Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir, Prayagraj - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir

At a distance of 7.5 Km from Allahabad Railway Station, Shri Nagvasuki Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located in the Daraganj area of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vasuki, the king of serpents, and is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga. It is one of the renowned serpent temples in Uttar Pradesh, and among the must-visit places during your Prayagraj tour. This temple is believed to be one of only two temples in India (the other being in Nasik) where one can be liberated from the bad effects of 'Kaal Sarpa Dosha'.

History of Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir

The Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir traces its roots back to the 10th century. During the reign of Aurangzeb, a time when the Mughals were destroying Hindu temples, the Nagvasuki Temple stood resilient. Legend has it that when Aurangzeb attempted to erase the temple, a fierce form of Nagvasuki appeared, ensuring that not a single mark was left on the temple's walls. The present structure of the temple is believed to have been constructed by Maratha king Shridhar Bhonsle in the 18th century, after he was healed from leprosy through his prayers to the snake god here.

Mythology of Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir

This ancient temple of Nag Vasuki is also referenced in various religious texts, including the Matsya Purana. The Nagvasuki Mandir is thought to be the location where Lord Vasuki rested after the churning of the ocean of milk. According to legend, Lord Nagvasuki, weary and wounded, sought a resting place following the Samudra Manthan. Following Lord Vishnu's advice, he immersed himself in the refreshing waters of the River Saraswati in Prayagraj and found peace. As he was preparing to depart, sages and demigods requested him to stay. He consented under specific conditions, including that devotees must immerse themselves in the Triveni Sangam and offer their prayers to him on Naga Panchami during the month of Sawan. This temple is among the few in India where devotees can beseech Lord Vasuki for relief from the impacts of Kaal Sarpa Dosha, a challenging astrological condition.

Architecture of Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir

The Nagvasuki Mandir is constructed in the traditional style of Hindu architecture. The shikara (tower) of the temple is usually adorned with vibrant yellow and orange hues. Inside, the temple features a spacious central hall that leads to a sanctum sanctorum located at the back. This sanctum sanctorum contains a black stone idol of Lord Vasuki, characterized by five hoods and four coils, representing hope, protection, and spiritual enlightenment for numerous devotees. Additionally, the temple includes several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, such as Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh, and Goddess Parvati. The temple grounds also feature a reclining statue of Bhishma Pitamaha. Positioned along the banks of the Ganges, the temple provides picturesque views and a tranquil environment.

Festivals of Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir

The most prominent festival celebrated at the Shri Nagasuki Temple in Prayagraj is Nag Panchami. This festival, which honors the worship of snakes, takes place every year in the Hindu month of Shravan (July/August) and draws huge crowds. Devotees come to the temple to pray to Lord Vasuki, the king of serpents, in hopes of receiving protection from snake-related issues and divine blessings. Additionally, a large fair is organized near the temple during Nag Panchami, enhancing the celebratory ambiance.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir

Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir in Prayagraj does not enforce a strict dress code; however, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an appropriate upper garment, or to wear formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, torn jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds to experience the peaceful atmosphere and participate in the temple's activities, including attending aartis and bhajans.

Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir Timings

Monday: 5:30 AM - 12 PM & 3 PM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 5:30 AM - 12 PM & 3 PM - 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 5:30 AM - 12 PM & 3 PM - 9:30 PM
Thursday: 5:30 AM - 12 PM & 3 PM - 9:30 PM
Friday: 5:30 AM - 12 PM & 3 PM - 9:30 PM
Saturday: 5:30 AM - 12 PM & 3 PM - 9:30 PM
Sunday: 5:30 AM - 12 PM & 3 PM - 9:30 PM

Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir

The best time to visit Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir in Prayagraj is from October to March. During this time, the weather is agreeable, allowing visitors to comfortably explore the temple. However, if one wishes to experience the temple during a festival, Nag Panchami is the most favorable occasion. This festival, dedicated to serpent worship, typically occurs in July or August, in accordance with the Hindu lunar calendar. A large fair is also organized near the temple during Nag Panchami, enhancing the festive ambiance. The summer months in Allahabad are characterized by elevated temperatures and aridity, thus it is recommended to avoid this period. Conversely, the monsoon season is indeed the most beneficial time to visit Allahabad, as the weather is pleasant and the city experiences minimal rainfall.

How to Reach Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir

Prayagraj is well connected by air, train and road. The nearest airport to reach Prayagraj is Allahabad Airport, located at a distance of 11 Km from the city and is connected to New Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Pune, and Bangalore. Allahabad Railway Junction is well-connected by trains with Lucknow, Patna, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Kochi, Rameswaram, Mumbai, Gaya, Ajmer, Bangalore, Howrah, Darbhanga, Dibrugarh, Ranchi, Guwahati, Jharkhand, Jaipur, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ayodhya. Allahabad can also be reached by road from all the major cities of Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi. Tourists can reach Shri Nag Vasuki Mandir by using buses, cabs, and auto rickshaws from all parts of the city of Allahabad.