Kumbh Mela : Devotees throng for ‘darshan’ of holy ‘Akshay-Vat (banyan tree)’ and ‘Saraswati-kup’

Prayagraj (UP) : Mughal king Akbar had built a fort around the holy ‘Akshay-Vat’ on the bank of Yamuna River which was worshipped by millions of Hindus and deprived Hindus from its ‘darshan’. This anguish of Hindus was not realized by anyone before or after independence. This fort has been taken over by Indian army and the area was prohibited for civilians. There was no change in the position till yesterday; but army took initiative in the background of ‘Kumbh-Mela’ and requested the Central Government for opening this place of pilgrimage for Hindus. As such, people can have ‘darshan’ of ‘Akshay-Vat’ from 7.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and huge crowd of devotees is thronging there to have ‘darshan’. Now, they can have ‘darshan’ of the ‘Akshay-Vat’ for whole year. Army has even re-built ‘Saraswati-kup’ at this place.

Saraswati-kup’ opened for Hindus with the initiative of army

Steps have been built from the entrance of the fort in the direction of ‘Akahsy-Vat’ till the base. As the fort is entered through this gate, a new road has been built to go upto ‘Akshay-Vat’ and electric lamps have been fitted around the same. There is a temple called ‘Patalpuri’ in the vicinity and the temple and surrounding area is kept quite clean. Saraswati-kup is little further to ‘Akshay-Vat’ which still has water. In the year 2006, army constructed a beautiful temple there installing idols of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. As the ‘kup (well)’ is quite deep, necessary security has been provided. The area is also clean. If a devotee unfortunately falls in the ‘kup’, net has been fitted in the center for safety. All the 3 pilgrimage places have been painted recently. Seats have also been built for devotees to sit there. There is provision of drinking water with a small restaurant. Army has taken responsibility of security of this area and many soldiers start their day with ‘darshan’ of these places of pilgrimage. Soldiers speak to devotees with respect. Now, devotees will be able to visit this place for the whole year.

Archaeology of ‘Aksahy-Vat’ proved

The Dean of Botanical Science of Prayagraj University, Dr. Ranjan has studied this tree from scientific view and drawn few inferences as given below :
1] This tree existed even before the fort was built.
2] The aerial roots of this banyan tree have reached 15 – 20 feet below the ground.
3] This tree was cut about 500 years back and has grown again.
4] As per botanical science, circles on the stem indicate the age of a tree; accordingly, this tree must be more than 500 years old.

Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat