recognized for its spiritual importance and the immense merit gained from bathing there.[11] (2) The name given to the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna, recognized for its historical and religious significance as a site for sacrifices.[12]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A sacred place renowned for its greatness, it confers enjoyment and emancipation and is where the gods Brahma, Vishnu, and others reside.[13] (2) Prayaga is the city from which Kuru migrated to establish Kurukshetra.[14]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A significant confluence site of Ganga with the Jamna and Sarasvati rivers, regarded as highly sacred.[15] (2) The confluence point where Ganga is united with Yamuna and the invisible Sarasvati, symbolizing unity and divine connection.[16]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A holy center mentioned in contrast to Kashi, where desires for worldly enjoyment and salvation can be fulfilled, albeit with lesser spiritual privileges.[17]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) An important confluence point of sacred rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, regarded highly in the text as a place of spiritual significance.[18]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) A famous pilgrimage spot that is said to be guarded by deities, fulfilling the desires of worshippers.[19]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The location where Shri Rama and Lakshmana passed the night before proceeding on their journey.[20]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Included in the list of Pithas, significant in the context of religious pilgrimage.[21]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A specific holy place, recognized for its spiritual significance and referred to as the king of all holy locations.[22] (2) The sacred location where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers meet, notable for religious baths.[23] (3) Prayaga is the place to which Lord Vishnu traveled after defeating the conch demon, significant in the context of the narrative.[24] (4) A holy city in India, significant for its confluence of rivers, suggested as the location being shaded by the banyan tree.[25] (5) The name of a very holy site to which the subject journeys, emphasizing its spiritual importance.[26]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The location where the Lord performed His early morning bath, known for its spiritual significance.[27] (2) A sacred city where Nityananda traveled, recognized for its confluence of rivers and religious significance.[28]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A location mentioned where the brahmana spoke about the opulence of the capital, highlighting its significance as a place of knowledge.[29] (2) The sacred place where Shri Narada went to satisfy the sages after getting permission from Shri Madhava.[30]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) A location from which Shankara left for Mahishmati.[31]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Prayaga is the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna rivers, and is one of the geographical references that define the boundaries of the Madhyadesha.[32]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) Modern-day Allahabad, located at the confluence of the river Ganga and Yamuna.[33]
From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)
(1) Allahabad, an important historical location.[34]