Nagla Temple, Badaun

The Shaktipeeth Nagla Temple, located in Nagla Sharkhi near the city, is believed to be around 700 years old. During India’s freedom struggle, this temple served as a safe hideout and meeting place for revolutionaries. Today, it is one of the most famous temples around Badaun and nearby cities. The Shaktipeeth Nagla Temple, situated in Nagla Sharkhi village close to the city, is believed to have a history of nearly 700 years. During the freedom movement, this temple served as a hiding place for revolutionaries. People have deep faith in this temple. Devotees not only come from the district itself but also from nearby districts and even faraway states. According to priest Shivom Sharma, the wishes of all devotees who visit here with sincerity are fulfilled. Even people from big cities like Mumbai come here specially for darshan. During Navratri, the temple has a very special atmosphere. Many devotees even crawl on their stomachs to reach the temple and offer prayers, symbolizing their devotion. A fair is also organized here for all nine days of Navratri. It is believed that anyone who worships sincerely and visits the temple regularly gets all their wishes fulfilled.

When the struggle for India’s independence was at its peak, the movement also intensified in Badaun. Mahatma Gandhi visited Badaun in 1921 and 1929, which increased enthusiasm among the people. Later, in 1942, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose also visited Badaun, further accelerating the movement. Young people were especially angry due to the atrocities of the British. Near Nagla Sharkhi village, revolutionaries used to meet secretly in a garden to plan their strategies. The British wanted to stop these meetings, so the revolutionaries adopted a clever idea. They built a clay idol of Goddess Kali near the garden and started performing kirtan and bhajans there. Under the guise of devotional gatherings, the revolutionaries would assemble and discuss their plans. The British assumed it was only a religious gathering, unaware that revolutionary strategies were being formed there. This clay idol was made by Charnalal Ji from Isapur village and was painted black. In this way, the temple and kirtans became a cover for the freedom movement. Nagla Temple became an important center of activities during the struggle for independence.

The architecture of Nagla Temple is simple yet impressive. It is built in the traditional style of ancient temples. The walls are made of bricks and stones, giving it a strong and historical appearance. The upper part of the temple, known as the shikhar, is tall and visible from afar. A flag is always hoisted on the shikhar. The main entrance is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings, including figures of various deities. Inside the temple is the garbhagriha, or sanctum, where the idol of Goddess Kali is placed. The idol is worshipped with great devotion. The walls inside feature religious paintings, and special spaces are provided for lighting lamps. The entire temple premises are clean and peaceful. During Navratri, the temple is decorated beautifully with flowers and lights, enhancing its divine charm.

The Nagla Shaktipeeth, believed to be around 800 years old, is a very ancient and sacred temple. Every day, the beautiful morning adornment (shringar) of the Goddess begins at 3 AM. The Goddess is adorned with new clothes, jewelry, and fresh flowers. People come from faraway places just to witness this special shringar. From as early as 4 AM, devotees start gathering at the temple. Everyone waits patiently in line to have darshan and seek blessings for a prosperous life. The sight is deeply devotional—devotees lighting lamps in the early morning darkness, eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the Goddess. The atmosphere becomes completely spiritual and filled with devotion.

The prasad given at Nagla Temple is very sacred and delicious. The offerings (bhog) are first presented to the Goddess, and then distributed among the devotees. Usually, the prasad includes roasted gram, jaggery, coconut, batasha, and laddoos. On special occasions like Navratri, special dishes such as halwa, puri, sabzi, and kheer are offered to the Goddess and then distributed as prasad. Devotees accept the prasad with great reverence, believing it to be the Goddess’s blessing. Many people also take the prasad home so that all family members may receive blessings. At times, there is even a queue for prasad to ensure everyone gets it properly. The prasad brings peace and joy to the devotees’ hearts.

There are several ways to reach this temple located in Badaun: By Train: Trains run to Badaun from almost every major city. After reaching Badaun railway station, you can take a local vehicle to Nagla Temple in Sharkhi village. Buses, autos, and local rickshaws are easily available. By Bus: Both government and private buses are easily available to reach Badaun. From the bus station, you can take an auto or local rickshaw to reach Nagla Temple in Sharkhi village. By Air: The nearest airport to Badaun is in Amritsar, about 160 km away. Another option is Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, around 200 km from Badaun. If you are traveling by air, you can land at Amritsar or Delhi and then take a taxi, bus, or train to reach Badaun. From Badaun city, you can reach Nagla Temple by auto or taxi.