Soon, devotees can get closer look of Akshayvat

Prayagraj: Divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant has asked officials to draw up a strategy wherein devotees could get a closer look of the Akshayvat, the centuries-old banyan tree considered scared by Hindus.
The tree is situated inside the Allahabad Fort which is under Army control. Prayers were earlier offered at the replica of the Akshayvat outside the fortress. It was opened for devotees during the 2019 Kumbh and since then devotees can offer prayers but from a distance.
According to Hindu scriptures, Akshayvat is indestructible and offers salvation to those who offer prayers there. The sacred tree also finds mention in Vedas and Puranas and Goddess Sita also offered prayers at the tree. The myth has it that sage Markandeya asked Lord Narayan to display his divine power. Narayana flooded the world for a moment, but only Akshayavat was visible above water. Moreover, Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Xuanzang mentioned the tree in his writings.
The Prayagraj Development authority (PDA) has been tasked with the beautification of route leading to Akshayvat which will be equipped with facade lighting, greenery and tales related to the sacred tree on the walls. Pant, who along with DM and other senior officials visited the site on Friday, asked officials to develop themes based on Akshayvat and Patalpuri on route between Quila ghat and Akshayvat entry gate as well as adjoining areas.
For that, commissioner has asked officials to form a committee of elite and educated people to invite suggestions and prepare a theme list.
Plans are also afoot to beautify Patalpuri temple route that includes installation of facade lights, renovation of walls and themes around temples.
The divisional commissioner has also asked officials to install QR code at all these places so that devotees could scan and get to know about the sites.
The senior district officials are making these efforts on the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who had asked officials concerned to make proper arrangements for devotees arriving from far flung states to have glimpse of Akshayvat, Patalpuri and Saraswati Koop.