Alopi Devi Mandir, an ancient Hindu temple located in the sacred city of Allahabad, is renowned for its proximity to the confluence of India’s most famous rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati. Nestled just a few feet away from Kumbh Mela grounds which are visited by millions annually – this shrine has been revered as one of the holiest sites around!
Devotees of Lord Shiva adore the wooden chariot, or doliê, that resides in Alopi Devi Mandir in place of a presiding deity.
Alopi Devi Mandir, the highly revered holy site that houses the remaining body parts of Goddess Sati, is one of India’s celebrated Shakti Peethas. Tuesdays see a massive influx of worshippers at this temple in particular. The Hindu celebration Navratri amplifies its glory as thousands gather to pay their respects and adore the powerful deity on these days.
The Alopi Devi Mandir is unparalleled in its reverence for Sati, the wife of Shiva. As opposed to featuring a sculpture or painting of this deity, worshipers reverently pay homage to her wooden carriage known as ‘doli.’ This temple’s name —Alopi (disappear) Bagh— stems from Hindu legend that when Shiva was distraught by his beloved’s passing, Vishnu divided her body with his Chakra and thus sanctified countless places throughout India where pilgrims could honor these seemingly disparate parts. Indeed, the veneration shown at Alopi Devi Mandir is special indeed. The last segment of the body part fell in this area, now famously known as “Alopi” (where disappearance was completed) and regarded to be the holiest. This claim is subject to debate due to Allahabad only having one Shakti peeth, which happens to be Lalita Devi temple. It is said that Sati’s fingers were dropped here.
According to oral history passed down through generations of long-term residents, this story dates back when the area was blanketed in thick jungles overrun with dacoits. A marriage procession having just received lavish gifts and trinkets were ambushed deep within the forest by nefarious robbers who knew that such processions would be their most profitable targets. After murdering all the groom’s people and plundering their fortune, the robbers proceeded to investigate what was in the bride’s carriage – ‘doli.’ When they unveiled it, no one was there- she had inexplicably vanished! This incredible story spread like wildfire throughout history until it became an epic tale of a legendary virgin goddess named Alopi Devi who escaped her captors through divine intervention. The locals built a temple at this sacred site as a tribute to her bravery, honoring her courage with worship and reverence.
By Flight
If you’re looking to travel by air, Air India offers one daily flight from Delhi’s airport directly to Allahabad. Alternatively, consider booking a connecting flight through Varanasi (120 km) or Lucknow (200 km), followed by an AC bus/cab for the rest of your journey.
By Road
Allahabad is located on the NH-2, which connects Delhi to Kolkata and forms a part of India’s Golden Quadrilateral. This means it has excellent road connectivity from nearby cities such as Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi, Patna and Kolkata. The highway is well maintained with smooth roads that are rarely congested or overcrowded. Even Lucknow to Allahabad provides good roads for travelling purposes.
Whether you’re coming from Varanasi or Lucknow, there is no shortage of Volvo bus services to Allahabad. Operating all day long, these buses provide supremely comfortable seating and make it easy for travelers to conveniently catch the next available ride with minimal effort.
By Train
With Allahabad being the headquarters of the North-Central division of Indian railways, it is very easily accessible from most major cities in India by train. Overnight trains to Delhi/Kolkata and connections to nearby cities such as Varanasi/Lucknow/Kanpur/Agra make traveling here one of the most convenient options available. In addition, there are many Rajdhanis/Durontos that connect Allahabad to Delhi/Kolkata /Mumbai so you can be sure you will find a route perfect for your journey!
