Vasuki Nag Temple

Why devotees come here

Vasuki Nag Temple is in Bhaderwah, one of the four tehsils of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir. Vasuki Nag is the presiding deity of the Bhaderwah valley, and the temple is devoted to this deity. The Doda district tourism page names the temple as one of the district's pilgrim attractions.

Vasuki Nag is worshipped as the presiding deity of Bhaderwah valley, and the temple is devoted to this deity. The Doda district tourism page lists the temple among the pilgrim attractions that draw visitors in large numbers.

The Mela Patt festival is held to commemorate a historic meeting between the Mughal emperor Akbar and King Nag Pal of Bhaderwah. King Nag Pal first celebrated it in the 16th century, when Bhaderwah was a small principality called Bhadarkashi. People from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir take part, whatever their caste or religion, and the festival is treated as a symbol of Nag culture.

The festival starts at Mohalla Khakhal, an ancient part of Bhaderwah, and is held seven days after the ancient Kailash Yatra ends. It is celebrated every year on Nagpanchmi, when hundreds of people converge at Khakhal. Devotees also perform the traditional Dekho dance, which is a regular feature of the festival.

Festivals

• Every year on NagpanchmiMela Patt

  A three-day festival that starts at Mohalla Khakhal in Bhaderwah, held seven days after the Kailash Yatra concludes. It is a symbol of Nag culture.

Tips for your visit

• Mela Patt draws hundreds of people to Mohalla Khakhal, so expect a crowd on festival days.
• Check the festival date before you travel, since Mela Patt falls on Nagpanchmi each year.
• Devotees perform the traditional Dekho dance, which is a regular feature of the festival.

Questions people ask