Dwadasha Madhava Temples

Dwadasha Madhava Temples are the 12 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in the city of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. These sacred dwadasha temples hold profound spiritual and historical significance in the city of Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad).

The tradition of Dwadasha Madhava Temple Parikrama can be traced back to the Treta Yuga. This parikrama was first undertaken under the guidance of the revered sage Bharadwaja. However, these twelve sacred Madhava temples suffered heavy damage during the Mughal and British rule, but tremendous effort has been put in reviving these temples post-independence.

A restoration initiative began in 1961, which was led by prominent spiritual leaders like Prabhudutt Brahmachari, Shankaracharya Niranjan Devtirtha, and Dharmasamrat Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj. Their true devotion and commitment reinstated the parikrama tradition. This revival was short-lived, and the practice was halted in 1987.

In 1991, an attempt was made by Swami Harichaitanya Brahmachari of Tikar Mafi Peeth to restore the lost tradition of Dwadasha Madhava parikrama. This effort eventually failed due to a lack of public awareness and support from the respective higher authorities.

A significant breakthrough came during the Kumbh Mela of 2019, when Mahant Hari Giri, General Secretary of the Akhila Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, successfully reintroduced the parikrama. Thanks to his efforts and the support of the spiritual community, the tradition continues to thrive today.

Below is the list of Dwadasha Madhav Temples one must visit in a lifetime. This is based on the hierarchy of Dwadasha Madhava Parikrama.

Sri Veni Madhava Temple, located in Daraganj near the Triveni Sangam, is considered the foremost among the twelve Madhav temples in Prayagraj.

Veni Madhava and Lakshmi Devi are the Deities who are worshiped here. Veni Madhava is the presiding Deity of Prayagraj.

According to Vedic history, Lord Vishnu resided here after defeating the demon Gajkarna, who had swallowed the sacred waters of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati during the Treta Yuga.

The temple is mentioned in many puranas like the Matsya Purana, Padma Purana, and Agni Purana.

It is also a place of historical devotion, where saints like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Mirabai experienced divine ecstasy and composed devotional hymns.

Sri Anant Madhav Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the worship of Anant Madhav. It is located near the Ordinance Depot Factory at Chowkphatka, Daraganj, Prayagraj. In ancient times, this sacred site was once the ashrama of Varuna. Worshipping Anant Madhav here liberates a person from the cycle of birth and death. Also blesses them with long life and peace.

Sri Asi Madhav Temple is one of the Dwadasha Madhav Temples, located on the banks of the river Ganga. It is located in Daraganj, Prayagraj. It is located near Nag Vasuki Temple, and the Deity of Asi Madhav is housed inside this Nag Vasuki Temple. Visiting this temple protects the devotees from all impending danger and removes all the obstacles during the tirtha yatra.

Sri Akshay Vat Madhav Temple, also known as Sri Adi Vat Temple, is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. The temple got its name because of the presence of the Akshaya Vata Tree, an eternal banyan tree, that is grown inside the temple premises. This tree is said to be 3,000 years old.

According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Sri Ramachandra, Lord Lakshmana, and Sita Devi have visited here during their exile period.

Sri Manohar Madhav Temple is located in the Johnston region, the heart of Prayagraj. Being one of the Dwadasha Madhav Temple, Sri Manohar, a charming form of Lord Vishnu, is worshiped here. Having the darshan of the Deity of Manohar Madhav bestows beauty, prosperity, and dharma. This temple plays a prominent role during the Magh Mela and Kumbh Parikrama, attracting a huge crowd of devotees across different parts of India and worldwide.

Sri Bindu Madhav Temple is one of the Dwadasha Madhav temples, attracting many pilgrims. It is located in Daraganj in Prayagraj city. Here, Lord Vishu is worshiped as Bindu Madhav. Worshipping Bindu Madhav, located on the banks of the river Ganga, liberates a person from worldly suffering.

Sri Adi Madhav Temple is located at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, symbolizing the origin or “Adi” form of Lord Vishnu. It is believed to be a manifestation of Vishnu in the sacred waters themselves, offering blessings to pilgrims who bathe at the Sangam. This temple is part of the protective circle of twelve Madhav temples around Prayagraj. Its presence reinforces the sanctity of the Triveni Sangam and the spiritual power of the region.

Situated at Arail Ghat near Naini, Sri Chakra Madhav Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form wielding the Sudarshana Chakra. The temple is located near the Someshwar Mahadev Temple and is considered spiritually potent due to its location in the Agni (southeast) corner of Prayag. Devotees believe that circumambulating the twelve Madhav temples, including Chakra Madhav, grants the merit of visiting all sacred sites. The temple’s serene atmosphere makes it ideal for meditation and spiritual reflection.

Located in Chhivanki village near Naini, Sri Gada Madhav Temple venerates Lord Vishnu holding a mace (gada), symbolizing strength and protection. It is believed that Vishnu used this form to defeat demons and restore the sanctity of the Sangam. The temple is also linked to Lord Rama’s exile, with legends stating he rested nearby. Pilgrims visit this temple seeking courage, justice, and relief from adversities.

Sri Shankha Madhav Temple is located in Chhatnag, Jhunsi, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu holding a conch (shankha), representing the cosmic sound and purity. It is one of the twelve Madhav temples forming a protective circle around Prayagraj. The temple is believed to cleanse devotees of sins and grant spiritual awakening. Its location near the banks of the Ganga adds to its sacredness and appeal to pilgrims.

Also known as Sankasht Har Madhav, this temple is located in Jhunsi and is revered for relieving devotees from difficulties and obstacles. It is believed that Lord Vishnu manifested here to protect the region from demonic forces. The temple is part of the Dwadash Madhav circuit and is especially visited during Magh Mela. Devotees perform rituals here to seek blessings for peace and prosperity.

Sri Padma Madhav Temple is located in Bikar Deoria village and represents Lord Vishnu holding a lotus (padma), symbolizing purity and spiritual enlightenment. It is one of the twelve Madhav temples encircling Prayagraj, each guarding the sacred Triveni Sangam. The temple is surrounded by natural beauty and offers a tranquil setting for worship. Pilgrims believe that visiting Padma Madhav brings harmony and divine grace into their lives.

October to February is the best time to visit Dwadasha Madhava Temples. During this winter season, the pleasant weather makes it suitable for a temple visit and local sightseeing.

By Air: Bamrauli Airport is the nearest airport to reach Dwadasha Madhava Temples. From the airport, taxis or autorickshaws can be hired.

By Rail: Prayagraj Junction is the nearest railway station, which is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or cab or use local transport to visit the temples spread across the city.

By Road: It is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru.