Patalpuri Kila is a Hindu temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj and is believed to be one of the city’s most important shrines. This temple is a set of underground temples within the premises of the Prayagraj Fort, all of which are dedicated to different deities. There is also a sacred banyan tree near the temple which is called Akshay Vat, along with a number of other trees which date back years. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Rama and Goddess Sita supposedly visited this temple while on their way to Vanavasa.
The Story Of Patalpuri Kila
A series of underground temples in the holy city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Patalpuri Kila is a very sacred shrine which is located within the complex of the famous Prayagraj Fort, formerly known as the Allahabad Fort. The temple houses idols of different Gods and Goddesses and is also said to have been visited by Lord Rama and Goddess Site when they were en route to their vanavasa. Some records also state that the Chinese writer and traveller Hiuen Tsang also visited this temple.
Around the temple are a number of ancient trees but the one that is most notable is a banyan tree known as Akshay Vat which has also been mentioned in Hindu mythology. As per the legend, Lord Narayana flooded the universe when questioned about his divine powers by sage Markandeya and this tree was the only thing on earth that remained visible above the water. Moreover, the roots of this holy tree also form one of the shrines of this temple and many pilgrims believe that jumping from Akshay Vat would liberate them from the cycle of rebirth. Some of the pilgrimage sites located within proximity of this temple include Bade Hanuman Temple and Triveni Sangam. Patalpuri Kila is visited by hoards of devotees during the holy Kumbh Mela in the city.
Must Read: Prayagraj Sangam Tat
Best Time to Visit Prayagraj
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Much like the other cities in Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj too experiences extreme heat and sometimes even humidity during the summer months. Because of this, the months from April to June are best to avoid when planning a trip to this city, especially since most of its attractions are outdoors and would require you to be on your feet for hours. The best time to visit is, therefore, during the winter season from October to March. The weather is most pleasant during this time of year and makes sightseeing a pleasant experience. Moreover, you can bathe in the ghats during this time, enjoy the city’s delicious guavas and attend the renowned Magh Mela.
Moreover, while the monsoon months from July to September might bring about slightly cooler weather, the city might experience rainfall occasionally which could derail your sightseeing plans. The river’s water also becomes somewhat fast during this time and could be susceptible to flooding so you would not be able to take a dip at the ghats.
Ways To Travel To Prayagraj
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Prayagraj, being such an important pilgrimage site, is well connected to most parts of the country, especially to cities in the northern part of India. If you are visiting from nearby towns in Uttar Pradesh or even from Delhi, you can drive here because the roads are well-maintained. On the other hand, you can also take the bus; the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation runs frequent buses between Prayagraj and cities like Varanasi, Jhansi, Lucknow, Delhi and more.
For those who do not wish to drive long distances, taking the train would be an ideal option since there are numerous trains that halt here on a regular basis. In fact, there are 4 railway stations here – Prayagraj Station, Prayagraj Junction, Daraganj Station and Central Station – which have trains coming in throughout the day. However, if you want a short journey, maybe booking a flight would be a good choice. The Bamrauli Airport approximately 15 km away is the closest one to the city.
Further Read: Places To Visit in Prayagraj
The Patalpuri Kila in Prayagraj is a temple that you mustn’t skip out on when visiting the city because it is part of its rich historical and religious heritage. And of course, there are many more attractions to see here and also in the state. Planning a trip to Allahabad to explore its other lovely cities would be a splendid idea when you are already travelling to Prayagraj. The trip is sure to be a wonderful one so book your tickets soon!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Patalpuri Kila
Are the timings for Patalpuri Kila the same as that of Prayagraj Fort?
Yes, since the temple is housed within the complex of the Prayagraj Fort, their timings are the same. They are open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
How safe is Prayagraj for travellers?
Prayagraj is a generally safe place to travel to but as is the case with a lot of tourist destinations, it is better to always be careful and vigilant. If you are travelling alone, especially as a woman, it is best to avoid venturing out during the night time or to do so with someone.
In which year was the city’s name changed from Allahabad to Prayagraj?
Allahabad’s name was officially changed to Prayagraj in the year 2018.
Which are the three rivers that flow through Prayagraj?
The rivers Ganges and Yamuna flow through the city and there are legends that state that the mythical and invisible Saraswati river also flows through Prayagraj, meeting with the other two.
How many days should one ideally spend in Prayagraj?
The general consensus is that about 2 to 3 days are sufficient to see most of Prayagraj but if you plan to attend any festivities, it would be a good idea to spend another day or two here.
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