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A pilgrimage to the Sangam city of Prayagraj is not considered complete until you visit the ancient Nagvasuki Temple. Located about 3 to 4 kilometers from the Sangam, in Daraganj, this temple holds great significance. It is believed that after the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), the serpent king Vasuki rested at this very spot. Every year, on Nag Panchami, hundreds of devotees come to this sacred temple to offer their prayers.
According to the Puranas, during the Mughal era, when Aurangzeb attempted to destroy the Nagvasuki Temple, the serpent deity himself protected the temple from harm.
As per the Padma Purana, after the churning of the ocean, the tired and exhausted serpent king Vasuki reached Prayagraj. At the request of Lord Vishnu, Vasuki took a bath in the Saraswati River and rested. It is believed that the Nagvasuki Temple is situated at the very spot where the serpent king rested. On Nag Panchami, after bathing in the Triveni Sangam, devotees perform the worship of Nagvasuki. It is believed that performing this ritual helps invoke the blessings of the serpent king, and visiting this ancient temple is said to eradicate the Kalsarp Dosh (a belief in Hindu astrology related to serpentine planets).
The architecture of the Nagvasuki Temple follows traditional Hindu styles. Inside the temple, there is a large central hall, and the sanctum sanctorum houses a black stone idol of Lord Vasuki, which symbolizes protection and spiritual awakening. The temple also contains smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, and Bhishma Pitamah, which are popular among devotees.
Thousands of Devotees Visit Nagvasuki on Nag Panchami: Nag Panchami is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year, usually in July or August. Devotees stand in long queues for hours to have a glimpse of Vasuki Devta and offer prayers. On this day, the temple priests perform rituals and aarti. Thousands of people take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam and then proceed to the temple. Married women observe fasting and offer milk, flowers, fruits, and coins to the serpent deity.
How to Reach Nagvasuki Temple: The Nagvasuki Temple is located in the Daraganj area of Prayagraj, approximately 7.4 kilometers from Allahabad Junction Railway Station. You can easily reach the temple from the railway station by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or local bus. If you are coming from the Sangam area, after visiting the ancient Veni Madhav Temple, you can walk about 1 to 2 kilometers to reach Nagvasuki Temple. The nearest airport is Bamrauli Airport, which is 12 kilometers from the city. You can also use Google Maps for directions.
