Akshayavat (Immortal Banyan)
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh · monument
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry Fee₹0
The Akshayavat, literally the "imperishable" or "undying banyan," is among the most storied living relics of Prayagraj, a sacred fig tree whose reverence reaches back into Vedic and Puranic memory. In Hindu tradition the tree is described as immortal, said to survive even the cosmic dissolution (pralaya) that ends an age, and it is celebrated as the seat where the sage Markandeya witnessed the child Krishna floating on the waters of the great deluge. For pilgrims completing the tirtha of the Sangam, a visit to the Akshayavat has long been the fitting close to the journey, the "eternal tree" that anchors the confluence to the deep past.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-veg sattvik thali kitchens near the Sangam and Kila Ghat
- ✦Pure-veg chaat, kachori-sabzi and jalebi stalls in the Loknath and Katra bazaars
- ✦Pure-veg sweet-and-namkeen shops around Daraganj
About
The Akshayavat, literally the "imperishable" or "undying banyan," is among the most storied living relics of Prayagraj, a sacred fig tree whose reverence reaches back into Vedic and Puranic memory.
- In Hindu tradition the tree is described as immortal, said to survive even the cosmic dissolution (pralaya) that ends an age, and it is celebrated as the seat where the sage Markandeya witnessed the child Krishna floating on the waters of the great deluge.
- For pilgrims completing the tirtha of the Sangam, a visit to the Akshayavat has long been the fitting close to the journey, the "eternal tree" that anchors the confluence to the deep past.
- The tree's fame is not only devotional but documented.
- The 7th-century Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang), travelling through the region he knew as Prayaga, recorded a great tree at this holy city surrounded by ritual and offering, an account that gives the Akshayavat one of the oldest datable mentions of any sacred site in the area.
- Over the centuries the banyan and its adjoining shrine were enclosed within the walls of the riverside fort built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the late 16th century, and for long periods the tree stood within military ground and was difficult for ordinary pilgrims to reach.
- In recent years access has been eased, particularly around the Magh Mela and Kumbh seasons, allowing visitors once again to approach the tree directly.
- The Akshayavat is inseparable from the Patalpuri Temple, an ancient subterranean shrine set into the fort beside it, its low, pillared underground chamber lined with images and a revered root of the sacred tree.
- Together the two form a single pilgrimage complex: the underground temple below and the eternal banyan rooted through it, a compact and atmospheric stop rather than a sprawling monument.
- Visitors should treat it as a place of active worship, dress modestly, follow the guidance of attendants regarding photography and timings, and be aware that access can be restricted during high-security or peak-Mela periods.
- For food, the lanes around the Sangam, Daraganj and the Civil Lines side of the city keep travellers well fed on pure-vegetarian fare.
- Close to the confluence you will find simple sattvik prasad-style kitchens and pure-veg thali halls serving unhurried plates of dal, sabzi, rice and rotis, while the older bazaars near Loknath and Katra are famous for their pure-veg chaat, kachori-sabzi, samosa and jalebi stalls.
- Ask specifically for the pure-veg kitchen or the sweet-and-namkeen shops, order a plain (bhang-free) thandai or a glass of lassi to cool the confluence heat, and you can eat entirely vegetarian within a short ride of the tree.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Akshayavat & Patalpuri Temple, Akbar's Fort (Allahabad Fort), near Sangam, Kila Ghat area, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, 211001
How to Reach: Located beside the Sangam within the Akbar's Fort precinct, about 7–8 km from Prayagraj Junction railway station. Reach it by auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw or taxi to the Kila Ghat / Sangam area; during Mela seasons shared transport and shuttle arrangements run close to the confluence. The Patalpuri–Akshayavat complex is a short walk from the fort's river gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Akshayavat and why is it sacred?
The Akshayavat is the 'immortal' or 'undying' banyan tree of Prayagraj, revered since Vedic and Puranic times. Hindu tradition holds that it survives even the cosmic dissolution at the end of an age. It is linked to the sage Markandeya's vision of the child Krishna on the deluge waters. Pilgrims traditionally visit it to complete their journey to the Sangam.
Where is the Akshayavat located?
The tree stands within the precinct of Akbar's Fort (the Allahabad Fort) beside the Sangam, close to the Kila Ghat area of Prayagraj. It forms a single complex with the underground Patalpuri Temple set beside it. It is roughly 7–8 km from Prayagraj Junction railway station. Auto-rickshaws and taxis reach the area easily.
Can visitors actually see the tree, and is there an entry fee?
Access has been eased in recent years, especially around the Magh Mela and Kumbh seasons. The fort-side location means entry can still be restricted during high-security or peak periods. There is generally no entry fee to worship at the tree and Patalpuri Temple. It is wise to verify current access locally before planning your visit.
Who was Xuanzang and how is he connected to the Akshayavat?
Xuanzang (also written Hiuen Tsang) was a 7th-century Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who travelled across India. He recorded a great, venerated tree at the holy city he called Prayaga. His account is one of the oldest datable references linked to the Akshayavat. It underlines how ancient the tree's reverence is.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near the Akshayavat?
The area is easy for vegetarians. Near the Sangam and Kila Ghat you will find pure-veg sattvik thali kitchens serving dal, sabzi, rice and rotis. The Loknath and Katra bazaars are known for pure-veg chaat, kachori-sabzi, samosa and jalebi. Ask for the pure-veg kitchen and pair your meal with a plain, bhang-free thandai or a lassi.