My Journey to Religious Places: Triveni Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat .

Triveni Mahasangam of 'Hiran', 'Kapil' & 'Saraswati'

at Prabhas Patan Kshetra, Somnath, Gujrat

Triveni Tirth is on the confluence of three rivers named "Hiran", "Kapila" and invisible "Saraswati" just like "Prayag" where "Ganga", "Yamuna" and invisible "Saraswati" meet together. That is why 'Triveni Tirth' is thought to be sacred. "Prayag" is in Allahabad, UP where the largest religious fair of Hindus "Kumbh Mela" is organized every 12 years. In fact "Prayag" is said to be king of pilgrimage, so it is often called "Prayagraj". Triveni Tirth is also very important because it is in "Prabhas Kshetra" in Veraval, Gujrat. This area itself is sacred because it is related to two of the Gods "Hari" and "Shiv"(Both are part of Tridev, Both have influenced the Indian culture most and both are the most worshiped Gods in India). God Shiv chose this area for his first of the twelve "Jyotirlingas".

The place where Harihar Mahaprabhuji meditated

near Triveni Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat

The names of twelve "Jyotirlingas" in Sanskrit starts as "Saurashtre Somnatham".. and the "Prabhas Kshetra" is in "Saurashtra", Gujrat. While God Hari in his Krishna avatar chose this area for the end of his "Leela" on the earth. The place from where Krishna went to his "Nij Dhaam" is on the bank of river "Hiran" also called "Golokdhaam". The "Triveni Tirth" is situated just in between "Golokdhaam" and "Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple". Near it is a small jungle called "Harihar Van". "Triveni Tirth" has also been mentioned in "Ramayana" and "Srimad Bhagwat Mahapuran".

Small shops near Triveni Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat

Rivers in Indian culture have always been revered. They are worshiped and called as a mother. Taking a bath in them is said to be purifying. (Except one river "Karmanasha" I have not known any other river which is forbidden for taking a dip. The cursed "Karmanasha" is on the border of Bihar and UP. A dip in "Karmanasha" is said to destroy all the previous good deeds (Punya) of a person). The confluence of two rivers is even holier. The word "Triveni" means confluence of three rivers. At both the "Triveni" ie at "Prayag" and at "Prabhas", we can physically see only two of the three rivers and the third river "Saraswati" is invisible. Though many scholars say that river "Saraswati" was physically present there at Prayag long ago and it changed its course towards 'Thar' desert due to change in topography. But I do not agree with this theory. Because if it was so then why again at "Prabhas" the invisible third river is "Saraswati". The river "Saraswati" in physical form is present only at village "Mana" (माणा) in Uttarakhand Himalaya which is about two km upstream river "Alaknanda" from 'Badrinath Temple'. There on its bank is situated the "Vyas Gufa" where 'Mahatma Ved Vyas' had written the holy "Srimad Bhagwat Mahapuran". This river "Saraswati" meets river "Alaknanda" about a km upstream from 'Badrinath Temple'. Actually, the invisible river "Saraswati" at these 'Trivenis' is symbolic. It symbolizes the reverence (श्रद्धा) that flows inside the heart of pilgrims. That makes it so holy.

Birds feeding at Triveni Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat

The Triveni Tirth is also near to the sea and pucca Ghats are constructed here in a length of about three to four hundred meters. It has been a place of meditation and spirituality for many 'Mahatmas'. In their memory, many small four pillared structures with dome roof have been constructed along the ghat. At the entry to 'Triveni Tirth,' a big gate welcomes you. Near the gate, on the roadside, you will see ladies selling green fodder for cows. Numerous cows wandering on the road, come towards you in expectation of fodder. Feeding holy cows are thought to be a "Punya Karma". People buy green fodder from the ladies and as soon as it changes hands the cows rush towards it. Ultimately the fodder buyer throws away the green fodder in panic and saves himself. Entering the main gate you will find a few small shops selling holy things. Some local children sell balls of wheat flour for ten rupees each. People buy it for feeding to birds and fish. Sitting on the steps on the ghat and throwing pea sized flour balls to birds is a very entertaining scene. The white birds (Probably seagulls) that are expert swimmer and flyer rush towards the feed. Same is the case with fish. Some people feed them to earn "Punya".