On road to Maha Kumbh, the 84 ‘pillars of faith’: ‘It’s a symbolic way to attain moksha’

“When visitors will walk around these 84 pillars in a parikrama (clockwise circumambulation), they will metaphorically complete a journey through the 84 lakh yonis, symbolically traversing the entire cycle of existence and connecting with the profound teachings of Sanatan Dharma philosophy,” Amrit Abhijat, principal secretary (Urban Development Department) told The Indian Express.

Meenaksha Payal, an executive at the construction agency developing the pillars, said, “The 84 pillars have been divided into four parts — from left to right — with each pillar defining 1 lakh yonis. All the 108 names of Lord Shiva have also been divided into four parts. Therefore, parikrama of the 84 pillars will be symbolic of covering the entire universe.”

The pillars will be installed in a sequence of four with each having 21 pillars.

Acharya Mithlesh Nandani Sharan has written the signage describing the pillars. It says: “Life is a huge journey going through the infinite cycles of birth and death, the soul changes its form 84 lakh times in an attempt to find itself. This cycle is divided into four categories of 21 lakh each. After getting a human body, one has to travel through the four ashrams of Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyas to attain the four Purusharthas – Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. In this inevitable great journey of the soul, its real power is faith.”

“On one hand, these 84 four pillars of faith express the four ashrams and four purusharthas. On the other hand, they assure that the soul will be taken beyond the 84 lakh yonis by the grace of Shiva. Indicating the four yugas and four directions of the Sanatan concept,” he added.

Officials engaged in the construction work at the site said the pillars were “near completion” and would be ready by this week”.

In a statement, the Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday said preparations for the Maha Kumbh, which is held after 12 years, are in full swing and rapid efforts are underway to ensure the event’s success.

This year, an estimated 40 to 45 crore devotees are expected to visit Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh, which is set to take place from January 13 to February 26.