Soon, devotees to do Akshayvat “Parikrama”
PRAYAGRAJ : After opening the sacred Akshayvat, the indestructible banyan tree situated inside the Akbar Fort on the banks of Sangam here, for public in 2019, preparations have now begun to enable devotees to perform ‘Parikrama’ (circumambulation) of the holy tree.
The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) has initiated a plan under which the present fencing would be shifted back in such a way that devotees can perform circumambulation of the tree without compromising with the security of the army establishment (army ordnance depot) located inside the fort. Presently, the devotees can enter the fort but can watch the holy tree from a distance.
“The beautification work of Akshayavat would be carried out by PDA at a cost of over Rs 1.84 crore. The new fencing, giving a shape of a path around the tree, would be made of steel and the flooring would be of marble. The present fencing would be shifted in a way that there would be no compromise with the army establishment”, said vice-chairman of PDA Arvind Kumar Chauhan.
Along with placing a new fencing around the circumambulation path, the pilgrims would be offered a new look and facilities on the path leading to the holy tree, he added.
The present path runs along the wall of the fort facing Sangam. The new path would have a shed developed by using different varieties of creepers and other vegetation. There would be proper facility of drinking water and benches would also be placed. Besides, the main entrance would also be given a facelift matching the religious look.
Prior to its opening in 2019, since the tree is under the jurisdiction of the army inside the Akbar Fort, it was not accessible to common people. Special permission was required from the army officials to pay obeisance to it. However, after the announcement by the PM regarding opening the tree for the common public from 2019, now devotees can enter the fort but can see the tree from a distance.
As the name suggests, Hindus believe that the tree would never perish as it was blessed by Goddess Sita that even during the “end” when the earth will be submerged and everything will be destroyed, the Akshayavat will continue to remain green. In the “Padma Purana” too, Akshayavat has been called the umbrella of the king of all pilgrimages— Prayag.
Even Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang has made a mention of this tree in his writings. On his visit to Prayagraj, he mentioned Akshayvat as a huge banyan tree in the courtyard of the temple whose branches and leaves are spread far and wide. This tree also finds mention in the list of heritage trees of the state government.