Key Points
- Xuanzang visited Prayagraj in 644 CE and praised its climate, health, and abundance of fruit-bearing trees.
- He described the people as humble, well-behaved, and eager to learn.
- Prayagraj hosted large religious festivals with over 500,000 attendees, including kings and rulers like King Harshavardhana.
- Xuanzang spoke about a temple with miraculous properties and the belief that bathing in Prayagraj washes away sins.
- Archaeological surveys confirm Prayagraj’s historical and cultural importance.
- The Maha Kumbh-2025 will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.
Looma News
Prayagraj, a major city between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, has been an important stop for Chinese travellers for almost 1,400 years. The famous traveller Xuanzang, who explored and studied India, visited Prayagraj in 644 CE. In his writings, Xuanzang praised the city’s pleasant climate, good health, and many fruit-bearing trees. He also described the people as humble, well-behaved, and committed to learning.
Xuanzang mentioned the large religious festivals in Prayagraj, where over 500,000 people, including kings and rulers, gathered to celebrate. One notable ruler at the time was King Harshavardhana, whose kingdom stretched over about 1,000 miles. In his book *Si-Yu-Ki*, Xuanzang explained that Prayagraj was a centre for religious donations, where people gave generously during these festivals. He also described a famous temple, now the Patalpuri temple within the fort, which was believed to have miraculous powers. Offering a single coin there was thought to be worth the same as donating a thousand coins in merit.
Xuanzang also mentioned the custom of visitors fasting for seven days and bathing at the Sangam, where people would donate money before leaving. Archaeological surveys support the idea that Prayagraj has always been an important cultural site. Recent surveys in the Meja tehsil of Prayagraj, near the confluence of the Belan and Tons rivers, have uncovered ancient sites dating back to the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods, shedding light on early human life in the area.
The city’s spiritual and cultural significance will be celebrated again in the Maha Kumbh-2025, which will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. The Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, draws millions of pilgrims and visitors each year, continuing to highlight the city’s role as a cultural and spiritual centre.
