The age-old Panchkosi Parikrama, a profound symbol of Prayag’s spiritual heritage and cultural continuity, commenced at the Magh Mela on Monday with traditional prayers on the banks of the Triveni Sangam.

The five-day pilgrimage began with a Ganga Puja, performed under the leadership of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad along with prominent Akhara heads, including saints from Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara.

Saints Lead Procession Through Sacred Sites

Following the inaugural rituals at the Sangam, the procession of saints and ascetics moved towards revered landmarks such as the Akshayavat and the Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam temple. These visits marked the completion of the first day’s spiritual observances.

The Magh Mela administration has made special traffic and security arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, which draws large numbers of devotees and religious leaders.

An Ancient Tradition Rooted in Sacred Geography

Mahant Hari Giri, General Secretary of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad, highlighted the deep historical and spiritual roots of the Panchkosi Parikrama. According to traditional belief, the sacred land of Prayagraj spans five yojanas and twenty kos. This holy region encompasses six riverbanks associated with the Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati.

The pilgrimage route passes through three revered spiritual zones, Antarvedi, Madhyavedi, and Bahirvedi, covering numerous prominent and lesser-known temples, ashrams, monasteries, and pilgrimage sites. Completing the Panchkosi Parikrama is considered essential for devotees, as it symbolically grants the spiritual merit of visiting all sacred sites within Prayag’s holy expanse.

Revival After Centuries of Discontinuation

The Panchkosi Parikrama was once an integral part of the Magh Mela but was discontinued around 556 years ago during the Mughal era under Emperor Akbar. Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad, recalled that the tradition remained suspended for centuries despite its importance in Sanatan culture.

CM Yogi Government Restores Spiritual Heritage

Responding to long-standing demands from saints and ascetics, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government revived the Panchkosi Parikrama in 2019. Since its revival, the pilgrimage has been conducted regularly, re-establishing a vital spiritual tradition of Prayagraj.

The yatra will conclude with a grand Bhandara for saints and ascetics, reaffirming the city’s timeless connection with faith, devotion, and cultural legacy.

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