Ardh Kumbh - Pilgrims remember the Adi Shankaracharya

Allahabad, Jan 12: Visitors are flocking to a temple near Sangam - the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati - said to be the site where the Adi Shankaracharya had vanquished Mandan Mishra, an eminent scholar, in a debate on vedic scriptures (shashtrarth) in 748 AD.

Adi Shankara Vimana Mandapam temple, constructed in Dravida style, is situated at Beni Bandh near Sangam. The Adi Shankaracharya had arrived here in 748 AD and defeated the then eminent scholar Mandan Mishra in a ''shastrath''. A meeting between Kumaril Bhatt and Adi Shankaracharya was also held at this spot.

The construction work of the temple was done under the aegis of Aadi Shankar Academy of Sanskrit Culture and Classic Arts, New Delhi.

The 130 feet high temple has been constructed on 16 strong pillars. The ''pran pratishta'' of the temple, which was then constructed with an estimated cost of Rs one crore and completed in sixteen years, was done by Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti Jayendra Saraswati Maharaj in March 1986.

The entry of the temple is from the west of the bandh. The scene of the meeting between Adi Shankaracharya and Kumaril Bhatt is depicted on one side of the main gate while on the other side, the scene of the ''shastrarth'' is visible. There are four doors, on all four directions of the temple, aesthetic beauty can be seen on the intricate designs of the sandal wood gates.

The ceiling and walls of the three storey temple has frescoes, depicting mythological events and stories.

All the daily rituals in the temple are performed in accordance with the vedic principles under the guidance of Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peeth. The day begins with ''ganesh havan''.

For the first time in fifteen years, the white wash and paintings of the statues was done by 20 artists who had been brought from Kanchi. It took six months to complete the work.

According to the manager of the temple Venkat Kumar Sharma, two to three thousand people were visiting the temple daily and are offering prayers.

UNI