Shri Takshakeshwar Nath Temple, located in Bada Shivala, Dariyabad area of Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, is a spiritually profound and mythologically rich pilgrimage site. Revered as “Takshak Teerth”, it is believed to be more than 2 million years old. This temple is intricately connected with Takshak Naag, the king of serpents, and Lord Shiva, making it one of the most sacred and ancient Nag-Shiva pilgrimages in India.
📖 Mythology and History
🐍 Legend of Takshak Naag and Lord Shiva
According to ancient Hindu scriptures, Takshak Naag, the mighty serpent king, performed severe penance at this site to please Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva granted him immortality and manifested here as “Takshakeshwar”, the Lord of Takshak.
This divine tale is mentioned in texts like:
Skanda Purana
Padma Purana
Naag Purana
The temple thus became known as Takshak Teerth – a powerful center for Naag Dosha remedies and Shiva worship.
🌍 Geographical Significance
Location: Bada Shivala, Dariyabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Proximity to River: Close to the sacred Ganga River, enhancing its sanctity
Nearest Railway Station: Prayagraj Junction (Approx. 3–4 km)
Nearest Airport: Prayagraj Airport (Approx. 12–15 km)
🛕 Temple Architecture and Premises
The temple is constructed in traditional Hindu architectural style with:
A self-manifested Shivlinga in the main sanctum (Garbhagriha)
An idol of Takshak Naag
Shrines for Ganesh, Kartikeya, and Mata Parvati
A special Naag Mandap for serpent-related rituals
The vibrations of the temple are said to be mystical, and many devotees report spiritual visions and inner peace during prayers here.
🪔 Puja, Rituals & Daily Worship
This temple is a hub for performing remedies related to astrological afflictions. The key rituals performed here include:
🕉️ Daily Puja Rituals:
Abhishekam of the Shivling with water, milk, honey, curd, and ghee
Naag Puja using black sesame seeds, Kusha grass, and specific Naag mantras
Mahamrityunjaya Jaap and Shiv Rudrabhishek
Lighting of Deep (oil lamps) and offering of Bel Patra, Dhatura, Bhasma
🌑 Special Rituals for Doshas:
This temple is renowned for parihara (remedies) for:
Kaal Sarp Dosh
Naag Dosh / Naag Badha
Rahu-Ketu Afflictions
Pitru Dosh (ancestral curses)
Issues related to progeny (Santaan Baadha)
Devotees from across India perform:
Kaal Sarp Shanti Pujas
Naag Bali Puja
Special Rudrabhishekam with Graha Shanti
🎉 Festivals Celebrated
Nag Panchami: Celebrated with grandeur; devotees offer milk to serpents and worship Nag Devta with devotion.
Maha Shivratri: Witnesses massive footfall with night-long vigil (Jagaran), Rudrabhishek, and Bhajan-Kirtan.
Shravan Maas: The entire holy month of Shravan is marked with daily Jalabhishek and special celebrations on Mondays.
🧘 Spiritual & Astrological Benefits
Thousands of devotees have claimed life-changing experiences after worship at this teerth. Benefits include:
Relief from long-standing obstacles
Peace of mind and family harmony
Resolution of job, marriage, or childbirth delays due to planetary afflictions
Protection from snake dreams, unknown fears, or ancestral curses
It is widely believed that praying at Takshakeshwar can neutralize karmic baggage related to serpent and ancestral debts.
🚗 How to Visit – Travel Guide
📍 Reaching the Temple:
By Rail: Reach Prayagraj Junction, then take a cab/auto to Bada Shivala
By Road: Well-connected by roads from Varanasi, Lucknow, Kanpur
By Air: Fly to Prayagraj Airport and take a 30-minute taxi ride to the temple
🏨 Where to Stay:
ISKCON Guest House (For spiritual seekers)
Sangam Darshan Guest House
Budget and mid-range hotels in Civil Lines and Allahpur
🗺️ Nearby Attractions
Triveni Sangam: Confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati (7 km)
Lete Hanuman Temple: A must-visit for its rare reclining Hanuman idol
Shankar Vigrah Mandir: Another ancient Shiva temple
Alfred Park & Anand Bhavan: For history and nature enthusiasts
✅ Tips for Visitors
Best day for Dosha Pujas: Monday, Nag Panchami, or during Shravan Month
Always book rituals or Pujas in advance through the temple committee or local priests
Temple timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Bring Bel Patra, Milk, and Naag Puja Samagri for special benefits
Shri Takshakeshwar Nath Temple is not just an architectural marvel or a sacred site — it is a portal to higher consciousness, spiritual cleansing, and ancestral healing. With deep roots in mythology, powerful astrological remedies, and serene energy, Takshak Teerth holds a special place in India’s spiritual geography.
If you are seeking peace, resolution of doshas, or simply wish to connect with Lord Shiva’s powerful “Nag aspect,” this temple will leave you transformed.
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