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The Alopi Devi Mandir in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is a unique, ancient shrine where no idol is worshipped. Instead, devotees revere a sacred wooden cradle (doli) hanging over a pool of water, marking the spot where Goddess Sati's final body part or the miraculous vanishing bride is said to have disappeared.

Mythological Origins

Shakti Peetha Legend: Linked to the grief of Lord Shiva carrying Goddess Sati's body, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember her remains. It is believed that Sati’s right-hand fingers or palm fell here and instantly vanished (alop) into the earth, making it a revered Shakti Peetha.

The Vanishing Bride: Local folklore tells of a medieval marriage procession attacked by robbers in a dense forest. When the attackers opened the bride’s carriage (doli), she had mysteriously vanished. Locals built the temple to honor her as a divine manifestation.

Saint Ramlochan Brahmachari laid the foundation of Shri Hanumat Niketan in Civil Lines, Prayagraj in 1958, and the entire temple complex construction finished by 1974.

Key Dates

Foundation laid: 1958

Lord Hanuman idol installation: 1973

Construction completion: 1974

The Allahabad High Court was established on 17 March 1866 under the Indian High Courts Act 1861. It is one of the oldest high courts in India.

Key Milestones

1866: Formed as the High Court of Judicature for the North-Western Provinces, with its initial seat in Agra.

1869: Relocated its seat from Agra to Allahabad (now Prayagraj).

1919: Formally renamed the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad.

1948: Amalgamated with the Oudh Chief Court.

Swaraj Bhavan (originally built as Mahmud Manzil) was completed in 1871. It was later bought by Motilal Nehru in 1900 and renamed/dedicated as Swaraj Bhavan when he donated it to the nation in 1930.

The Company Garden in Allahabad (officially named Chandrashekhar Azad Park and originally known as Alfred Park) was established in 1870 to mark the visit of Prince Alfred.

University of Allahabad has always occupied an esteemed place among the Universities of India for over a century. Established on 23rd September 1887, it is the fourth oldest University of India after Calcutta, Bombay and Madras University. The credit for conceiving a large Central College in Allahabad (now named as Prayagraj), eventually to develop into a University, goes to Sir William Muir, Lt. Governor of United Provinces.

Khusro Bagh in Prayagraj, India, contains the actual graves of Shah Begum (Jahangir's first wife and a Rajput princess) and her eldest son Prince Khusrau Mirza. A third large tomb built for Princess Nithar Begam (Khusrau's sister) stands there, but her body was actually buried in Agra.

Situated at Civil Lines Prayagraj U.P. INDIA

Anand Bhawan in Prayagraj was built around 1930 by Motilal Nehru (with construction starting in the late 1920s) as the new Nehru family residence. It later opened as a historic house museum in 1970 after being donated to the nation by Indira Gandhi.