Nagvasuki Temple holds a significant place among the mythological temples of Prayagraj, combining both faith and history. Revered for its association with the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), the temple has recently undergone major renovations and beautification under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in preparation for Maha Kumbh 2025.
Located on the banks of the Ganga in Prayagraj’s Daraganj locality, the temple is a spiritual hub for devotees. It is believed that bathing in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam, followed by a visit to the temple for darshan of Lord Nagvasuki, grants blessings, spiritual fulfilment, and freedom from life’s obstacles.
Ancient scriptures, including the Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and Mahabharata, highlight Lord Nagvasuki’s crucial role during the Samudra Manthan.
As Mount Mandarachal served as the churning rod, Nagvasuki became the rope, enduring severe friction. Following Lord Vishnu’s request, Nagvasuki rested in Prayag, where the holy Sangam healed his wounds.
Later, King Divodasa of Varanasi performed ‘tapasya’ (meditation) to bring Nagvasuki to Kashi. However, as Nagvasuki prepared to leave Prayag, the gods pleaded with him to remain.
Nagvasuki then declared, “If I stay in Prayagraj, it must be mandatory for devotees to visit me after bathing in the Sangam. On the fifth day of the Sawan month, I must be worshipped in all three worlds.â€
The gods agreed to his terms. In response, Brahma’s Manas Putra constructed a temple, and Nagvasuki was installed on the sacred north-western bank of the Sangam in Prayagraj.
Another mythological story narrates that when the divine river Ganga descended to earth, her flow was so powerful that, even after passing through Lord Shiva’s locks, it threatened to enter the netherworld.
To control the flow, Nagvasuki used his hood to create the Bhogavati Tirtha. Shyam Lal Tripathi, the priest of Nagvasuki Temple, explained that in ancient times, a Bhogavati Tirtha Kund was located in the western part of the temple, though it has now disappeared.
It is believed that during floods, when Maa Ganga touches the steps of the temple, bathing at this ghat provides the same spiritual value as bathing in the Bhogavati Tirtha. The priest also shared that the Nag Panchami festival originated from the conditions set by Lord Nagvasuki.
A grand fair is held at the temple on Nag Panchami every year. It is believed that by offering a pair of silver snakes and seeking darshan of Lord Vasuki, devotees can achieve freedom from Kaal Sarpa Dosh.
Special worship of Nag Vasuki is also performed on the fifth day of every month, with rituals like Rudrabhishek believed to remove obstacles from life. Asi Madhav, one of the 12 Madhavas of Prayagraj, was historically associated with this temple.
Under Yogi’s leadership, a newly constructed temple for Asi Madhav was established, marking a significant occasion celebrated on Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Previously, MP Murli Manohar Joshi had contributed to the restoration of the temple as well. The ongoing renovation includes the beautification of the temple and its courtyard, aligned with the preparations for the Maha Kumbh.
Efforts by the Uttar Pradesh government and the Tourism department aim to introduce younger generations to the temple’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Devotees believe that the blessings of Nagvasuki, combined with a bath in the Sangam and participation in Kumbh rituals, bring the full fruits of devotion and a life free from hindrances.
