Veni Madhav Temple Prayagraj

As Varanasi (Kashi) is called Shiv Nagri (City of Lord Shiva), similarly Prayagraj is known as Vishnu Nagari (City of Lord Vishnu). The historical and religious importance of Prayagraj can be understood from Hindu scriptures like Padma Purana, Varaha Puran, Matsya Purana, Skand Purana, Ramayana, Mahabharat etc. Prayag Mahatmya Shatadhyayi (प्रयाग महात्म्य शताध्यायी) explains a lot about religious significance of Prayagraj and gives descriptions of Shri Veni Madhav, the main deity of Prayagraj, having taken position in as many as twelve forms in various directions to protect pilgrims from evil forces. As per the Puranas, Veni Madhav (वेणी माधव) does not expect anything from pilgrims. He is pleased at their stay in Prayagraj during the auspicious month of Magh (माघ). Veni Madhav is an inexhaustible treasure of the four Purusharthas which on being pleased the deity grants to the devotees and pilgrims. Lord Vishnu, along with Indra and other gods, protects Prayagraj. In child form, Vishnu sleeps on the leaves of Akshayavat, protected by Lord Shiva. Such is the glory of the Prayag Kshetra as extolled by the holy Hindu scriptures. Veni Madhav is exactly at the confluence in his Chaturbhuja form holding ‘shankh’ (conchshell), ‘chakra’ (wheel), ‘gada’ (mace) and Kamal (lotus).