84 Pillars of Faith to Greet Devotees at Maha Kumbh

WITH Maha Kumbh just a few days away, 84 red sandstone pillars are engraved on the road to Prayagraj airport.

- NAMITA BAJPAI @ New Delhi

The installation of the pillars, "Aastha Ke Sthambh (pillars of faith)", has incurred ₹17 crore. Each pillar is adorned with 108 names of Lord Shiva engraved on it and a 'kumbh' (pitcher) atop it. The UP government sourced the red sandstone from Bansi Paharpur in neighboring Rajasthan.

These pillars have been erected in consonance with the Sanatan philosophy, symbolising 84 lakh yonis (forms of birth), which the living beings have to traverse through during the cycle of life and death before attaining salvation (moksha).

"By walking through these 84 pillars in a parikrama, the devotees will metaphorically complete a journey through all the yonis," said Amrit Abhijat, principal secretary (Urban Development Department).