Dashashwamedheshwara Temple, Prayagraj

Dashashwamedheshwara Temple is a sacred pilgrimage site nestled on the banks of the river Ganga in the Daraganj area, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This temple stands as a testament to the timeless beauty, grandeur, and divinity.

Inside the garbhagriha of the temple, there are two distinct Shiva Lingas. One is the original Brahmeshwara Shiva Linga, which was installed by Lord Brahma himself. The other one is the Dashashwamedheshwara Shiva Linga, which was installed in the later part, after a historic attack by Aurangzeb.

Having the darshan of Lord Brahmeshwara and Lord Dashashwamedheshwara during the sacred month of Sravana gives immediate results.

Dashashwamedheshwara Temple is also a sacred pilgrimage site that is sanctified by the holy feet of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Dashashwamedha Ghat, situated between Dashashwamedheshwara Temple, is a spiritual hub for the Kanwar Yatra Pilgrims. During the holy month of Sravana, there is a huge gathering of Kanwaris who gather here to collect the water from the Ganga River and offer it to Kashi Vishwanatha. They carry the water on their back using the bamboo sticks, walking barefoot, singing devotional songs and hymns. They consider this an act of penance.

To experience a high spiritual vibe and to enjoy a serene atmosphere, it is a must-visit place for every devotee who wants to have the darshan of Lord Mahadeva.

According to history, this temple withstood many continuous attacks from the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. He tried to destroy the temple several times. When such an attempt was made, blood and milk started coming out from the Shiva Linga. Fearing the divine power and strength of Mahadeva, he stopped the further attack.

This is a solid example illustrating how Lord Shiva protects his devotees from all kinds of danger.

Dashashwamedheshwara Temple is located near the famous and ancient Dashashwamedha ghat. The ghat becomes very significant during the Triveni Sangama Snana.

Dashaashwamedheshwara Temple has been present for ages. The name has been mentioned in many Puranas, like the Padma Purana.

As per the sacred verse of Padma Purana, once Lord Brahma wished to perform the 10 Ashwamedha Yajnas to uphold yajna. Hence, to offer his prayers to Lord Shiva, he established a Shiva Linga on the sacred banks of the river Ganga. Since Lord Brahma performed 10 Ashwamedha Yajnas on the sacred banks of the river Ganga, this ghat came to be known as Dashaashwamedha ghat. It is the place where the first yajna of the world was performed.

Dashashwamedheshwara Temple in Prayagraj is a remarkable example of the Nagara style of architecture. This temple is built mainly using red sandstone.

One can reach the inner premises of the temple by climbing a small number of steps.

Once you enter the premises, there is a peepal tree, standing tall. Devotees circumambulate this peepal tree as part of their worship and offer their prayers.  Under this peepal tree, there is a deity of five-hooded Sheshnag. Besides this, there is another deity of Shankar and Mata Parvati Devi.

Inside the garbha-griha, there are two Shiva Lingas enshrined between Trishul. In front of it, there is a deity of Nandi.

To have the darshan of Lord Brahmeshwara and Lord Dashashwamedheshwara Shiva Linga, consider the following timings:

Morning: 4:00 to 7:00 AM

Evening: 7:00 to 10:00 PM

October to March is the best time to visit Dashashwamedheshwara Temple.

Sri Akhileshwara Mahadeva Temple: It is a famous Shiva temple located in the city of Prayagraj.

Alopi Devi Temple: It is the most significant Hindu temple located in Alopibagh, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The strange and unique thing about this temple is that no Deity is worshiped here; only the palanquin is worshiped.

Akshaya Vata Temple: This is an ancient and famous temple located near the Triveni Sangama in Prayagraj. It is also known as Akshaya Vata. This place is revered for the famous banyan tree or Akshay Vata, which is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu Himself. The word Akshaya means eternal, and vata means tree.

If you plan to visit the Dashashwamedheshwara temple and other sacred places, consider taking Tirtha Yatra’s world-famous Ayodhya Kashi Yatra. All arrangements for your yatra will be well taken care of.

However, if you prefer to travel on your own, here are a few options.

By Air: Prayagraj Airport is the nearest airport to reach the Dashashwamedheshwara temple. From the airport, pre-paid cabs, auto rickshaws, and local buses are available to reach the destinations.

By Railway: Prayagraj Junction is the nearest railway station. From here, autos, prepaid taxis, and autorickshaws can be hired.

By Road: The city of Prayagraj is connected to major cities like Kolkata, Ayodhya, Jabalpur, Raipur, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kanpur via National Highways like NH-19, NH-27, and NH-30.