Description:
When Akbar realized the strategic importance of this place he built a massive fort on the bank of the confluence. Eventually a massive fort was constructed on the bank of Yamuna River in 1583 A. D. During hey days of the fort, its grandeur and craftsmanship was unmatched by any other forts nearby. The fort has three magnificent galleries with huge towers. The location chosen by Emperor Akbar was revered for both the Hindus and the Buddhists equally. The interiors of the fort have two important monuments of interest. One of which is an ancient temple of Patalpuri. It is said that the epic hero of Ramayana, Ram, once worshipped here. This underground temple has a huge Banyan tree which is believed to be eternal and is called as the Akshay Vat or the immortal Banyan tree.
Inside the fort is the most famous ancient structure of the Ashoka pillar. The gigantic Ashoka pillar dates back to the 3rd century B.C. Made of polished sandstone it stands more than 10 meters high. It is one of the many which the Mauryan Emperor Ashok built to spread the Buddhist religion and message of peace. The pillar has several edicts, and a Persian inscription of Emperor Jehangir inscribed on it, commemorating his accession to the throne.
The Akshay Vat and the Ashoka pillar both find a mention in the travelogue of the Chinese traveler Xian Zhuang who visited India in the 6th century A.D.
