Akshayavat is considered to be a sacred banyan tree mentioned in ancient Hindu texts located within the Patalpuri temple. It is believed here that after taking a dip in the Sangam, devotees have darshan of the mythological Akshayavat. The journey to Prayag and the bath in Maha Kumbh is considered complete only when one takes bath in the Sangam and worships at Akshayavat.
History and Architecture of Akshayavat Patalpuri Mandir
Akshayavat Patalpuri Mandir is a temple built inside the ground. This temple is said to have been in existence since the Vedic period and is one of the oldest temples in unbroken India. The temple has excellent artwork and decoration. The temple is located below the courtyard of the fort and is eighty-four feet in length (east-west) and thirty-nine feet in width (north-south). The stone roof rests on pillars a little more than six feet high. There are about a hundred pillars along the main entrance to the west.
There is a small passage down the stairs to the temple. At the entrance there is a large idol of Dharmaraja along with idols of Bhagwan Ganesha, Gorakhnath, Kali Mata, Bhagwan Narasimha, Bhagwan Vishnu, Lakshmi Devi, Bhagwan Mahadev, Durvasa Maharshi, Prayagraj, Baidyanath, Karthik Swami, Anasuya Mata, Varun, Kala. Bhairav, Lalita Devi, Ganga Mata, Yamuna Mata, Saraswati Devi, Suryanarayan, Jambavat, Guru Dattatreya, Banganga, Satyanarayan, Shani Bhagwan, Markandeya Maharishi, Guptdan, Shool Tankeshwar Mahadev, Parvati Devi, Veni Madhav, Kuber Bhandari, Sankat Mochan Hanuman, Koteshwar Mahadev, Sita Mata and Lakshman along with Bhagwan Ram, Naga Vasuki, Yamraj, Siddhivinayak, Suryadev and other gods are housed inside.
Religious legend of Akshayavat Patalpuri temple
According to Hindu scriptures, at the time of Mahapralaya when there was only water all around and no sign of life, Markandeya Maharishi had a vision of Bhagwan Krishna in the form of Baal Mukunda on a huge leaf of the banyan tree. It is the sacred tree that is the basis of all creation and is known as the tree of knowledge and wisdom (knowledge, science and wisdom).
It is said that Bhagwan Ram, Sita Mata and Lakshman rested under this divine tree on the instructions of Bhardwaj Brahmarshi during their exile. It is said that Bhagwan Ram performed the Jalabhishek of Shiva Linga of Shool Tankeshwar consecrated by Bhagwan Brahma. Interestingly, the water poured at Shool Tankeshwar flows directly into the deep roots of Akshayavat and reaches the confluence. It is said that the invisible Saraswati river also flows below Akshayavat and becomes a part of Triveni Sangam.
It is said in Hindu scriptures that Bhagwan Brahma performed the first yagya under the banyan tree by invoking all thirty-three crore gods and goddesses. After the completion of this yagya the city was named Prayag (derived from the Sanskrit word pratham meaning first and yaga meaning sacrificial offering).
This indestructible tree of creation has attracted the attention of the Muslim invaders, who tried in vain to burn it, but each time they tried, they were greatly astonished. Another tree grew from the ashes!
Saraswati Kup
As you enter the underground temple and go to the other side of the entrance, you will be able to see a circular mark on the floor which reads 'Saraswati Kupa (well) which was closed by the Mughals.' There is a place to sit and meditate. It is said that since ancient times, there is Saraswati well from where Saraswati river flows and joins Ganga and Yamuna. This place is located at a distance of 1 minute from Akshayavat Patalpuri Temple.
How to reach Akshayvat Patalpuri Mandir and Saraswati Kup
Akshayavat Patalpuri Mandir is located within the Akbar Fort, just 6.5 kilometers east of Prayagraj Junction
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