ABAP ON A MISSION TO REVIVE ANCIENT ROUTES TO PILGRIMAGE SITES

Ancient routes leading to sacred sites in Allahabad and on its outskirts are being revived as Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP)—the apex body of 13 recognised akharas in the country—has decided to complete it before Kumbh. “The purpose is to give an opportunity to pilgrims to embark on these routes and visit even those temples which were once quite famous,” shares ABAP president Swami Narendragiri. He said the parishad also took up the matter of reviving the Panchkoshi Parikrama and improving the condition of 12 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which are famous by the name Dwadash Madhav in Allahabad. “The pilgrims coming to Allahabad during Kumbh Mela should also get an opportunity to visit these pilgrimage sites,” he added. In the olden days, pilgrimage to Prayag or Allahabad used to be considered incomplete without the Panchkoshi Yatra. This involved visiting all the important pilgrimages and temples within a distance of ‘Panch Kos’ from Sangam. The sacred spots included Akshyavat and Pataalpuri Temple, Bada Shivala, Bardhwaj Ashram, Nag Vasuki Temple, Someshwar Mahadev Temple, Mankameshwar Temple, Takshaksheshwar Nath temples among others.

Juna Akhara has decided to develop around 5000-years-old Takshaksheshwar Nath temple in Daryabad. It is famous as Bada Shivala for being an important religious site on the route of Panchkoshi Parikrama. “We want to improve the condition of Takshak Teerth temple. Juna Akhara will be taking the initiative. We’ll also be speaking to Kumbh Mela authorities,” said Swami Harigiri, mahant and patron of Juna Akhara and general secretary of ABAP. Months ago, the tourism department submitted a proposal of around Rs 50 lakh under Rajya Yojna for the preservation of two ancient temples of Lord Shiva and Hanuman in Phaphamau and Mauaima. One among them was Lord Shiva’s ancient Padila Mahadev temple located 3 km north-east of Phaphamau in Soraon and Mahavir Hanuman temple in Mauiama. Padila Mahadev also falls on the route of Panchkoshi Parikrama. The temple is made of stone and has several statues. Thousands of devotees visit the temple on Shivratri. “It is believed that Pandavas visited the temple during their journey to Patliputra. They stayed here for a night, and on the advice of sage Bharadwaj consecrated the Shivling here. Hence, the temple is named Pandeshwar (Paidila Mahadev),” said Teerthraj Pandey, secretary of Prayagraj Sewa Samiti. Dwadash Madhav or the 12 temples of Lord Vishnu are situated in different directions in Allahabad.