Mahakumbh Nagar, December 10: Sanatan culture is revered as the oldest living culture in the world, and Tirtharaj Prayagraj holds a preeminent position among its ancient cities. Aligned with mythological significance and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s reverence for Sanatan Dharma, extensive renovation and beautification work is underway at Dashashwamedh Temple and Ghat for Mahakumbh 2025.
Mythological beliefs honor Prayagraj as the “King of Pilgrimages” in Sanatan culture, with Saptapuri regarded as its queen. This distinction stems from the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, and the first yagya of the universe, performed by Lord Brahma himself. It was this Prakrishta yagya at the Triveni Sangam that bestowed the name Prayag upon this region.
As described in the Padma Purana, Lord Brahma established sacred shivlinga on the banks of the Ganga and performed ten Ashvamedha Yagyas, giving the Dashashwamedh Ghat its name. This site is believed to grant immediate spiritual blessings, especially upon beholding Brahmeshwar Mahadev at the Dashashwamedh Temple. Following sage Markandeya’s advice, Dharmaraj Yudhishthir also conducted the Dashashwamedha Yagya here.
Prayagraj’s rich heritage is deeply embedded in the Vedas and Puranas. It is mentioned in the Rigveda, the oldest text of Sanatan culture, as the capital of the Chandravanshi King Ila. Its glory is celebrated in epics and scriptures such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, Matsya Purana, and Brahmavaivarta Purana.
According to the Padma Purana, after creating the universe, Lord Brahma performed the first yagya at the Triveni Sangam, establishing this holy area as Prayag. The Dashashwamedh Ghat owes its name to Brahma’s ten Ashvamedha Yagyas and the Brahmeshwar Shivlinga he consecrated on its sacred banks.
According to the Padma Purana, after creating the universe, Lord Brahma performed the Dashashwamedha Yagya on the banks of the Ganga, reciting Vedic mantras as the priest.
Lord Vishnu served as the host of the yagya, while the offerings were dedicated to Lord Shiva. To safeguard the yagya, twelve Madhavas, emanations of Lord Vishnu, were born and established as the Dwadashamadhavas around the sacred area.
This first natural yagya of the universe gave this place its name, Prayag, while Prayagraj earned the title Tirtharaj, signifying its status as the foremost pilgrimage site in Sanatan Dharma.
On this same bank of the Ganga, Brahma consecrated the Brahmeshwar Shivling and offered prayers to it. According to mythology, worshiping this Shivling grants immediate spiritual blessings. It remains enshrined in the Dashashwamedh Temple in Darganj, Prayagraj. Temple priest Vimal Giri shared that this is the only Shiva temple in the country where two shivlingas are worshipped together.
Historical accounts suggest that Mughal invader Aurangzeb attempted to destroy the temple. However, as his sword struck the Shivling, it is believed that milk and blood began to flow from it, leaving him stunned. Overwhelmed, he abandoned the attack, leaving the Shivling intact. Despite the damage caused, the original Brahmeshwar Shivling was not removed due to its divine significance. Instead, a new Dashashwavar Shivling was installed, and both Shivlings have since been worshipped together.
The priest emphasized the significance of worshiping the Shivling during the month of Shravan. Kanwariyas, who collect Ganga water from Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Jal Abhishek of Kashi Vishwanath, first worship Brahmeshwar Shiva before embarking on their journey to Kashi. Mythological beliefs hold that prayers to the Brahmeshwar Shivling yield instant results, while the yagya and penance performed here are believed to bring quick spiritual rewards.
As per the Mahabharata, on sage Markandeya’s advice, Dharmaraja Yudhishthira conducted ten Ashvamedha Yagyas at this site, paving the way for his ultimate victory in the great epic.
According to local belief, Dashashwamedh Ghat once featured the sacred Brahma Kund, which was said to have been created by Lord Brahma himself. Though it has disappeared over time, the Kund was believed to possess divine properties, and anointing Lord Shiva with its water was thought to free individuals from three forms of suffering.
In the Prayag region, religious tonsure and hair donation rituals are regarded as highly virtuous. It is also believed that bathing in the Ganga at Prayag and worshiping the Brahmeshwar Shivling leads to liberation and the attainment of Brahmaloka after death.
Extensive renovation and beautification work is underway on temples and ghats for Mahakumbh 2025. The Tourism Department has restored the temple and ghat using red sandstone while enhancing its grandeur with intricate carvings, vibrant paintings, and elegant lighting.
Devotees attending Mahakumbh 2025 will now enjoy a seamless experience of darshan and worship at the temple, fulfilling their spiritual aspirations.
Residents note that previous governments neglected the temple’s restoration. However, CM Yogi’s leadership has revitalized the Dashashwamedh Temple and Ghat, reclaiming their ancient glory and sanctity.
