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The Naga Temples of Jammu

The Naga Temples of Jammu

January 2, 2018

The naga legend has always fascinated me and it was a pleasure to the explore the unexplored and visit not one but two ancient naga temples in Jammu with ‘FEEL THE TOUR’. If you love mythology as much as I do, you are definitely going to love this informative post. The naga legend is generally linked with Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu ( Sheshnaga). In this post, we’ll be exploring two very ancient naga temples in Jammu associated with each.

• Vasuki Naga Temple, Bhaderwah ( Jammu)
• Sheshnaga Temple, Mansar Lake ( Jammu )

VASUKI NAGA TEMPLE, BHADERWAH


Vasuki Naga, kul-devta of Bhadarwah, is one of the most admired and respected Gods in Jammu. There are not one but four Vasuki Naga temples in Jammu (Gatha, Nalthi, Bheja and Nagar Bhadarwah). No wonder Bhaderwah is also known as’ the land of snakes’. Special thanks to www.feelthetour.com who helped me explore the ancient Vasuki Naga temple at Bhaderwah.
Location – 7 minutes walk from Bhadarwah Chowk.



You are looking at the idols of Nagraj Vasuki and Raja Jamute Vahan. As the title ‘Nagraj’ suggests, Lord Vasuki is believed to be the king of all the snakes. Ever wondered who is the snake coiled around Lord Shiva’s neck? Yes, that’s Nagraj Vasuki. He is also the son of Kashyapa and Kadru.
The six feet tall idols are made of black stone, standing at an angle of 87° without any support.  The fact that it has survived natural calamities like earthquakes and is still standing tall at such an angle without any support makes it a wonder. It is a ritual to start Bhaderwali Kailash Yatra after the mandatory pujan held at this temple.

Tilted at 87° without any support from either side.

LEGEND
It is said that Raja Jamute Vahan was a shepherd who once saved Lord Vasuki’s life from infuriated Lord Garuda by offering his own flesh in exchange for Lord Vasuki’s life. Ever since Lord Vasuki has kept him with himself and both are worshipped together.

SHESHNAGA TEMPLE, MANSAR 
Let’s head towards Mansar’s Sheshnaga temple, shall we?

Mansar Lake

Location –This ancient temple is situated on the banks of beautiful Mansar lake, Jammu.
It is famous among newlywed couples for the blessings. It is believed that lake’s water washes off one’s sins.
Much like the legend of Prashar Lake, it is also believed that the lake is bottomless and Sheshnaga still resides there. The lake derived its name from the seven surrounding hills that also symbolizes the seven heads of Sheshnaga.
These two ancient naga temples in Jammu should be on your ‘must-visit’ list if you are as much in love with the naga mythology as I am.

Don’t forget to feed the fishes.

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