Akshayavat or Akshay Vat (“the indestructible banyan tree”) is a sacred fig tree mentioned in the Hindu mythology. According to a legend, once the sage Markandeya asked Lord Narayana to show him a specimen of the divine power. Narayana flooded the entire world for a moment, during which only the Akshayavat could be seen above the water level.
A tree in Prayagraj has been described as Akshayavat in the Prayag Mahatmya of the Matsya Purana. In The Encyclopaedia Asiatica (1976), Edward Balfour identifies a banyan tree mentioned in Ramayana with the tree at Prayag. Rama, Lakshmana and Sita are said to have rested beneath this tree. The Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Xuanzang mentions this tree. Rishabha (Jain tirthankar) is also said to have practised tapasya beneath the historical Akshayavat at Prayag.
Nearest City/Town : Prayagraj
State : Uttar Pradesh
Country : India
Address :
Allahabad fort, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211005
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