The Nageshwarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands beside Ram ki Paidi. Legend says that Kush, the son of Lord Ram, lost his armlet while bathing in the Saryu; it was found by a Nag princess, a devotee of Shiva, and Kush built this temple for her.
It is often described as one of the oldest shrines in Ayodhya. The present structure is generally dated to around 1750 and attributed to Naval Rai, a minister of the Nawab of Awadh. It is the main centre of Shiva worship in a city otherwise devoted to Ram.
Top things to do at Nageshwarnath Temple
Offer water at the Shivling
Devotees pour Saryu water and offer bel leaves at the lingam in the sanctum, usually after bathing at the ghat.
Come on Mahashivratri
The festival, in February or March, is the temple’s biggest day, with a procession and night-long worship. Mondays in the month of Sawan are also crowded.
Pair it with the ghats
The temple is a natural stop on a late-afternoon walk along Ram ki Paidi before the aarti.
How to get to Nageshwarnath Temple
- From the Ram Mandir area: take an e-rickshaw to Ram ki Paidi or Naya Ghat (about 2 km); the temple is by the ghats.
- On foot: a few minutes from the aarti platforms at Naya Ghat.
Insider tips
- The temple is small and the lanes around it are narrow; go early on festival days.
- Remove footwear at the entrance and keep to the queue.
- There is no entry fee.
Tours that include Nageshwarnath Temple
These guided trips cover Nageshwarnath Temple or combine easily with a visit:
Guided day tour from US$31 Ayodhya: Hindu Pilgrimage Sites & Sacred Aarti Ceremony
A full guided day in Ayodhya: the birthplace of Lord Ram and the main temples, a local vegetarian lunch, and the evening aarti ceremony at the Saryu ghat.
- Birthplace of Lord Ram
- Local vegetarian lunch
- Evening aarti at the Saryu ghat
Multi-day tour from US$222 3-Day Ayodhya Spiritual Journey with Temples & Saryu Aarti
Three unhurried days in Ayodhya, taking in its ancient temples, its ghats and the evening aarti on the Saryu river.
- Ancient temples of Ayodhya
- Peaceful ghats
- Evening aarti on the Saryu
