The Nagvasuki Temple is one of the most ancient temples of Prayagraj. Snakes have always been worshipped by Hindus in various forms, according to ancient Hindu scriptures and the Bhagavata Purana. The Vasuki Nag appeared in Lord Krishna’s, a Hindu god’s, life. He stole Krishna’s ball while he and his friends were playing, according to legend.
Krishna later dove into the river where the Vasuki Nag lived in search of the ball. Krishna triumphed over the five-headed snake’s crown after a fierce battle. The Nagasaki temple honors the Vasuki Nag. Devotees from all over the country come to worship the idol.
As per the mythology, the Vasuki Nag tendered himself as a rope for churning of the ocean during the deva-sur battle. After completion of the churning, Vasuki Nag was in severe pain & went to mount Mandrachal to take a rest. But, he couldn’t get rid of the pain. Then lord Visnu advised him to go to “Prayag” & take a holy dip in the divine water of the river Saraswati. Thus he came in Prayagraj & the Nagvasuki temple come in existance.
Throughout the year, the temple also hosts several elaborate rituals, making it a place for pomp and celebration at times. The architecture is in the traditional north Indian style, with a dominant shikhara in yellow and orange — devotees flock here every year on Nag Panchami to worship snakes. The Hindi month of “Sawan” also attracts many devotees for various pooja during the month. Also, The temple also provides breath-taking views of the Ganges River.
The temple had been renovated for around 100 yrs. before by Shridhar Bhosle, the king of Nagpur.
Temple Location: Daraganj Ghat, nearby Rameshwar Mandir, Daraganj, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211006
Temple Timings: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM