Uttar Pradesh (UP) is located in northern India and is bordered by several states and Nepal. It covers an area of 243,286 square kilometers (93,933 square miles) and has a population of over 241 million, making it the most populous state in India and the most populous country subdivision in the world. The state is characterized by the fertile plains of the Ganges River and its tributaries, which form part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Varansi
Assi Ghat is one of the most historically and culturally significant ghats in Varanasi. It is mentioned in numerous ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Kurma Purana, Matsya Purana, and Padma Purana.
Mythology suggests that when Goddess Durga, after slaying the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, threw her sword on land, it created a stream of flowing water which was named as the Assi river. The Assi Ghat is actually built on the banks of the Assi river and marks the spot where it meets the holy waters of Ganga.
Another legend associates Assi ghat’s origin with Lord Rudra (a fierce avatar of Lord Shiva), who destroyed 80 demons in his rage at this very spot. This led to its naming as “Assi” ghat meaning the number 80 in hindi.
The significance of Assi Ghat extends beyond its mythological origins. It is considered a place of immense spiritual merit. Hindu scriptures like the Kashi Khand say that a single dip in the Ganga at this ghat would offer punya worth visiting all tirthas (sacred pilgrimage) mentioned in Hinduism.
Ayodhya Temple
Ayodhya Temple, also known as the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, stands as a beacon of faith, devotion, and spirituality. Located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, this temple is believed to be the exact birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A site of immense religious significance, the temple attracts millions of pilgrims who come to experience its divine aura and pay homage to Shri Ram Lalla.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal stands as one of the most iconic symbols of love and resilience in the world. Nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, this exquisite mausoleum was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Completed in the mid-17th century, the Taj Mahal is not only a masterpiece of Mughal architecture but also a testament to the enduring power of love, art, and culture. The intricate details encompassing its structure, the lush gardens, and the serene reflections on the waters add to its mesmerizing aura. However, beyond its beauty lies a rich history filled with stories of romance, artistry, and the challenges of preserving such a monumental piece of heritage. This article delves deeper into the various facets of the Taj Mahal, exploring its history, architectural wonders, cultural significance, and more as part of the broader Taj Mahal history.
Agra Fort
Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The Agra fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site.It is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city.
The First Battle of Panipat in 1526, the victorious Babur stayed in the fort, in the palace of Ibrahim Lodi. He later built a baoli in it. His successor, Humayun, was crowned in the fort in 1530. He was defeated at Bilgram in 1540 by Sher Shah Suri. The fort remained with the Suris till 1555, when Humayun recaptured it. Adil Shah Suri’s general, Hemu, recaptured Agra in 1556 and pursued its fleeing governor to Delhi where he met the Mughals in the Battle of Tughlaqabad. Sheesh Mahal, Agra Fort:The effect produced by lighting candles in Sheesh Mahal, Agra Fort.
Sitamarhi
The story of Sita Samahit Sthal is woven into the fabric of the Ramayana, one of India’s greatest epics. According to legend, this is where Goddess Sita, wife of Lord Rama, chose to return to the earth after facing immense trials. Exiled by Rama to honor his kingdom’s doubts about her purity, Sita found refuge in the ashram of Sage Valmiki, the Ramayana’s author. Here, she gave birth to her twin sons, Luv and Kush, and raised them in the forest. When confronted again about her chastity, Sita called upon Mother Earth to take her back, and the ground opened to embrace her. This sacred spot, known as Sita Samahit Sthal, is revered as a symbol of her purity and sacrifice. The temple stands on the very mound where this event is said to have occurred, radiating a sense of peace and divine connection that touches every visitor, making it a must-visit for those tracing the Ramayana’s legacy.
Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela is a significant Hindu pilgrimage, celebrated approximately every 6 or 12 years, depending on the astrological positions of Jupiter and the Sun. It translates to "Festival of the Sacred Pitcher" and is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival involves millions of devotees gathering to take a ritual dip in sacred rivers, which is believed to purify the soul and grant liberation. The Kumbh Mela embodies faith, unity, and devotion, providing a path to inner peace for participants. The next major event, the Maha Kumbh Mela, will take place in 2025, marking a once-in-144-year gathering.
Bara Imambara
The construction of Bara Imambara started in year 1780, a year of devastating famine. One of Asaf-ud-Daula's objectives in embarking on the grandiose project was to provide employment for people in the region for almost a decade while the famine lasted. It is said[by whom? that ordinary people used to work during the day building up the edifice, while noblemen and other elite worked at night to break down anything that was raised that day. It was a project that preceded a Keynesian-like intervention for employment generation. Construction of the imambara was completed in 1784. The estimated cost of building the imambara ranged between half a million rupees to a million rupees. Even after completion, the Nawab used to spend between four and five hundred thousand rupees on its decoration annually.