Akshayvat Corridor to greet Kumbh visitors in new look

Prayagraj: Ahead of Maha Kumbh, mela administration is accelerating beautification project of sacred Akshayvat Corridor, with an objective to enhance the spiritual experience of millions of pilgrims and devotees who would be flocking to the banks of the Ganga to take a holy dip and offer obeisance at Akshayvat and Saraswati Koop. CM Yogi Adityanath, during his recent visit to city, had reviewed progress of the ambitious beautification project and instructed officials to expedite the project, ensuring the site is ready to welcome visitors ahead of Kumbh.
Akshayvat is considered a crucial stop for pilgrims. It is believed that after taking a holy dip in the sacred waters of Sangam, one's pilgrimage is complete only after offering prayers at Akshayvat. The blessings sought here are thought to fulfil spiritual aspirations of devotees, making it a focal point for saints and pilgrims during the grand festival.
To provide a divine and renewed experience in Tent City, the state govt has announced a significant budget. The aim is to showcase grandeur of the holy city and emphasise its cultural and spiritual heritage as Maha Kumbh approaches, with Akshayvat serving as a key centre of faith for devotees and pilgrims. When Lord Ram visited Bharadwaj Muni's ashram in Prayag during his journey to the forest, Muni narrated the significance of the Banyan tree. Mother Sita blessed the Banyan tree, and it was the only tree to survive when the earth submerged during the deluge. This sacred tree is known today as Akshayvat.
Akshayvat is also mentioned in the ‘Raghuvansh' by the great poet Kalidas, as well as in the travelogue of the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang. It is believed that just seeing Akshayvat grants one ‘Akshaya Punya' (eternal virtue). India is home to four such ancient Banyan trees: Akshayvat in Prayagraj, Griddhavat in Soron (Shukarkshetra), Siddhavat in Ujjain, and Vanshivat in Vrindavan. Akshayvat has witnessed centuries of challenges and revival. Located within Akbar's fort on the banks of the Yamuna, public access to this sacred tree was restricted during the Mughal era. Even during British rule and after India's independence, the fort remained under military control, making it rare for people to see the tree.
In 2018, the state govt lifted the restrictions, opening the path for devotees to visit and worship Akshayvat. The state govt also approved several development projects to enhance pilgrimages to sites of mythological importance. As part of this, work on the Akshayvat Corridor is currently underway to improve access and beautify the area. Head of Shri Ram Janaki Mahal in Ayodhya, Swami Dilip Das Tyagi, recounted that during Mughal period, many attempts were made to destroy the tree by cutting and burning it, but Akshayvat would miraculously regenerate within a few months. Despite repeated efforts, the tree returned to its original form, symbolising resilience and immortality.