Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam, Prayagraj - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam

At a distance of 5 Km from Allahabad Railway Station, Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam is a Hindu temple situated to the north of the renowned Triveni Sangam, along the right banks of the Ganga River in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was constructed in honor of Adi Shankaracharya, a venerated saint and devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Commonly referred to as Shankaracharya Temple, it stands as a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage of the area. It is among the premier attractions included in the Prayagraj packages.

Mythology & History of Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam

The Shankar Viman Mandapam in Prayagraj was constructed by Shankaracharya Swami Jayendra Saraswati, the 69th Peethadheeshwar of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, to honor the wish of his guru, Chandrashekharendra Saraswati. In 1934, Guru Chandrashekharendra Saraswati observed Chaturmas in Prayag, residing at the ashram in Daraganj. Each day, he would walk to Sangam for his bathing ritual and noticed an unoccupied area between two peepal trees adjacent to the dam. Through his spiritual perception, Guru Chandrashekharendra Saraswati concluded that this was the location of a significant dialogue between Adi Shankaracharya and Kumaril Bhatt. Motivated by this revelation, he aspired to construct a temple at this site, a vision that was ultimately fulfilled by Shankaracharya Swami Jayendra Saraswati. The foundation of the temple was initiated in 1969 by Gopal Reddy, the then Governor of Uttar Pradesh. The design was created by engineers B Somo Sundaram and CS Ramachandra, with support from the Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation. The temple was opened for devotees in 1986.

Architecture of Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam

This 130 feet high four- storeyed shrine harmoniously blends architectural elements from both Northern and Southern styles, as well as the three main traditions of Hinduism: Shaivism (devotees of Shiva), Vaishnavism (devotees of Vishnu), and Shaktism (devotees of the Goddess). The ground floor contains the statues of Adi Shankaracharya, while the first floor has the idols of Devi Kamakshi and 51 Shakti Peethas. The next floor is dedicated to Venkateswara (Balaji) from Tirupati, and 108 Vishnu Peethas & the top floor features a Sahasra Yoga Linga surrounded by 108 Shiva Lingas.

The mandapam has exquisitely carved pillars depicting Hindu gods, goddesses and mythical themes. The walls of Temple are decorated and consecrated with images of gods and goddesses and murals from the Ramayana. Lord Shiva remains the primary deity while shrines of Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya and Durga are also present. Visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the Sangam from the temple's uppermost level. Thousands of devotees visit during Shivratri and Shravan month to offer prayers.

Festivals of Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam

Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam in Prayagraj hosts several Hindu festivals throughout the year, with Mahashivaratri being a major highlight. This is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated with great fervor. The grand festival sees the temple decked up with lights and colors as devotees stay awake the whole night. Other important festivals celebrated at the temple include Sawan Jhoola Mela, and Kartik Purnima.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam

Although there is no formal dress code at Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam, it is advisable to dress modestly in order to show respect for the religious activities occurring there. Men may choose to wear dhotis or long trousers along with shirts while women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is best to refrain from wearing Western clothing such as shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops.

Non-Hindus are generally allowed to visit and admire the temple's architecture and view the Sangam from its upper levels, but may not be permitted to enter the sanctum sanctorum.

Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM

Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam Entry Fee

Entry: Rs. 10 per Person

Best Time to Visit Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam

The best season to visit Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam is during the winter months of October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing. Magh Mela and Maha Kumbh Mela typically happen in the month of mid-January - early March, and this is the time when thousands of people flock to the town to take a dip in holy Sangam. Summers in Allahabad are hot and dry and it is best to avoid this time. Monsoon is indeed the most suitable time to visit Allahabad when the weather is pleasant as the city receives scanty rainfall.

How to Reach Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam

Prayagraj is well connected by air, train and road. The nearest airport to reach Prayagraj is Allahabad Airport, located at a distance of 11 Km from the city and is connected to New Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Pune, and Bangalore. Allahabad Railway Junction is well-connected by trains with Lucknow, Patna, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Kochi, Rameswaram, Mumbai, Gaya, Ajmer, Bangalore, Howrah, Darbhanga, Dibrugarh, Ranchi, Guwahati, Jharkhand, Jaipur, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ayodhya. Allahabad can also be reached by road from all the major cities of Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi. Tourists can reach Shri Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam by using buses, cabs, and auto rickshaws from all parts of the city of Allahabad.