Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam - Adi Shankara Vimana Mandapam, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

Prayagraj has been an important centre in India for unity and cultural integration for thousands of years. It is visited by lakhs of Indians from all parts of the country every year and during the Kumbh Mela, held once in 12 years, it sees the largest congregation of people in the world. It is also associated with the culturally integrating philosophy of Adi Sankara. The imposing Adi Shankara Vimana Mandapam at the Sangam in Prayagraj was consecrated in 1986 under the guidance of Paramacharya, His Holiness Pujya Shri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamigal of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. His Holiness desired that a suitable shrine be built at the Sangam in Allahabad for devotees to offer prayers after the ritual bath at the Sangam. This was made possible with the support of several agencies including the Uttar Pradesh Government, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, other temple administrations all over India and other religious and cultural agencies as well as generous donations from several individuals. The temple, built overlooking the Ganges, is a unique three-tiered structure resting on a platform supported by 17 pillars.

The three levels of the temple have

• Goddess Kamakshi at the first level
• Lord Venkateswara at the second level and
• Sahasralingam at the top level.

Facilities for devotees to conduct special prayers also exist. Since 1986 when the Mandapam was consecrated, it has been managed by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. Being the tallest structure in the Sangam area, the U.P. government also uses the temple regularly as a monitoring and observation post during the Kumbh Melas and other occasions that draw huge crowds. It is also a landmark promoted by Uttar Pradesh Tourism at Prayagraj. (https://uptourism.gov.in/en/article/shankar-viman-mandapam)

Some pictures of the temple:

Adi Shankara Vimana Mandapam, Prayagraj - External View

Adi Shankara Vimana Mandapam, Prayagraj - Night View

Sri Kamakshi Devi Sannidhi

Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji)

Sahasra-lingam

Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamiji