Archaeological Site, Kaushambi
Located approximately ter kilometers from the Prayagraj district headquarters and about 30 heil archaeological site Kaushambi district headquarquarters Mankhnapur, the archaeological site of Kaushambi attracts thousands of Buddhist pilgrims from various countries every year for worship and sightseeing
Key Sites Near Kaushambi:
Ghositaram Buddhist Vihar: After attaining enlightenment, Lord Buddha visited Kaushambi during his sixth and ninth years and delivered several important sermons while staying at this vihara.
Ashoka Pillar: The main attraction of the Kaushambi archaeological site is the Ashoka Pillar, established by Emperor Ashoka, which bears rare royal edicts inscribed on it.
Ruins of Emperor Udayan’s Fort: Emperor Udayan constructed a fort at this location. Excavations at the site have uncovered many priceless artifacts.
Major Attractions
Maa Sheetala Temple: This temple holds a unique significance in the
mythical history of the 51 Shakti Peeths of the country. According to legend, the wrist (kar) of Sati fell here, leading to the naming of the place as Karda.
Sandipan Ashram: According to local lore, the ashram of Lord Krishna’s guru Sandipan is located near the banks of the Ganga River at Kokhraj. This ghat on the Ganga is known as Sandipan Ghat.
In-laws of Goswami Tulsidas Mahewa Ghat: The in-laws’ home of
Goswami Tulsidas, the author of Ramcharitmanas, is located at Mahewa Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna. Here, his wife Ratnavali educated him, inspiring Tulsidas to write the great epic ‘Ramcharitmanas.’
Mansuriya Mata Temple: Located in the village of Kishunpur Ambari in the Chail tehsil of Kaushambi district, the Mansuriya Mata Temple attracts thousands of devotees for darshan and worship every Monday and Friday.
Maa Kamakshi Temple: Situated about 10 kilometers west of the district headquarters in Manjhanpur, this temple hosts grand fairs during the Sharadiya and Chaitra Navratri, attracting devotees and tourists from all corners of the district for worship.
Sant Malookdas: The renowned medieval saint Malookdas was born in Karda, where his birth, deeds, and samadhi sites are located.
Ram Janaki Temple, Bajha: A grand and modern temple dedicated to Ram Janaki, located about 2 kilometers from Imamganj on the GT Road.
Pabhosha (Prabhasgiri) Jain Temple: This ancient site is situated about 30 kilometers from the Mankhnapur tehsil in Kaushambi district and approximately 55 kilometers from Prayagraj, along the banks of the Yamuna River. It is believed that the sixth Tirthankara of Jainism, Padma Prabhu, was born in the city of Kaushambi and attained enlightenment at the nearby Prabhashgiri mountain. This land is revered by Jain followers.
Sri Lanka Buddha Vihar: Located 30 kilometers from Kaushambi district, this Buddhist monastery was founded by Dr. T. Siri Vishuddhi Mahathero, a resident of Sri Lanka. It features a Bodhi tree brought from Sri Lanka, a garden, 25 well-equipped rooms, and a Dharamshala.
Cambodian Buddhist Vihar: Established in Kaushambi as a place of peace and non-violence, this vihar attracts numerous followers of Buddhism from Cambodia and around the world every year, commemorating the meditation site of Lord Buddha
Pratapgarh
Situated on the banks of the holy Ganga River near Tirtharaj Prayag, Pratapgarh district is regarded as historically and religiously significant. This region holds immense importance as a pilgrimage site, attracting devotees from far and wide.
Major Attractions:
Belha Devi Dham: Located on the banks of the Sai River, this historical temple is dedicated to Belha Devi. It is believed that a part of Sati’s waist fell here, leading to the worship of this place as Belha Devi Dham.
Ghuisarnath Dham: Situated on the banks of the Sai River in the Lalganj tehsil, this dham is a center of faith for millions due to its religious, spiritual, and mythological significance. It houses a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ghuisarnath.
Haudeshwar Nath Dham: Located about 12 km south of the tehsil headquarters, this dham is on the sacred banks of the Ganga. During the months of Malmas and Sawan, thousands of devotees visit for milk and water abhishekam.
Belkhar Nath Dham: About 15 km from Pratapgarh headquarters, this dham is situated on the banks of the Sai River and is steeped in the history of the Belkhar Rajputs. It is believed that wishes made with a sincere heart in front of the Shivling named after King Bel are surely fulfilled.
Bhahirhan Nath Dham: Located approximately 30 km south of Pratapgarh headquarters, this dham hosts a grand Mahakal Mahotsav for four days during Mahashivaratri, month-long celebrations during the Shravan month and Malmas, along with a two-day Ghughuri Lok Utsav and weekly fairs every Tuesday.
Bhakti Dham Mangadh: This temple, dedicated to Lord Radha Krishna, is located about 2 km from the Kundra tehsil headquarters and around 60 km from Prayagraj. The foundation of this temple was laid by Jagatguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj.
Shanidev Dham: About 2 km from Vishwanathganj market, this ancient temple of Lord Shani in the forests of Kushafra is a center of faith and devotion. It is believed that visitors to this site become recipients of Lord Shani’s blessings.
Dahin Devi Dham: Located approximately 40 km from Pratapgarh, this dham is situated about 4 km from Kithawar market, on the Pratapgarh-
Atheha road.
Khuylan Dham: This dham is located 2 km from lehtwara and 10 km from Mandhata It holds significant mythological and historical importance as the Birthplace of Mother Khuylan, attracting devotees from far and wide.