Lakhs of devotees to converge at Sangam

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Allahabad, Jan 2: Lakhs of devotees are reaching the temple town of Allahabad for the holy bath at Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers, on the occasion of 'Paush Poornima,' the first bathing festival of the millennium's first Ardh Kumbh Mela starting tomorrow.

'Paush Poornima' is the first of the six main bathing festivals during the month-long Ardh Kumbh Mela, being held every six years at the banks of the Sangam. Other important bathing festivals are January 13 and 14 'Makar Sankranti', January 19 'Mauni Amavasya', January 23 'Vasant Panchami', February 2 'Maghi Poornima' and February 16 'Mahashivratri' -- the last day of the biggest religious tempest.

Scores of vehicles carried hundreds of sadhus, pilgrims and kalpvasis into the holy city everyday for a 'spiritual cleansing'.

Biting cold and icy winds, which generally force people to retreat in the comforts of home, pose no problem for the half-naked sadhus and kalpvasis.

Oblivious of the mercury downslide, these visitors huddle on the banks of the river in the darkness of pre-dawn hours and take holy dip in the icy cold water, with a belief that would absolve them of their sins.

People believe that Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman had visited Sangam during their 14-year exile. Pandavas also visited the holy city due to which the glory of Ardh Kumbh Mela -- the biggest religious congregation in the whole world-- has doubled.

Perhaps, there are very few places parallel to Allahabad which could be described with great reverence in ancient scriptures as Prayag -Prayagraj or Teertharaj, that is, 'the holiest pilgrimage centre'.

Meanwhile, preparations are afoot for the grand 'Paush Poornima' fair to be held tomorrow. This year, over eight crore pilgrims from all over the world are expected to throng Allahabad.

UNI

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