🏛️ Overview
- Nagvasuki Temple (नागवासुकी मंदिर) is a revered Hindu shrine located on the north end of Daraganj ghat in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the sacred Ganga River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vasuki, the serpent king of Hindu mythology, and is a vital spiritual site in the city’s holy network.
🕉️ Mythological & Historical Significance
Ancient Origins
- The temple is believed to have 10th-century origins, mentioned in scriptures like the Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, and Bhagavata Purana.
- According to legend, Naga Vasuki took the role of the rope in the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) and was injured. At Vishnu’s suggestion, he came to Prayag, bathed at the Triveni Sangam, and found healing. When gods and sages asked him to stay, he agreed on the conditions: pilgrims must bathe at the Sangam first and worship him on Nag Panchami.
Maratha Restoration
- Maratha king Shridhar Bhonsle restored the present structure in the 18th century and renovated the nearby ghats after he recovered from an illness attributed to divine blessings.
Miracles & Preservation
- Legend holds that when Aurangzeb attempted to destroy the temple, the idol of Vasuki appeared in a fierce form. The emperor fainted and abandoned his plans, leaving the temple unharmed—a story emphasizing the deity’s protective power.
Temple Architecture & Deities
- Built in traditional medieval Hindu temple architecture, it features a grand entrance with carvings of lotuses, elephants, and conch motifs.
- The sanctum sanctorum holds a black stone idol of Lord Vasuki with five hoods and four coils, installed by the mind-born sons (mānasaputras) of Brahmā.
- The temple complex also houses shrines for Shiva, Ganesha, Parvati, and a reclining statue of Bhishma Pitamah—a rare feature making the temple unique.
Cultural & Religious Importance
Kaal Sarp Dosh Relief
- The temple is reputed as one of the few sacred sites in India (others include Nashik, Varanasi, Ujjain, Haridwar) where devotees can find relief from Kaal Sarp Dosh—a negative astrological condition—just by having darshan of Lord Vasuki.
Pillar of Local Faith
- Devotees believe that a pilgrim’s journey to Prayagraj remains incomplete unless they visit and worship at the Nagvasuki Temple—making it indispensable in religious tours of the city.
Nag Panchami Festival
- The temple reaches its peak significance during Nag Panchami, celebrated in Shravan month. Devotees come in thousands to offer milk, flowers, coins, and observe fasts and rituals for protection and blessings.
- A grand fair is organized annually near the temple, and the atmosphere on this day is deeply devotional and festive.
- In 2025, Nag Panchami falls on July 29 (Shravana Shukla Panchami).
Visitor Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Daraganj ghat, Prayagraj, UP (approx. 6–7 km from Allahabad Junction) |
| Timings | ~5:30 AM–10:00 PM; intervals ~12 PM–3 PM |
| Entry | Free |
| Facilities | Drinking water, prasād, CCTV, shoe storage available |
Legacy & Role in Spiritual Landscape
- Nagvasuki Temple doesn’t just hold local importance—it connects deeply to Hindu cosmology, pilgrimage traditions, and mythological history.
✨ In Summary
- Nagvasuki Temple stands as a spiritual beacon in Prayagraj, blending mythology, history, and architectural beauty.
- Believed to have originated around the 10th century, with its present structure renovated in the 18th century.
- Core to the legend of Vasuki, offering liberation from Kaal Sarp Dosh, and central to Nag Panchami celebrations.
- A must-visit for pilgrims: symbolic, mythic, and deeply revered—completing the sacred experience at the Triveni Sangam.
