Allahabad Fort

Allahabad Fort is a massive red-stone Mughal fort built by Emperor Akbar in 1583 at the sacred confluence of Ganga and Yamuna. Inside (restricted access) lies the Ashoka Pillar (232 BCE), the Akshayavat (the immortal banyan tree), and the Patalpuri Temple (underground temple) — all of enormous religious significance.

History

Emperor Akbar built Allahabad Fort in 1583 CE on the Ganga-Yamuna confluence for strategic military control. The fort's massive bastions, three domes, and Diwan-i-Khas are masterpieces of Mughal architecture. Inside stands the 232 BCE Ashoka Pillar, bearing Ashoka's edicts and later Samudragupta's Prayag Prashasti (4th century praise-poem). The fort has been under Indian Army control since independence — most sections remain restricted to civilians.

🙏 Religious Significance

Within the fort lies the Patalpuri Temple (underground temple) with ancient deities believed to have emerged from the underworld. The Akshayavat — the immortal banyan tree — is said to be as old as the universe itself; devotees believe that simply seeing it grants Moksha. This same banyan is mentioned in ancient texts as the tree that survived every cosmic flood (Pralaya).