Nagvasuki Temple - where devotees come to get rid of `Kal Sarp Dosha`

Allahabad: Nagvasuki Temple, located in the Daraganj locality on the northern side of the railway bridge, is situated on the banks of the Holy river Ganga in Allahabad district of Uttar Pradesh. 

Dedicated to Lord Vasuki, the king of serpents, this temple is visited by a large number of devotees and tourists every year. 

This ancient temple also finds mention in several religious scriptures including Matsya Purana.

Nag Vasuki Temple at Prayag is believed to be one of only two temples in the world (Nasik is the second) where one can be liberated from the bad effects of 'Kaal Sarpa Dosha' - a difficult astrological influence.

The temple is unique in the sense that Nag Vasuki (Nag Raj), the Lord of the Nagas, is the presiding deity.

He resides in the sanctum sanctorum. Lord Shiva acknowledged Nag Vasuki as his most dedicated devotee, and the deity in this temple is said to be carrying the burden of the world on his shoulders.

There are also deities of Ganesh, Parvati and a reclining statue of Bhishma Pitamaha, as well as a Shiva shrine on the premises.

The temple traces its roots to 10th century. 

A Maratha king Shridhar Bhonsle is believed to have constructed the present temple. Construction of the temple reveals that the temple is not older than 18th century and is a fine example of medieval architecture.

A religious fair is held every year near this temple on the occasion of Nag Panchami.   

Pandit Shyamdhar Tripathi is the chief priest of this ancient temple. 

Watch here Pandit Shyamdhar Tripathi telling devotees about the religious importance of the Nagvasuki temple.