🌅 In the Footsteps of Ram: From Holy Waters to Sacred Temples 🙌🚩 Day 5

🥣 Early Morning Departure & Journey to Prayagraj

We began our day early with breakfast 🍽️ and set out from Varanasi to Prayagraj 🚗. The drive took around 3 hours, covering approximately 200 km via NH19. On the way, we passed areas where the grand Kumbh Mela was recently held in February 🏕️—stalls, structures, and signage still reminded us of the massive spiritual gathering that once filled this land with lakhs of devotees 🙏.

🚤 Sangam Boat Ride & Sacred Bath at Triveni Sangam 🛁

Upon reaching Prayagraj, our first destination was the sacred Triveni Sangam—the meeting point of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the guptagamini Saraswati 🌊🌊🌊. We took a peaceful boat ride 🚣‍♀️ across the calm waters to the exact spot of confluence.

There, we performed the Sangam Snan (ritual bath) 🛐. This is considered one of the holiest acts in Hindu Dharma. Bathing at the Sangam is said to wash away lifetimes of sins and grant moksha (liberation) ✨. The waters felt truly sacred—calm yet powerful, as if holding the collective devotion of countless pilgrims over millennia.

🌺 Veni Dhana Ceremony – Offering with Faith & Gratitude

After the bath, we performed the traditional Veni Dhana ritual—a special offering made especially by married women.

In this ritual:

• Women tie strands of their hair (veni) along with flowers 🌸
•  The bundle is offered into the river while reciting prayers 🙏
•  It symbolizes surrendering one’s ego, desires, and attachments to the Divine
•  It’s also an act of gratitude toward ancestors, seeking their blessings for prosperity, health, and peace.

The moment was quiet and emotional for many of us, especially with the sacred river gently carrying away our offerings 🌊💐. It felt like letting go of something deep within.

🛕 Visit to Bade Hanuman Temple

After completing the rituals, we headed to the revered Bade Hanuman Temple in Prayagraj. This unique temple houses a reclining idol of Lord Hanuman —one of the very few in this posture. The energy here was intense yet comforting. Locals believe that no pilgrimage in Prayagraj is complete without visiting this temple.

🚗 Journey to Ayodhya (via Road)

We resumed our journey in the afternoon towards Ayodhya, which took about 6 hours 🛣️. On the way, we stopped for a lunch 🍱 that had been prepared and packed by our chef 👨‍🍳.

🏨 Evening in Ayodhya – Sacred Vibes & Divine Darshan

We reached Ayodhya by evening 🌆 and checked into Raj Palace 🏰. After freshening up and enjoying some light snacks ☕🍪, we headed out for our evening temple visits (most awaited one).

Our first stop was the tranquil River Sarayu. Standing by its banks, we were reminded of countless episodes from the Ramayana. The river is said to have carried Lord Ram to his final resting place. Many take a dip here too, as it's believed to cleanse the soul 🌊✨.

Next, we visited the Hanuman Garhi Temple—an important shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, believed to protect Ayodhya and its residents. After climbing a flight of stairs, we had darshan of the deity in his warrior form. The chants and bells 🔔 filled the temple with vibrant energy.

Finally, we visited the newly built Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir 🛕. The feeling was indescribable. We were standing at the birthplace of Lord Ram, where he and Lakshman played as children, and where centuries of devotion and sacrifice have now blossomed into a magnificent temple 🙌.

We were blessed with a VIP darshan 🎫, which allowed us peaceful time for prayer and connection. The idol of Lord Ram as a child (Ram Lalla) brought tears to our eyes. No words can capture the divine presence we felt. Truly, we were walking through history and heaven, all at once.

🛏️ With hearts full and souls at peace, we returned to our hotel for a restful night—grateful, moved, and deeply blessed 💫.