Akshayavat and Patalpuri Temple
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Akshayavat, the 'undying banyan', is a sacred tree inside the Allahabad Fort, beside the Patalpuri Temple, an ancient underground shrine. Pilgrims have long treated the tree as an eternal symbol of Prayag, and the Patalpuri shrine is believed to go back to Vedic times. The area sits on the Yamuna near the Sangam.
What to see and do
- See the sacred banyan, when access is open
- Visit the Patalpuri Temple, the underground shrine
- See the fort walls above the Yamuna
- Combine it with the Sangam and Bade Hanuman Mandir
Ideal for
- Pilgrims interested in the old traditions of Prayag
- Those who like heritage sites
- Visitors who want a quiet stop near the Sangam
Good to know
- The fort is run by the Army and only part of it is open to the public
- Access to Akshayavat and Patalpuri depends on the fort's timings and security, and can be closed on some days, so confirm before you go
- Carry a valid photo ID, as it may be needed for entry
- Photography and mobiles can be restricted in parts of the fort
Spiritual significance
The banyan is called Akshaya because it is believed never to perish, and it is mentioned among the sacred sites of Prayag.
Why it matters
- The undying tree: a symbol of what does not decay
- An old underground shrine: Patalpuri is regarded as one of the oldest sacred sites in the city
- A link to the Sangam story: part of the old Prayag pilgrimage