On the Arail side of Triveni Sangam stands the grand Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Smarak, a golden Vedic memorial and ashram complex dedicated to the life and teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
The impressive structure, visible from the Sangam area across the river, spreads over several acres near Arail Ghat and has become a striking landmark for pilgrims and visitors arriving for Kumbh and Magh Mela.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who studied at Allahabad University before turning fully to spirituality, later took Transcendental Meditation from India to the world and inspired millions of practitioners across many countries.
The Smarak at Prayagraj honours his legacy with a serene campus, Vedic architecture and spaces for meditation, Vedic recitation and spiritual gatherings on the sacred banks of the Sangam.
Born as Mahesh Prasad, Maharishi studied physics at Allahabad University before becoming a disciple of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math, and fully embracing the spiritual path.
In the 1950s he began teaching Transcendental Meditation, later establishing a global movement with centres in over 100 countries and becoming widely known through his work with seekers around the world.
His teachings emphasise effortless meditation, inner peace and the concept that “life is bliss”, inspiring countless followers in India and abroad.
The Arail Ghat ashram complex extends over a large area along the Yamuna bank, with golden domes, Vedic-style architecture and halls designed for silence, meditation and group programmes.
The Maharishi Smarak is envisioned as a timeless memorial where panels and displays present Maharishi’s total knowledge, philosophy and contribution to spreading meditation globally.
During major Kumbh and Magh Mela gatherings, the ashram hosts special spiritual programmes, discourses and collective meditation sessions for Indian and international visitors.
By Air: Prayagraj (Bamrauli) Airport is roughly 15–18 km away; taxis and app-based cabs can be hired towards Naini / Arail side and Sangam Tat Arail.
By Train: Prayagraj Junction and Naini stations serve as convenient access points; from there, autos, e-rickshaws and cabs can take you across the river towards Arail Ghat and the ashram.
Local Transport: During Kumbh and Magh Mela, dedicated routes, shuttle services and boats may operate towards Arail side; on regular days, local autos, cabs or private vehicles are commonly used.
Triveni Sangam: The sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati lies just across the river, making it easy to combine a Sangam Snan or boat ride with a visit to the Smarak.
Saraswati Ghat & Riverfront: Other riverfront ghats and viewpoints along the Yamuna offer beautiful panoramas of the memorial’s golden structure from different angles.
Allahabad Fort & City Heritage: Crossing back to the main city side, visitors can explore Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhavan, Khusro Bagh and Allahabad Museum for a complete Prayagraj experience.
The Arail Ghat ashram is generally open in the daytime, often around morning to evening, with specific timings for darshan, meditation sessions and Vedic recitation; visitors should check locally or with the ashram office for the latest schedule.
Entry is usually free, but all visitors are expected to maintain silence in designated areas, dress modestly, remove footwear where required and follow ashram rules and instructions of the staff.
Photography may be restricted in certain halls or during programmes, so always respect signboards and guidance from ashram authorities.
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October to March is generally the most pleasant period to visit the Sangam and Arail side, with cooler weather for walking around the expansive ashram campus and riverbank.
During Kumbh and Magh Mela, plan extra time for traffic diversions, security checks and crowd management measures in and around Sangam and Arail Ghat.
Carry minimal luggage, keep footwear and belongings organised at designated places and use official routes and parking areas for a smooth and peaceful visit.