Finding faith beneath the ground.
.Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
The Patalpuri Temple, located under the ramparts of Allahabad Fort in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is a unique underground temple dedicated to various Hindu deities. It derives its name from the Sanskrit and Hindi words "Patal," meaning underground, as it is situated beneath the ground. The temple is known for its sacred Akshaya Vat tree, believed to be the eternal tree that never dies. With its captivating idols and divine ambiance, the Patalpuri Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees.
History of the temple
The historical background of the Patalpuri Temple dates back to the reign of Akbar in 1583 when the Allahabad Fort was constructed. According to religious scriptures, Lord Ram, Laxman, and Sita visited the temple, and Sita herself worshipped the Akshayavat tree within its premises. The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang also mentioned the temple in his accounts, describing an outer courtyard where devotees would cast themselves into the Akshayavat tree seeking salvation.
Significance of the temple
The Patalpuri Temple holds immense religious significance. It is believed to have been visited by deities like Lord Ram and Sita, and it continues to be revered by devotees. The temple's underground setting and the presence of sacred idols create an atmosphere of devotion and spirituality. The Akshayavat tree, along with its roots, is considered highly auspicious. The continuous burning of a lamp for 24 hours signifies the eternal presence of divine energy within the temple.
Architecture of the temple
The Patalpuri Temple showcases a distinct architectural style. The temple is accessed through stairs leading underground from the boundary wall of Allahabad Fort. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a magnificent banyan tree known as the Akshaya Vat, which stands as a symbol of eternal life. At the entrance, a grand statue of Maa Kali welcomes devotees. As visitors proceed further, they encounter a long gallery adorned with idols of deities such as Annapurna Devi, Shri Ram, Mata Sita, Laxman, Bhairav Baba, Lord Shani, Saraswati Mata, Valmiki Rishi, and Lord Narasimha.
Temple Timings
Temple timings
07:00 AM - 06:30 PMMorning Aarti timings
07:00 AM - 08:00 AMEvening Aarti timings
06:00 PM - 06:30 PMOfferings of the temple
At Patalpuri temple, devotees offer fruits, dry fruits, and besan laddoos. Devotees also offer dry fruits and pedas.
Travel Details
The below are the travel details for the temple