'Akshaya Vat' centre of attraction at Ardh Kumbh Mela

Ardh Kumbh Nagar, Jan 23 (UNI) The month long (Jan-Feb) Ardh Kumbh Mela at Allahabad is said to be the largest religious gathering in the world. Following are some of the interesting moments: XXX XXX XXX XXX The Allahabad Fort, which stands on the banks of river Yamuna near the confluence site, is crowded with pilgrims. Devotees do not want to miss the 'darshan' of 'Saraswati Koop', which is said to be the source of the Saraswati river and the much-revered 'Akshaya Vat' or an immortal Banyan tree within the fort. It is believed that this tree will never die, even when the entire world is destroyed.

XXX XXX XXX XXX It is the confluence of the three rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, which makes Allahabad the 'Teerthraj Prayag' -- the foremost among pilgrim centres.

After taking a holy dip in Ganga, people throng the Hanuman Temple, which houses an idol of Lord Hanuman in a reclining posture, a few feet below the ground. It is said that every year Ganga overflows until it touches the sleeping Lord's feet and then it starts receding.

After taking the 'ashirvad' of 'Ganga Maa', devotees are seen having a 'dhool snan' (dust bath). Pilgrims could be seen having their heads tonsured before taking the holy dip in Sangam. Even the reports of Ganga being polluted could not lessen their deep faith.

XXX XXX XXX XXX A huge rush of the pilgrims could also be seen at Beni Madhav, Patalpuri and Bharadwaj temples. People here believe that the 'darshan' of 'Teerthraj Prayag' is incomplete without the blessings of Beni Madhav (Lord Vishnu) in Daraganj area of the holy city.

XXX XXX XXX XXX Icy cold winds, which force an ordinary mortal to retreat in the comforts of a warm house, pose no problem for the half-naked sadhus, kalpvasis and scantly dressed pilgrims.

Unmindful of the mercury downslide, these visitors huddle on the banks of the river in the darkness of pre-dawn hours and take holy dip in the icy cold water, believing it would absolve them of their sins.

The 'shahi snan' (Royal Bath) of the 13 'akharas' and naga sadhus wielding lathis, spears and swords are also the main attractions for the people, who line up to see the unsual acts of the sadhus.

XXX XXX XXX XXX Saints, Shankaracharyas and Mahamandaleshwars are not untouched by modernity and one can see them using mobile phones at their camps. The 'naga sadhus' (naked saints) smoking chilam are also attracting alarge number of visitors, especially foreigners.

XXX XXX XXX XXX It is a month for small vendors as they did good business in the mela area selling different items at reasonable prices. It is said that only the one who is blessed by Maa Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati can do great business on the sandy bed of the three rivers.

XXX XXX XXX XXX A great rush is also seen at the Anand Bhavan -- the ancestral house of former Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru and Bal Bhavan -- a part of the Anand Bhavan -- which was given to an orphanage by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

UNI