Mata Vishahari Mandir is a sacred shrine dedicated to Goddess Vishahari, worshipped as the divine protector against snake venom and serpent-related dangers. Situated in Nagrah village in the ancient Anga region of Bihar, the temple is an important centre of local devotion. The Goddess is associated with the celebrated Bihula–Vishahari legend, one of the most treasured religious traditions of Bhagalpur.
The exact age of Mata Vishahari Mandir at Nagrah is not documented. However, Vishahari worship has been practised for centuries in the ancient Anga region, particularly around Bhagalpur and Champanagar. Archaeological discoveries of Naga and Nagini sculptures in the region provide evidence of ancient serpent-worship traditions.
The presiding deity is Maa Vishahari, worshipped as the divine protector against snake bites, poison and other dangers.
In the regional folklore of Anga, Goddess Vishahari is regarded as a daughter of Lord Shiva. Devotees worship her for the protection of their families, relief from difficulties and general well-being.
The temple at Nagrah is primarily a village shrine serving the surrounding communities. Unlike the large historical temples of Bihar, its importance lies mainly in its religious traditions and local worship.
Detailed architectural records describing its original construction, sculptures and later renovations are not available.
The temple belongs to the wider religious tradition of Bihula–Vishahari worship, which is especially prominent in Bhagalpur.
The ancient city of Champanagar, traditionally associated with the Anga kingdom, is regarded as the principal centre of this tradition.
Over generations, worship of Maa Vishahari spread throughout the surrounding villages, where individual shrines became centres of community prayer and annual celebrations.
According to the famous Bihula–Vishahari folklore, Goddess Vishahari desired recognition and worship among human beings.
In the ancient city of Champanagar, there lived a wealthy merchant named Chand Saudagar, also known as Chandradhar Saudagar. He was a devoted worshipper of Lord Shiva but refused to worship Goddess Vishahari.
The Goddess repeatedly sought his devotion, but the merchant remained firm in his refusal.
According to the legend, this angered Goddess Vishahari, who caused the deaths of his six sons through serpent bites.
His youngest son, Lakhindar, was married to a devoted young woman named Bihula.
Fearing that his youngest son would also be killed by a serpent, Chand Saudagar constructed a specially protected iron chamber for the newly married couple.
However, on their wedding night, a serpent named Maniyar Nag, sent by Goddess Vishahari, entered the chamber through a tiny opening and bit Lakhindar, causing his death.
Heartbroken but determined, Bihula refused to accept her husband’s fate.
She placed Lakhindar’s lifeless body inside a Manjusha, a specially prepared floating vessel, and began a difficult journey along the river.
Through unwavering faith, devotion and extraordinary determination, Bihula eventually reached the divine realm, where she appealed for her husband’s life.
Moved by her devotion, the divine powers agreed to restore Lakhindar to life, provided Chand Saudagar accepted the worship of Goddess Vishahari.
Bihula returned with her revived husband and persuaded her father-in-law to honour the Goddess.
Finally, Chand Saudagar offered worship to Maa Vishahari, bringing an end to the conflict.
According to local tradition, this event marked the beginning of the widespread worship of Maa Vishahari in the Anga region.
Nag Panchami, celebrated during the holy month of Shravan, is an important occasion for devotees of Maa Vishahari. Special prayers and rituals are performed in honour of the Goddess.
The annual Bihula–Vishahari Puja, celebrated across Bhagalpur during the Shravan–Bhadrapada period, preserves the legendary story through traditional songs, rituals and colourful Manjusha paintings.
Devotees pray to Maa Vishahari for protection, prosperity and the well-being of their families.
