Akshayavat, Saraswati Koop inside Akbar’s Fort get army’s nod to remain open - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Akshayavat, Saraswati Koop inside Akbar’s Fort get army’s nod to remain open

Hindustan Times, Prayagraj | By, Prayagraj
Apr 01, 2019 12:36 PM IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his December 17, 2018 rally in Andawan had visited Akshawat and Saraswati Koop and announced its opening for devotees. The same was formally opened on January 10, 2019 with chief minister Yogi Adityanath offering prayers there.

Finally, devotees have a reason to smile. The much awaited permission for keeping the Akshayavat and Saraswati Koop situated inside the Akbar’s Fort presently under the control of army was received from the army on Sunday.

UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath during January visit to Akshaywat inside Akbar’s fort in Prayagraj .(HT Photo)
UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath during January visit to Akshaywat inside Akbar’s fort in Prayagraj .(HT Photo)

Secretary, Prayagraj Mela Authority (PMA), Vijay Kiran Anand said, “The permission received from the army mentions that both the sites of religious importance would continue to remain open for devotees to offer prayers as before. We just received the permission and now Akshaywat and Saraswati Koop, which were to be closed from April 1, will now remain open.”

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“However, the permission did not have any mention of the month during which the same would remain closed every year,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his December 17, 2018 rally in Andawan had visited Akshawat and Saraswati Koop and announced its opening for devotees. The same was formally opened on January 10, 2019 with chief minister Yogi Adityanath offering prayers there. However, since the army had granted permission for its opening only till March 31, 2019, the officials of Prayagraj Mela Authority were in a state of confusion as to whether the same would be closed from April 1 or not.

Yogi Adityanath had announced during the formal closing ceremony of Kumbh on March 5 at Parade ground that the Akshaywat and Saraswati Koop will remain open for 11 months a year with one month closure providing time to the army to carry on with its routine work.

Akshayavat or the indestructible banyan tree is a sacred tree mentioned in the Hindu mythology.

Similarly, Saraswati Koop is a well inside the Akbar’s fort under which the faithful believe that the mythical Saraswati flows.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Kenneth John is a Principal Correspondent based in Allahabad. He writes on wide ranging issues including education, women and child welfare, infrastructure development, environment, human rights, poverty and rural development.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On