Shri Veni Madhav Mandir – The Nagar Devata of Prayagraj and his protective circle

It could well be possible that the first ever temple to be constructed in Prayagraj could be that of Veni Madhav at Daraganj. All the clues are right there. As per legend, the great Maharishi Bharadwaj who had an ashram in Prayagraj used to visit the Sangam area during the Kumbh period. After the holy dip he used to first visit Veni Madhav Temple followed by the next 11 Madhav temples encircled around Prayagraj. When Ram, Sita and Laxman began their 14 years of exile, they first visited Prayagraj to meet Bharadwaj rishi who advised Ram to stay at Chitrakoot, deep in the jungles away from habitation and near a water source. Ram also began his exile by first taking a holy dip near the legendary Akshayvat tree and then visited the Veni Madhav Temple. From there he goes to the Shri Dashashwamedh Brahmeshwar Mahadev Mandir again at Daraganj on the banks of Ganga. Here he takes the assistance of the boatmen called Nishad and cross the Ganga river enroute to Chitrakoot.

Of course there is a dispute on whether the crossing took place at Shringverpur or Prayagraj.

It is now a tradition followed by each and every pilgrim who visits Triveni Sangam to go and visit the Veni Madhav Mandir next.

The story of Shri Veni Madhav Mandir

The exact date of construction and age of the temple complex is not known. But it can be estimated that the temple could be as old as human inhabitation centuries ago in this place on the banks of river Ganga just before it merges with Sangam. However there is a mention of Veni Madhav in the different Puranas. After Lord Brahma created this world, he performed a series of 19 yajnas at Prayagraj which was witnessed by all Gods and Goddesses including Bhagwan Vishnu. After the yajna he decided to mark a permanent residence in Prayagraj for which he took the form of 12 Madhavs and placed themselves in a protective circle around Prayagraj. The main form out of the 12 is the Veni Madhav who resides just on the bank of river Ganga at Daraganj as the Nagar Devata of Prayagraj.

Another legend says that the demon Gajkarna had wreck havoc in the all the three worlds with the intention of ruling them all. Vishnu sends Narada to find out what he is upto. Upon interaction with Gajkarna, Narad discovered that he is suffering from some sort of ailment. Narad invites Gajkarna to Prayagraj to take a holy dip in Sangam. Miraculously Gajkarna is cured of his ailments and he decides to carry back the water of Triveni with him. Vishnu arrives in Prayagraj on a Tuesday to stop Gajkarna and free the waters from his control. After three days of intense battle, Vishnu cuts off the head of Gajkarna and releases the Triveni river. People then pray from Lord Vishnu to stay back in Prayagraj as a permanent protector of this holy city.

Rama, Sita and Lakshman visited Shri Veni Madhav Mandir on their way to Chitrakoot. Recently about 500 years ago, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu spend some time at Prayagraj. He was a proponent of the song and dance or recital method of devotion to Bhagwan Vishnu. During his stay, he performed in the courtyard of the temple and also stayed there to create some literature works. So between the Puranic times to Kaliyug, the important of Veni Madhav remains unchanged.

Location of Shri Veni Madhav Temple

Shri Veni Madhav Mandir is the most popular and well known temple in Prayagraj. So you will never have any problems finding it. Daraganj Ghat road reaches Ganga river, the entrance to the temple is prominently made on the main road. The closest landmark is the Police Station right next to the archway.

There is a short two to three minute walk to the temple entrance. It is a narrow street with shops lined on both sides. During holidays or rush hours, this place can get really crowded.

There is a main entrance right on the main road and a side entrance. At time when the main entrance is closed, the side entrance remains open. Below is a view of the road side.

A detailed video and more detailed history of Shri Veni Madhav Mandir is given below.

https://www.templespeak.com/2024/09/veni-madhav-first-of-12-madhavs-who.html