This 46-year-old Temple In Madhya Pradesh Is Open To Devotees Only On Nag Panchami

The 46-year-old Nagchandreshwar temple is situated at the crossroads in Kothi Bazaar in Narmadapuram in Madhya Pradesh. What makes this temple distinct is that it opens only on Nag Panchami, and the Chore family is entrusted with this responsibility. Meet Chore, the temple priest, mentioned that his father, Prakash Chore, established the temple 46 years ago. Like the Nagchandreshwar temple in the Mahakal temple complex, this is accessible to the public only once a year. The temple enshrines an idol of the Shiva family. Furthermore, 12 pairs of snake idols are installed nearby. For the past 46 years, only the Chore family has had the privilege of opening the temple’s doors. On Nag Panchami, Lord Nagchandreshwar is worshipped and adorned with jewellery. A large number of devotees from both the city and surrounding areas come to visit the temple on this day. The temple will open at 4:00 am during the auspicious Amrit, Shubh, and Labh muhurat. Following the cleaning rituals, the deity is anointed, and Sindoor Chola is offered by Nageshwar Shravan and Chetan Pandit at 7:00 am. The temple doors will then be closed at midnight.

Statues of 12 pairs of snakes have been installed in the Nagchandreshwar temple. When the temple opens, these pairs are bathed, worshipped, and adorned with vermillion. The snake pairs include Jaratkaru (Anant), Jagdugauri (Vasuki), Manasa (Shankhapala), Siddhayogini (Padma), Vaishnavi (Kambal), Nagabhagini (Kakautaka), Shaivite (Ashvatara), Nageshwari (Dhritarashtra), Jaratkarupriya (Sheshnag), Aastikmati (Kaliya), Vishahara (Takshak), and Mahagyanyukta (Pingal). These names are inscribed on the carved idols.

On this day, a snake shape should be made from cow dung on both sides of the house, or a picture of a snake should be placed instead. Ghee, milk, and water should be offered to the snake figure or image. Following this, the worship should include offerings of curd, durva grass, incense, a lamp, and flowers such as Neelkanthi, Belpatra, and Madar-Dhatura. Finally, rice grains, wheat, and milk should be offered to Naagdev.