Akbar’s quila made Akshayvat inaccessible to pilgrims: CM Yogi Adityanath

LUCKNOW: CM Yogi Adityanath announced on Sunday that Akshayvat and Saraswati Koop in Prayagraj, which had been out of bounds for devotees and pilgrims since they came inside the fort constructed by Mughal emperor Akbar more than 400 years ago, will become accessible to all from Kumbh and thereafter.

“They will remain open not only during Kumbh but even after the event gets over in March next year on daily basis,” the CM said, announcing that statues of Rishi Bhardwaj and Saraswati would also be constructed at the two sites within the fort. “This Kumbh will be a symbol of humanity and social harmony,” he said. “Prayagrajka itihaas hazaron hazaron varshon ka hai (Praygraj history spans over thousands of years). The forthcoming Kumbh in Prayagraj does not discriminate between people,” said Yogi, adding that the mega religio-cultural event was also a symbol of social harmony.

CM to youth: Don’t become a ‘trishanku’

Claiming that all ‘dharmacharyas’ of various sects would come together in Prayagraj on January 20, Yogi said that the youth need to know about their culture and not become a ‘trishanku’. Insisting that the recent visit of ambassadors and high commissioners of over 70 countries to Prayagraj has put the mega event on a global map — it has already been recognized by Unesco as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity — Yogi said that the forthcoming Kumbh would be a symbol of humanity and grace.