Triveni Sangam, also known as Prayag, is a place of great religious significance in Hindu tradition. It is the confluence of three rivers – the Ganges (Ganga), the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati River. Located in Prayagraj, this sacred site is believed to have the power to wash away one’s sins and free them from the cycle of rebirth.
The Ganges and the Yamuna, the two visible rivers, can be easily distinguished by their different colors. The water of the Ganges is clear, while that of the Yamuna has a greenish hue. The third river, the Saraswati, is said to be invisible. This confluence holds immense auspiciousness, as mentioned in the Rigveda, which states, “Those who bathe at the place where the two rivers, white and dark, flow together, rise up to heaven.”
Triveni Sangam is not only a place of religious importance but also serves as a significant site for the historic Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years. During this grand event, millions of devotees gather to take a holy dip in the sacred waters, seeking spiritual purification. The Kumbh Mela at Triveni Sangam is renowned for its scale and attracts pilgrims from all over the world.
Over the years, Triveni Sangam has also witnessed the immersion of ashes of several national leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi in 1949. This act symbolizes their spiritual union with the divine and their eternal connection to the sacred rivers.
While Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj is the most famous and revered confluence, there are other Triveni Sangams across India as well. In the town of Tribeni in West Bengal, the river Bhagirathi Hooghly splits into three distributaries – Ganga, Jamuna, and Saraswati. This place holds great religious significance for Hindus, as it is believed to be the disentangled form of the connected Prayag in Prayagraj.
However, due to the changing course of the river in the Bengal delta region, the Jamuna river of Bengal has almost disappeared, and the Saraswati’s stream is also quite thin. In the past, all three channels used to carry significant portions of the flow, but the current scenario has altered the landscape.
Triveni Sangam can also be found in other parts of India, such as Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The Triveni Sangam near Somnath Temple in Gujarat marks the confluence of rivers Hiran, Kapila, and the Saraswati, where they meet the Arabian Sea on the west coast of India. In Kooduthurai, Erode, the South Indian Triveni Sangam, or Dakshina Sangam, is formed by the Kaveri, Bhavani, and Amudha rivers.
Even in Nepal, there is a Triveni Sangam known as Triveni Dham. It is the confluence of three rivers – Sona, Tamasa, and Sapta Gandaki – located in Binayi Tribeni Rural Municipality, Nawalparasi district.
Triveni Sangam holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees and is a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of India. The confluence of these three rivers represents the union of purity, divinity, and spirituality, offering a unique experience for those who visit. Whether seeking spiritual solace or simply marveling at the natural beauty, Triveni Sangam is a place that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
