The sacred Panchkoshi Parikrama, a profound symbol of Prayagraj's age-old spiritual traditions and cultural legacy, began its journey on Monday with a ceremonial Ganga puja at the holy Sangam. This significant pilgrimage, which spans five days, marks a powerful continuation of a practice that was interrupted for over five centuries.
A Tradition Reclaimed After Centuries
The pilgrimage is being led by revered saints and seers from the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, the Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara, and various other akharas. Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, highlighted the historical significance, noting that the Panchkoshi tradition was an integral part of the Magh Mela 556 years ago. The practice was halted during the reign of the Mughal ruler Akbar.
Following persistent demands from saints and ascetics across the country, and due to the concerted efforts of the Yogi Adityanath government, this ancient pilgrimage was successfully revived in 2019. Since its revival, the tradition has continued without interruption, reconnecting devotees with a vital part of their heritage.
The Spiritual Geography and Significance
Explaining the pilgrimage's foundation, Mahant Hari Giri, general secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, stated that the tradition is based on the regional expanse of Prayagraj. According to ancient texts, the Prayag region extends over five yojanas and twenty kos. This area encompasses the six ghats of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, forming three distinct inter-riverine areas: Antarvedi, Madhya Vedi, and Bahirvedi.
"All pilgrims visiting Prayag should undertake this parikrama," Mahant Hari Giri urged. "It grants immeasurable spiritual merit by offering darshan of all the deities, ashrams, temples, monasteries, and water bodies located within these sacred zones."
The Five-Day Pilgrimage Itinerary
The Magh Mela administration is actively managing traffic and logistics for the event. After the inaugural Ganga Puja, the sadhus visited Akshaya Vat and the Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam temple on the first day.
The detailed schedule for the pilgrimage is as follows:
Tuesday: The journey includes visits to Shultankeshwar Mahadev, Adi Madhav, Chakra Madhav, Someshwar Mahadev in Arail, Gada Madhav in Chhivki, and Bhairav Baba in Mahewa village.
Wednesday: Pilgrims will pay respects at Mankameshwar Mahadev in Lalapur, Padma Madhav in Beekar, Sujavan Dev Temple in Deoria, Parashar Rishi Ashram in Panasa, Valmiki Ashram, and Jwala Devi.
Thursday: The route covers Shankh Madhav, Durvasa Rishi Ashram in Kakra Dubawal, Sankat Haran Hanuman in Rampur, Pandeshwar Mahadev, Sitakund, Nishadraj Sthali, Nag Vasuki, Veni Madhav, and Alopi Shankar Mata.
Friday: The final day begins with a sacred bath at the Sangam. Pilgrims will then visit the Shri Ram Janaki Temple in Juna Akhara and Krishna Nagar, Kidganj. The five-day spiritual journey will culminate in a grand community feast (bhandara) for all the participating saints and sadhus, celebrating the successful completion of the Parikrama.
