Shri Veni Madhav Mandir, Daraganj, Prayagraj - प्रयागराज के नगर देवता वेणीमाधव

Shri Veni Madhav Mandir, Daraganj, Prayagraj is the most important temple of Prayagraj, both historically and culturally. This temple represents a centre point of Vaishnavism or Vishnu worship. Prayagraj is not just a confluence of the three rivers or the trinity of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. It is also a confluence of cultures. In the Daraganj locality is Shri Veni Madhav Mandir, right there on the banks of Ganga just before it merges at Sangam.

If Shri Veni Madhav represents Vaishnavism, the Ganga river represents Lord Shiva and that’s why we have a true confluence.
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 discovers 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.
Here is the list of the 12 temples. There might be some errors in the list.


1. Veni Madhav of Daraganj
2. Gada Madhav near Cheoki Railway Station
3. Shankh Madhav at Munshi's Garden
4. Chakra Madhav at Arail
5. Manohar Madhav at Johnston Ganj
6. Bindu Madav at Draupadi Ghat
7. Aksahayvat Madhav considered to be within the Sangam
8. Anant Madhav at Daraganj
9. Asi Madhav at Daraganj
10. Aadi Madhav is in the form of water within the Sangam
11. Padma Madhav at Deoria
12. Sankathar Madhav at Jhunsi